DESIGN SUSTAINABILITY BY
DECORATING MATERIALS FOR CHANGING TASTES AND TRENDS
BY AMY RIKHOFF
W
hen it comes to home renovation or decorating design projects, it seems that there are literally millions of material options from which to choose – stone, granite, marble, tile, fabrics, concrete, and glass, for example. Yet it also seems that in most homes, common materials such as these are continually used for countertops, islands, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes, walls, shelving, etc. Sticking with the conventional is always an easy and safe route to take. You know how it will look as it’s already in your friend’s house and you see it every time you visit. You see these standard materials routinely featured as you scroll through decorating pages on Instagram. You know they are a reliable bet for your financial investment and will certainly look attractive in your own home.
bit tricky to work with, as it is a thin, sharp metal. However, it can be painted over and over, distressed, and refreshed as years – and your tastes – go by. Installation of pressed tin is more costly than some other materials, but can end up being a more costeffective solution in the long run, as you won’t find yourself demoing and replacing when you’re ready for a new look. This makes it a great backsplash option, providing a classic look that can add texture to a modern or traditional home. I have also used pressed tin as a no demolition way to cover outdated tile around a fireplace – simply apply construction adhesive to the tin, manipulating it around the fireplace edges, and caulk to ensure no exposed sharp points … an easy and updated method to create a stunning focal point for your space.
But this spring, if you are looking to tackle a kitchen facelift, want to tear out and replace that outdated fireplace, or give your living room a total redo, why not take this opportunity to push yourself out of your decorating comfort zone and create the best atmosphere to showcase your personal style? You don’t need to get caught up in incorporating the materials that your neighbor has or what that builder is putting into that new construction neighborhood down the street. You don’t need to simply update your space with a newer version of what you already have. Getting out of your decorating comfort zone may sound scary and might make you a tad bit uncomfortable – but that fear and discomfort just might lead to a beautiful living space that you didn’t even know you dreamed of. As I stated previously, there are numerous alternative decorating materials out there. I would like to share three of my favorites, all of which can be incorporated into both transitional and modern home designs. Each are sustainable, and ultimately cost-effective, design options, as they can be refinished and updated in various ways, should you find your tastes changing over time. 1. PRESSED TIN: Pressed tin can be used for walls, fireplaces, ceilings, backsplashes, windowsills, and more. This product can be a 40
CIRCA Magazine
| April • May • June 2022
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