CHI Good Questions: Wallcovering to Warm Up the Space?

We got an email from Jamie: "I just bought a loft with an 18 ft wall that is painted white cinder block (right pic). What D-I-Y coverings or facades would you suggest to warm up the space? I have considered narrow horizontal wood paneling or cork. If it turns out well, I would like to apply the same treatment to the balcony overhead."

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Jamie, congrats on what looks like an amazing loft! We really like the idea of adding horizontal wood paneling or cork to this space, we'd just avoid going too dark with the tone of the material. Let's hear from the readers and see what they think - please share your thoughts and ideas with Jamie in the comments below.

Comments (5)

It's difficult to interpret the detail of the wall from your photo. But to me, it looks great. It's especially nice that your window trim matches the wall as well. What is the ceiling material? That looks good too.

So, the way I see it, you have a neutral backdrop for your furnishings that can take the space from industrial to traditional to comfy. It's entirely up to you. Artwork will have the same effect. Some sort of a wood collage hanging will provide a warm organic effect and an abstract painting will drive home the industrial nature of the space.

I would be painting the west end the same as the east.

posted by art on June 19th 2008 at 8:02am
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I'd be inclined to leave the white cinderblock walls alone and paint the other interior partition walls some subdued greyish tones - something that would be a cool contrast to the warm red steel.

posted by bepsf on June 19th 2008 at 8:06am
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i would leave the wall as is. If you have a blank white palette, why not add warmth and color using furnishings and art.

posted by mva1201 on June 19th 2008 at 8:17am
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Cover it up with drywall and wallpaper it, but that may be a bit too much work.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/06/before-and-after-joslyns-bar.html

posted by baltimorerowhouse on June 19th 2008 at 8:58am
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We covered our wall with huge plywood panels 4 feet x 8 feet each with a nice birch veneer as we didn't want to darken up the place. It was really easy to put up but a bitch to transport (even on a hummer) and at $20 each, it was a deal!

see it here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82525810@N00/1858096119/in/set-72157602940258814/

regards,

joel

posted by joel maria pirela on June 19th 2008 at 12:08pm
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