Wall treatments carve out special spaces

Small spaces have their challenges, to be sure, but there is always a solution to making the most of tight spots. I get a real thrill when I come across well-executed design that has a unique visual stamp to it.

Since rooms are more multipurpose than ever, experiment with materials that will alter the ambiance of a single section. The work space shown in the accompanying photograph is part of a contemporary bedroom that has white walls. A nook has been carved out just large enough for a sleek desktop. The wood-clad inner walls set this section apart, show a different purpose and warm up the work space like wood paneling in a library or den would do.

You can choose a contrasting or complementary wall finish for any size nook to enhance its purpose. From home office to kitchenette, makeup table or craft corner, give these special spaces a bit of pizzazz.

There are some exciting options for walls that will give distinctive character to a nook or corner of your home. Real wood paneling is timeless and can look as Old World or modern as you choose. Wall tiles are another option, but go far beyond the bathroom ceramic and porcelain. Leather tiles are stunning applied on their own or paired with wood. Metal tiles in mosaic shapes, slim rectangles and squares lend a modern edge, applied as border trim or in a solid design format.

Check out what’s available at your local home store or on the Internet, and here’s a tip: If it can go on the floor, it can go on the wall — tiles, vinyl, linoleum, cork, bamboo … get inspired.

DEAR DEBBIE: I am doing my bedroom and I was going to paint my walls red. I don’t want it to look dumb, and I want it to look like a teenager’s bedroom. What do you suggest I do with it? — Adrienne.

DEAR ADRIENNE: I had teenage boys, so in my personal experience the teenage bedroom look was piles of laundry, food crumbs and assorted pieces of sports equipment. However, I do know what you mean. You are looking for that special place between childhood and grown-up that is distinctly you.

It’s no different for any age, really. Surround yourself with what excites you. Whether it’s the color or a particular theme (baseball, dance, music), this is your comfort zone, and you know best what that entails.

I get a lot of letters about red. Those who love it are passionate about it, and a whole room isn’t too much. I’ve said many times there is no right or wrong — it’s what feeds you, what you react to, and color psychology only takes us so far, it gives us a general base from which to start.

When you are a child or teenager, it’s necessary to get the OK from parents, but this will always be the case when you are sharing accommodations. And this is when compromise enters the scenario. Decorating isn’t permanent; it evolves and can be changed with relative ease.

Note: For the teen who is doing up a basement room and likes modern, funky furniture, a dresser or headboard can be transformed with paint and new hardware. Add pearl or metallic touches, paint a modern design, change the walls from white to a warm, pale sky blue, and think about fuchsia or lemon green for the accent wall. This will look very cool.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.