Art can change the way a space feels

It is also one of the ways in which walls can be changed into a style statement, says Meghna Gilani, Co-Founder & Principal Architect, DeCode Architecture.

How can an ordinary set of walls be transformed into a style statement?

There are multiple ways to transform a wall into a style statement; it all depends on the budget and the intent. One can use textured wall finishes such as Stucco or a Venetian Lime Plaster surface finish for an overall earthy yet luxurious feel with maybe a brass inlay to add to the element of luxury. Another way would be to use patterned wallpaper or create a pattern with regular wall paint to highlight an area. The easiest way would be to add artwork so as to create a focal point. Art can change the way a space feels.

In most of the rooms the ceilings usually tend to be a sober element connected to a contrasting set of walls and floors, is there a way to change this?

In all our spaces usually the color of the ceiling is the same as the color of the wall, so we usually don’t contrast it. One way to change this would be to do color blocking, wherein a portion of the ceiling is the same as the color of the walls connected to it, in order to give an illusion of division without actually dividing the space via physical elements. Another way is to continue the textured wall finish onto the ceiling.

It lends a certain charm to the space without feeling overpowering.

At what point in a project is it essential to decide on a color scheme, what are the factors which determine the color scheme?

The color scheme is usually decided upon during the initial stages of discussion with the client and suggestions are presented via a mood board during the conceptual stages. Some clients prefer cool shades of grey, blues and whites while others prefer warmer tones of beige, browns and reds. In our experience the flooring sets the tone for the rest of the house usually. The flooring, which forms the base of the house, usually directs the look and feel of the rest of the space. If the flooring is an Italian Marble look which most builders use, either the actual stone or a tile that mimics that, the warmer palette goes with that. If it’s a white marble, or terrazzo or concrete finish tile, then the palette naturally flows towards the cooler shades of the color spectrum.

What kind of paints is maintenance-free and should ideally be used in exteriors and interiors of residential projects?

Though all kinds of washable paints are maintenance-free, relatively speaking. Nothing as such is free of maintenance. Some care has to be taken whichever way. There are surface finishes that are high maintenance in some ways, but then those add a certain degree of charm. An example of that would be lime plaster. It is composed of natural materials and hardens over time. It is also a breathable surface so in that way it is quite maintenance free. But the flip side to it is you cannot touch up just a portion of the wall, in case it gets damaged. The whole wall will need to be refinished. You win some, you lose some. Another factor to be considered should be the area of application (high traffic or low traffic area) for interior surfaces and the climatic conditions (humidity levels) in case of exterior surfaces. One should also inquire about pets and toddlers in the family and the paints in those cases should be durable and scratch resistant.

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