Designer Favorite Specialty Finishes
Forget what you thought you knew about textured walls—these looks are chic, not dated.
Roman Clay: A perennial designer favorite, Portola Paints Roman Clay creates the feel of plaster without the hassle. “I love the subtle movement and lack of uniformity.” says Stefani Stein, who also recommends using a matte sealant “to keep that raw, unfinished feel,” as seen in the room above.
Read More“I really enjoy turning textiles that I've discovered during my travels into great decor items such as pillows, throws, and even table linens. It’s a great way to incorporate travel mementos into your home, and regardless of where in the world you are visiting, there are often local textile and weaving traditions.”
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From Persimmon To Navy, Interior Designers Share This Year’s Trendiest Fall Colors
by OLIVIA HARRISON
"This fall, think about incorporating accents of earthy rust, which is lovely as both a wallpaper or accent fabric. For example, a velvet or mohair pillow, in this hue, adds both the colors and textures we crave in the fall months. I especially love how it works in an otherwise neutral room, particularly when paired with moody elements like a dark accent wall or rich marble. As a focal point, try wallpapering a dining room or powder room." — Stefani Stein of Stefani Stein Inc and August Abode
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Roman Clay Is Having a Moment — And This Stunning L.A. Home Is Proof
For interior designer Stefani Stein, this recently renovated Los Angeles abode — a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom house originally built in 1939 — posed a welcome challenge. With freshly painted white walls and gleaming hardwood floors, the home was essentially a 2400-square-foot blank slate just begging to be imbued with texture-rich details.
“Architecturally, everything was so new and crisp, the space was longing for a little imperfection,” says Stein, who was tasked with transforming the space by the home’s new owners, a young couple who recently relocated to L.A. from the Bay Area. "My challenge was to impart soul, add depth, and create an inviting atmosphere while working with the rather austere architectural foundation.”
The result is exactly what we'd expect from the accomplished interior designer: Vintage finds abound, natural textures impart a relaxed yet refined vibe, and works of art add welcome pops of color. But the standout feature, without a doubt, is a hand-troweled Roman clay accent wall that adds some much-needed depth to the living room.