all it takes for "wow" is a weekend...

The Bristol Model Home at Sandy Hill will have its Grand Opening next weekend, and in thinking about that, and about wall treatments in general (when you visit that Model, be sure to check out the great Tricia Guild wallpaper!), it was a reminder that often it is the least expensive features of a room that give it the biggest “wow” factor...specifically when it comes to paint. As a rule, home buyers tend to purchase options in their new homes that would be difficult or cost-prohibitive to add at a later date. But paint? Now that’s something that can be upgraded with ease...often just taking part of a weekend to create an incredible effect.

With the rise in popularity of do-it-yourself shows on HGTV and similar venues, today’s homeowners are more creative than ever when it comes to interior paint. Instead of just putting a fresh coat on the wall, why not consider adding the perception of texture with ragging? Or giving an antique look to a wall with color washing? An illusion of a woven fabric can be created with the simple technique of dragging; while simple stripes of a gloss varnish over a matte wall can create an elegant striping effect.

On your next visit to a model home, take note of the wall treatments. What may appear to be wallpaper at first glance, could actually be a creative paint treatment.