Want to give your kids free rein to decorate their rooms without the wall looking like something from a swiss cheese factory? Now you can with the creation of a new wall covering that is a magnetic primer, which contains non-toxic iron particles. You’ll need at least two base coats of this special primer under the paint of your choice. The resulting surface will hold magnets, which in turn can hold artwork, including posters. (For best holding power, use broad, flat, or ultra-strong magnets.) Now when your kids change their pictures, either daily or monthly, there won’t be a trail of holes left behind in your newly painted walls.
Where To Buy:
Magic Wall, $13 for 32 ounces, Michaels, www.michaels.com for store locations.
Rust-Oleum Magnetic, about $20 for 32 ounces, available this summer at Lowe’s, www.lowes.com for store locations.
Krylon magnetic spray paint (good for smaller areas), $11 for 13 ounces, select Ace Hardware stores, www.acehardware.com for store locations.
There are so many great muralist and faux finish artists in San Diego. Here are a few that we enjoy. Marcelino is gret at faux finishing any space.
Ryn Smith Studios is another great choice. This artist specializes in Murals and Trompe L’Oeil.
If you would like to find out more about these artists contact us at Style on a Shoestring. We would be more than happy to assist you with designing the perfect mural or faux finish for your home.
Everyone seems to love family picture walls. They are a great way to showcase loved ones. It is important to choose the perfect place to add a family wall to your home. In some cases it may be appropriate to use a large space in a family room, when the overall feel of the space is more on the casual side.
If your home is more formal then placement of your family wall can be done in a hallway or in your home office.
Most importantly, make sure all your pictures make sense together. A great way to do this is copy them all in black and white, with large pictures (try larger than 5×7). Frame each picture in frames that either match or are similar in color/texture. Placement of your photos can depend on the wall where they will be placed. Generally, do not overwhelm your wall because it will end up feeling cluttered. Keep about 2″ border around each frame as a rule of thumb.
Artwork can make a big difference in the overall feel and look of your home. One problem that homeowners encounter is how high should the pictures or artwork be? And, where do I hang it.
In general, artwork should be hung so that the center point of the picture or grouping is about eye level for the average person. While this won’t be possible in every situation, it’s a good guideline to keep in mind.
Another technique to remember is that a grouping of pictures should be thought of as one unit of art. Test an arrangement of pictures by laying everything out on a large table (or on the floor), playing with combinations until you hit upon one that works. Laying them out on paper is even better since you’ll be able to trace around each object and determine where picture hangers should be installed. Tape the paper up on the wall as a template for picture hangers and you’ll be done in no time.
Also, keep the art in proportion to the wall that it is being placed. Big pictures on big walls and smaller art on narrower walls.
ArtWalk 2008 in San Diego is a great place to have some fun and view all the local artwork. There are over 300 artists displaying their art for sale. If you are in the market for new art to fill your walls or just want to be out in the sun having some fun then be sure to not miss out!
