Floors, walls, and ceilings create. Creating Interior Backgrounds CHAPTER 14

Transcription

1 This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved Part 4 The Inside Story CHAPTER 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds To Know floor treatment flooring materials tile ceramic tile floor coverings soft floor covering resilient floor covering laminate cork gypsum wallboard plastic wallboard paneling synthetic plaster wall treatment paint faux finish stenciling wallpaper ceiling treatment acoustical countertop solid surface engineered quartz butcher block Objectives Permission granted by F. Schumacher & Co. to use copyrighted photographs. Designs and photograph F. Schumacher & Co. After studying this chapter, you will be able to compare floor treatments. describe several wall materials and wall treatments. explain how ceiling treatments serve as interior backgrounds. recognize the choices available for countertops. demonstrate how to plan satisfying interior backgrounds. Floors, walls, and ceilings create interior backgrounds for furnishings and accessories in rooms. They also hide construction details and provide insulation. How they are treated helps to determine the total look of the room and create a desired mood. Floor Treatments The floor treatment is usually the first background that is planned in a room. Floor treatments consist of flooring materials and floor coverings. There are many types of flooring materials and floor coverings from which to choose. However, before you choose a floor treatment, you should consider its appearance, comfort, durability, cost, and maintenance. Bruce Hardwood Floors, northshore oak in butterscotch 14-1 This hardwood floor adds warmth and beauty to the room. Flooring Materials Flooring materials are materials that are used as the top surface of a floor. They do not include the subflooring, but they are structurally part of the floor and are fairly permanent. Common flooring materials include wood, tile, concrete, and brick. Wood Wood has always been a popular flooring material. It looks good with all styles of furniture. It offers beauty and warmth to a room, as shown in Wood has some resilience and is durable, but can be scratched and dented. The cost of wood flooring is moderate to high, depending on the type and quality of wood chosen. Hardwoods are typically more expensive than softwoods. Oak, hard maple, beech, birch, hickory, mahogany, cherry, and teak are common hardwoods used for floors. Oak is the most common because of its beauty, warmth, and durability. Hard maple is also common because it is smooth, strong, and hard. Southern yellow pine, Douglas fir, hemlock, and larch are common softwoods used for floors. Redwood, cedar, cypress, and eastern white pine are used where they are readily available. There are two different kinds of wood floor installations. They include unfinished solid wood and prefinished engineered wood flooring. When installing unfinished solid wood floors, they must be given enough time to adjust to the house environment. Wood that is unfinished will expand and contract during fluctuations in humidity and temperature. The floor finishing process requires multiple steps of repeated sanding and staining. The last step involves sealing the floor surface with a protective coating.

2 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story An alternative to a solid wood floor is a floor made of engineered wood, available in many styles and finishes. These floors are prefinished at the factory and, therefore, already sanded and stained. Engineered wood floors can be installed over concrete and wooden subfloors. Solid wood floors, however, require a plywood underlayment when installed over concrete. Engineered wood floors are constructed to withstand moisture. They have more stability than solid wood and will expand and contract less with seasonal changes in the environment. The most common method of installing engineered wood floors is to nail down thin strips of wood that are tongue-and-grooved to keep them close together. This is called strip flooring. If wider widths of wood are used, the floor is called plank flooring. Another style of wood flooring is parquet flooring. Decorative patterns, such as alternate plank and parquetry, 14-2, can be created to add interest to a wood floor. Wood finishes of polyurethane, plastic, wax, and oil make the task of maintaining wood floors easy. They protect the wood from moisture, stains, and wear. If properly maintained, a quality wood floor can last the lifetime of the house. Tile Tile is a flat piece of fired clay or natural stone that is available in a wide range of sizes, colors, finishes, and patterns. Tile feels cool to the touch and is therefore more popular in Sunbelt areas than in colder climates. The primary tile choices for residential use are ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and quarry. Because of the amount of labor required for installation, tile can be expensive to install. Ceramic Tile Ceramic tile is a flat piece of fired clay coated with a protective glaze. High-quality ceramic tile is harder, more durable, and more expensive than ceramic tile of lesser quality. Ceramic tile is a durable choice for a floor treatment, but quality and cost can vary considerably. Glazed ceramic tile is water- and stain-resistant, which makes it easy to maintain. To further protect the floor, you can seal the grout to make it resistant to stains, too. Grout is the cementlike substance that fills the spaces between the tiles. Ceramic tile can be kept clean by mopping with soapy water. Bruce Hardwood Floors, oakmont in auburn 14-2 The use of parquet in this foyer adds interest to the entrance. Florida Tile Industries, Inc Tile is being used more in rooms throughout the entire house. In the past, ceramic tile was most often used in bathrooms and entryways. However, with current design trends, ceramic tile can be used for flooring throughout the house. See Ceramic can be produced in almost any color, pattern, or finish. Recent advances in computer imaging and glazing techniques have enabled ceramic tile to resemble natural stone and marble. Porcelain Tile Porcelain tile is the highest quality ceramic tile made. The tile has a white or light clay-colored body that is fired at a very high temperature. The result is a very strong and durable product. Because of its strength, porcelain tile withstands freezing temperatures and can therefore be used indoors and outdoors. However, tiles with a smooth, high-gloss surface should not be used outside, as they would become very slippery when wet. The color of a porcelain tile often penetrates the tile s entire thickness. In contrast, the color of a ceramic tile is only on the surface. Porcelain tile is more expensive than ceramic tile. Quarry Tile Quarry tile is available in black and a range of golds, beiges, reds, browns, and grays. It is made from terra-cotta that has been mixed and fired, or baked at a high temperature. Quarry tile is very strong and durable. It resists grease, chemicals, moisture, and changes in temperature. The shapes and textures of quarry tile vary, and it can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed quarry tile is easily cleaned with soapy water. Unglazed tile may need a protective sealer applied to make it as easy to clean as glazed tile. Natural Stone Natural stone floors are beautiful and durable, but are usually costly to purchase and install. Stone comes in a variety of types, sizes, and qualities. Five types of stone, commonly available in the following colors, are very popular for home use: limestone taupe, white, light and dark brown, and gray; with gold or light green veins travertine usually cream or beige granite almost any color marble almost any color slate usually gray, gold, or green Stones may be used in their natural shapes or cut into geometric shapes. Attractive designs are achieved by mixing different types and shapes of stone together. The texture of stone tile may be rough or polished. Polished stone creates a formal appearance, while rough stone has a more rustic and informal look. Stone floors are fairly easy to maintain by mopping with a solution of white vinegar and water. A sealer

3 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story protects them from grease, oil, and household stains. Stone floors can be used throughout the house including entryways, kitchens, living and dining rooms, and bathrooms. Concrete Concrete can have a smooth or textured surface. A smooth surface can be used as a finished floor. Color can be added in powder form when mixing concrete, or finished concrete can be painted with a special paint. Concrete is extremely sturdy and durable, but uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. It is often used for entryways, basements, patios, and garages. Indoor concrete floors need to be waxed for easy maintenance. Concrete floors are relatively inexpensive because they do not require subflooring. Brick Brick floors are beautiful, durable, and costly. They look best in informal settings. Bricks come in many sizes, colors, and textures, and can be used in a wide variety of patterns. The care of brick floors is similar to that of stone floors. Floor Coverings Floor coverings are surfaces placed over the structural floor. Although they may be attached to the floor, they are not part of the structure. Floor coverings last several years and are expensive. However, they are not as expensive as flooring materials and can be changed more often. Floor coverings include soft floor coverings, 14-4, and resilient floor coverings. Soft Floor Coverings Carpets and rugs are types of soft floor coverings. They are floor 14-4 Wall-to-wall carpeting is an example of a soft floor covering. treatments made from manufactured or natural fibers. Manufactured fibers include nylon and olefin, while natural fibers include wool, cotton, sisal, and seagrass. Carpets and rugs insulate cold floors, provide sound control and walking comfort, and add color and texture to a room. They vary in their methods of construction as well as their textures and finishes. (Refer to Chapter 13, Textiles in Today s Homes. ) Soft floor coverings can cover the entire floor or portions of it. Classified by how much floor they cover, common soft floor coverings are wall-towall carpeting, room-size rugs, and area rugs. Wall-to-wall carpeting covers an entire floor, making rooms appear large and luxurious. It can hide any damage or faults in the surface of the floor. Wall-to-wall carpeting is maintained by routine vacuuming. Stains can be removed by applying an appropriate cleaning product. As time passes, the carpet will show wear and dirt in areas of highest traffic. A thorough cleaning can be done Wear-Dated Carpet by scheduling a professional cleaning service or by renting the proper equipment and following manufacturer s care directions. A room-size rug exposes a small border of floor. It can show off a beautiful wood floor while keeping the warmth and comfort of the soft floor covering. See You would maintain a room-size rug in the same way you maintain a wall-to-wall carpet. One disadvantage of having a room size rug is that separate cleaning procedures are needed for the rug and the adjacent floor. Area rugs vary in size, but they are not as large as a room-size rug. Area rugs are used to define areas of a room, add interest, and even serve as a focal point. They can be moved from one furniture grouping to another to Spiegel A room-size rug provides comfort without covering the beauty of the floor beneath. create a new look. See Area rugs are maintained with routine vacuuming and spot-stain removal. One big advantage of area rugs is they are portable. They can move with the household and be sent out for professional cleaning. Padding is used under carpeting and rugs to lessen wear and increase resilience. It also adds luxury and warmth. Padding is made of hair, jute, sponge, or foam rubber. Different types of carpeting require specific products be used for padding. Always check the carpet or rug manufacturer s recommendations when buying your padding. Resilient Floor Coverings Resilient floor coverings are floor treatments that are generally nonabsorbent, durable, easy to maintain, and fairly inexpensive. They provide some cushioning for walking comfort and noise control. Vinyl floor coverings, laminate floor coverings, and cork tile are types of resilient floor coverings. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be used in any decorating scheme. Vinyl floor coverings, 14-7, are available in many colors, patterns, and textures. The quality of the flooring varies with the cost. Vinyl floor coverings are resistant to wear and stains, but abrasion can damage the surface. They are available in either tile or sheet form. Little or no waxing is needed. Some sheet vinyl is made with a layer of vinyl foam on the bottom. The result is a floor with good walking comfort and sound absorption. Solid vinyl floor coverings are growing in popularity. They are a higher quality than sheet vinyl. With solid vinyl, the flooring is made totally of vinyl as opposed to sheet vinyl, which only has vinyl as the top layer. Solid

4 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story from the outdoors and reduce the amount of noise entering a room. They hide pipes, wiring, and insulation. They also divide space within a dwelling and provide privacy. Ethan Allen, Inc. Ethan Allen, Inc. Ethan Allen, Inc. A B C 14-6 These area rugs are examples of three different design styles: Traditional (A), Country (B), and Modern or Contemporary style (C). Wall Construction How walls are constructed is an important factor to consider when planning backgrounds. A variety of materials can be used to construct interior walls. They include gypsum wallboard, plastic wallboard, paneling, plaster, and masonry. The materials used in wall construction will help determine what type of treatment to use. (Wall treatments will be discussed in the next section.) vinyl flooring products are available in many striking colors, styles, and patterns. These floors may have the appearance of fine hardwood, elegant stone, marble, slate, granite, or a geometric pattern. They are available in planks, tiles, blocks, or squares. These different shapes and patterns can be combined in the same floor to provide an endless opportunity for creative custom designs. Laminate floors vary in quality depending on their construction. A laminate is a product made by uniting one or more different layers, usually a decorative surface to a sturdy core. The best laminate floors have four layers of materials that are fused under intense heat and pressure. This process creates a single unit with a decorative surface and a sturdy core. The layers consist of a moisture-guard backing, a core of high-density material for structure, the pattern design, and a wear- and stain-resistant finish. The final product is resistant to traffic, stains, and fading. See Laminate floors are easy to clean, comfortable Armstrong World Industries 14-7 This vinyl floor covering is attractive and easy to keep clean. for walking, and good at sound absorption. They are not, however, as resilient and durable as quality solid vinyl flooring. Cork tile must be covered with a protective coating in order to be water resistant, durable, and easy to maintain. If this coating is not applied, cork wears rapidly, dents easily, is difficult to maintain, and can be damaged by grease stains. Without the protective coating, cork cannot be classified as a resilient floor covering. Cork is rich in appearance and is good for walking comfort and sound control. Cork is the woody bark tissue of a plant. Walls Bruce Laminate Floors, country kitchen in cherry 14-8 Laminate floors are beautiful yet durable enough for high-traffic areas. The use of an area rug defines the dining area. Walls make up the largest surface area of a room. They provide protection Gypsum Wallboard Gypsum wallboard, also known as drywall and sheet rock, is the most common building material used for interior walls and ceilings. It comes in 4-foot by 8-foot panels. Joints are taped, hidden by a fast-drying compound, and sanded. Then, paint, wallpaper, or fabric is used to cover the smooth surface. Plastic Wallboard Plastic wallboard is a building material with a durable decorative finish that is used for interior walls. It comes in both enamel and plastic laminate finishes, which make it easy to maintain. It is used primarily in bathrooms and kitchens. Paneling Paneling is a building material that is usually made of plywood but can be produced from a synthetic material. A synthetic is a manufactured material made to imitate or replace another. Paneling comes in many different colors and textures,

5 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story and is commonly available in 4-foot by 8-foot panels. It can be applied directly to the wall frame. However, a more substantial wall installation is achieved when it is applied over gypsum board. Paneling is appropriate for almost any room. See Plaster Plaster is a paste used for coating walls and ceilings that hardens as it dries. Plastered surfaces can be either smooth or rough. They are usually covered with paint. Applying plaster requires special skills and equipment, so it costs more than most other types of walls. It is seldom used except in older homes and commercial buildings. Masonry Masonry walls can serve as both the exterior and interior walls. Cement blocks are a commonly used form of masonry. Sometimes they are painted. Since cement blocks are large, they belong in large rooms decorated with large pieces of furniture, rough textures, and bold colors. Brick or stone may form entire walls, primarily decorative walls and fireplace walls, as in They are beautiful and durable, and they require little or no upkeep. However, they are costly to install. Both brick and stone are often used in informal settings. Some of the materials used in wall construction can also serve as the wall treatment. For example, paneling, bricks, and stones do not need additional treatment. They can be used in their original state. Wall Treatments A wall treatment is a covering, such as paint or wallpaper, applied to Photo courtesy of Andersen Windows, Inc Paneling is used to give this contemporary room a feeling of warmth. Masco Corporation/Scholz Design Architects A brick wall is an attractive background for an informal room Paint has been used to give this room a cheerful, light, and airy appearance. Spiegel 1998 an interior wall. Common wall treatments are paint, wallpaper, fabric, cork, ceramic tile, mirrors, glass, and reflective metals. Applying these wall treatments varies from easy to difficult. Some treatments are inexpensive while others are high in cost. As you choose a wall treatment for a room, keep in mind that it should harmonize with the floor and ceiling. It should add to the general mood of the room. Most of all, it should reflect the personalities of the people who use the room. Paint Paint is a mixture of pigment and liquid that thinly coats and covers a surface. It is the fastest and least expensive way to cover wall surfaces and change the look of a room. See The types commonly used for interior walls are water-based paints, either vinyl or acrylic latex, and oilbased paint. Water-based paint is easy to apply and dries quickly. Oil-based paint is thinner and takes longer to dry. Also, it is much harder to clean the paint equipment when you use an oil-based paint. Paints vary in how glossy or shiny their surfaces look. Enamel paints have the most gloss. They give a protective and decorative finish to kitchen and bathroom walls, wood trim, windowsills, radiators, masonry, and heating pipes. Semigloss paints have less gloss and are slightly less durable than enamel paints. They can be used in most of the same places as enamel paints. Paints with a satin or eggshell finish have a slight sheen and are usually used on walls. They are slightly less durable than semigloss paints. Flat wall paints have no gloss. They give a soft finish to walls and ceilings. They should not be used for windowsills or kitchen or bathroom walls and woodwork. Flat paints are usually the least expensive and the most difficult to clean. When you choose paint, choose a color that is slightly lighter than the color you want. When color is applied to walls, it appears stronger and darker than the color on the paint chip sample in the store because you see so much of it. Textured paints give walls a rough surface. They can be used to cover cracks or irregularities in walls and ceilings. Refer to the directions on the label before applying paint. Paint can also be applied to minimize the appearance of other designs. When you finish painting a room, paint one side of an index card. On the reverse side, write the brand name and

6 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story color name of the paint. If you ever need to match it, you will have the necessary information. The painted index card can also be used to help you select coordinating window treatments, floor treatments, or furniture. Paint is usually associated with walls finished in solid colors. However, paint can also be applied in a number of different textures and patterns to create a decorative finish on the wall. This special application of paint is called a faux finish, from the French word meaning false or fictitious. Faux finishes can be achieved by applying paint to the wall with materials other than a common paintbrush. For example, to achieve the faux finish called sponging, a sponge is dipped in the paint and dabbed on the wall to add pattern. With the faux finish called ragging, paint is applied on pieces of cloth. See A finishing technique called marbleizing creates a wall treatment that looks like marble stone. Many other faux finishes are available to create a unique look, Paint can also be applied to a wall in an artistic manner to create a scene or mural so lifelike that it fools the eye. This technique is called trompe l oeil, which means illusion in French. This technique can be used to turn a plain wall into a grand three-dimensional garden, complete with stone walls, fountains, and beautiful plants. See The same technique can be used to paint the four walls of a child s playroom with beach scenes showing blue sky, sand, water, swimming fish, and dancing dolphins. Faux finishes and trompe l oeil can create endless possibilities, but good results require patience and talent. In addition, paint can be applied with a stenciling technique to add interest to a wall. Stenciling is applying paint by using a cutout form to A C Copyright 2002 The Sherwin Williams Company Copyright 2002 The Sherwin Williams Company To create a faux finish, paint the wall a solid color and apply low-tack painter s tape to design a pattern (A). Use a rag to apply a contrasting paint color (B). The finished wall treatment is a diamond pattern called Harlequin (C). B Copyright 2002 The Sherwin Williams Company Copyright 2002 The Sherwin Williams Company This wall appears to be wallpapered, but the cross hatch and bold stripe are actually examples of another faux finish. outline a design or lettering. These stencil patterns can be either created or purchased. Paint is applied to the open area of the stencil, thereby transferring the design to the wall. The designs may vary from simple to complex and may entail one coat of paint or many to achieve the proper detail. Wallpaper all a er is decorative paper or vinyl applied to a wall with glue or paste. It can copy almost any surface, such as brick, stone, wood, and leather. Murals of outdoor scenes can be created from wallpaper. Because of the variety of patterns available, wallpaper can be used to enhance any room and create any style. See Copyright 2002 The Sherwin Williams Company A faux finish was applied to this wall to create a trompe l oeil illusion of a stone wall. Wallpaper is practical as well as beautiful. Some wallpaper is coated or constructed with a thick layer of vinyl, which makes them durable and easy to clean. This type is often used in kitchens and bathrooms because it resists stains and water. Fabric Fabric can be used to cover walls. It can be attached to the wall with glue, tape, or staples. Sometimes it is stretched over a frame and hung on the wall. At other times, it is stretched between curtain rods at the ceiling and floor. Fabric can add color, warmth, texture, and interest to a room. Closely woven, medium-weight fabrics are the best choices for wall

7 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story treatments. Look for fabric that will not fade, stain, shrink, or mildew. Fabric applied to walls can be difficult to clean and maintain. Cork Cork makes a good wall treatment for rooms where sound insulation is needed. Cork also adds warmth and textural interest to a room. Ceramic Tile Ceramic tile comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and patterns. See It can be used to create many different styles and designs. The tiles are durable and easy to maintain. A wall treated with decorative ceramic tiles can be the point of emphasis in a room. Mirrors, Glass, and Reflective Metals Large mirrors, glass, and reflective metal tiles, or strips can be used on all or part of a wall. Mirrors make rooms look larger because the space is repeated in the reflection. If an entire wall is covered with mirrors, the room will look twice its actual size. Large expanses of glass found in windows and glass doors also serve as a type of wall treatment. This is because they occupy wall space. Using glass extends the indoor space and brings the outdoors in. This creates the illusion of a larger space. Glass blocks may be used that allow light to enter a space but prevent a clear view into the space. Such an application could be used for a bathroom window area where light is desired but privacy is required. Reflective metal tiles or strips can be applied to a wall to allow for the reflection of light into a space. The effect of mirrors, reflective metal, and glass as wall treatments can be dramatic. See These types of wall Total 3D Home Deluxe from Broderbund Software, Inc Consumers can coordinate wallpaper selections with paint colors by using a CADD system Ceramic tile is installed on the walls and floor to create this sophisticated design. Laufen International Ethan Allen, Inc The reflective metal blocks installed on the wall bring a sense of drama to this bedroom. Photo courtesy of Andersen Windows, Inc The high ceiling and use of skylights give this kitchen a spacious, airy appearance. treatment are especially popular in spaces with a more modern or contemporary design. However, these treatments are expensive when compared to other wall treatments such as paint and wallpaper. Care must be taken to assure that the reflected image enhances the design of the room. As you have learned, the various walls and wall treatments provide many different looks. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one that fits the mood of the room and best meets your needs and wants. Ceiling Treatments A eiling treatment is a coating, covering, or building material applied to the ceiling area. The ceiling of a room is often the least-noticed background, but it performs many tasks. It holds and conceals insulating materials that help control the temperature in the house. It hides electrical wiring. Some ceilings also hide water lines and gas lines. The height of the ceiling can help create certain moods. Average ceilings are 8 feet from the floor. Higher ceilings give a feeling of spaciousness and usually create a formal atmosphere. See When painting a ceiling, you will need an extension handle for your paint roller. The extension handle permits you to paint much of the ceiling without using a ladder, which is safer. You can create the feeling of a higher ceiling by painting it a light color. You can also create the illusion of height by using vertical lines on the walls. Lower ceilings make rooms seem smaller and usually create an informal mood. A ceiling will appear lower if it is painted in a dark color or if patterned materials are added to the ceiling. Another way to make ceilings look lower is to use horizontal lines on the walls. The four most common materials used for ceilings are plaster, acoustical plaster, acoustical tile, and gypsum

8 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story wallboard. o sti al means that the material will reduce or absorb sound. Plaster is one of earliest forms of ceiling treatments. It is seldom used today except in restorations of older houses. Its surface can be either smooth or rough. It is usually covered with a flat paint. Acoustical plaster has a rough texture. It helps absorb sound and thus reduces the noise in a room. It is applied by spraying it onto the ceiling s surface. Acoustical plaster is difficult to paint, clean, and repair. Acoustical tile, 14-19, is decorative and functional. It comes in many patterns and colors. It absorbs sound and is easy to clean. Gypsum wallboard is frequently used today in ceiling treatments. It can be finished with a smooth surface or with a rough texture that resembles plaster. Paint is then applied as the final finish. When planning backgrounds for your home, keep the goals of design in mind. This will help you achieve pleasing results in any room throughout the dwelling. Planning Your Background Treatments The backgrounds in your decorating scheme set the stage for the furnishings you choose. Although they do not need to be costly, they do need to be planned carefully. This is especially important for floor and wall treatments. Planning Your Floors Floor treatments receive more wear than other background treatments Acoustical tile absorbs sound and is easy to maintain. They are usually more expensive, too. Unless you plan to replace a floor covering within a couple years, choose one that is durable. Try to choose a color and style that is neutral enough to let you change your decorating scheme if you desire. The floor treatment accents the entire room and helps tie the many parts of the room together. If a different floor treatment is chosen for each separate area of the house, the design will lack continuity and the spaces will not flow well. Using a single treatment such as carpeting or hardwood throughout some houses may be preferable. Doing so can make the house seem larger and more unified. This can be especially important if your house is small. Planning Your Walls Classic wall treatments are those that continue to be in style year after Armstrong World Industries Spiegel Off-white paint is a classic wall treatment. It allows greater variety of design and makes rooms look more spacious. Permission granted by F. Schumacher & Co. to use copyrighted photographs. Designs and photograph F. Schumacher & Co Bold wallpaper and beautiful fabrics combine in this room to create an elegant design. year. When you choose a classic wall treatment, you will save the cost of changing your wall treatment as styles change. Off-white is a classic wall treatment color. As a background, it lets you use a great variety of colors and designs in a room. It also helps make rooms appear more spacious. See Bold, bright wall treatments can be used to give a room a dramatic look. Painted graphic designs, murals, and wallpaper with bold patterns make colorful focal points. Bold treatments tend to make rooms look smaller, so use them carefully. Be sure to choose wall treatments and furnishings that do not compete for attention. The most common wall treatment is paint. It is important to choose the right paint for the room. Washable paints should be used in rooms that receive much use, such as kitchens and children s bedrooms. When painted surfaces can be cleaned, they do not need to be repainted as often. Enamel and semigloss paints are easier to clean than flat paints. Wallpaper is available in a wide variety of types and designs. See Hanging wallpaper yourself can save you money. If you hang your own wallpaper, think about using prepasted wallpaper. It often costs a little more money, but it is easier to use. The time and effort saved makes prepasted wallpaper a better bargain for most people. Planning Your Countertops The same careful attention you give to your walls, floors, and ceilings should also be given to your countertops. Your countertops will impact the visual effect of your interior design decisions as much as any other background treatments. Countertops also have an important impact on how a

9 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story space functions and how easy it is to maintain. A o nterto is a durable work surface installed on a base cabinet. Cabinets with countertops are found in kitchens, bathrooms, and play and work areas. Counter tops should be functional and attractive. They involve a substantial financial investment and cannot easily be changed. If you grow tired of your countertops, you cannot replace them as easily as the paint on a wall. Therefore, you should use special care when making countertop selections. For the kitchen area, countertops should be stain-, scratch-, and heatresistant. Perhaps no surfaces in your home will receive as much wear and tear as those in the kitchen. Common countertop materials include laminates, ceramic and porcelain tiles, and wood (such as butcher block). Newer countertop choices on the market today include solid surfaces, engineered quartz, stone such as granite, and metal. Laminate One of the more affordable countertop choices is a laminate. See The color, texture, and design are achieved by combining decorative surface papers with resins that are bonded under heat and pressure with other materials. This process forms a single unit with a decorative surface on a rigid base. Laminate countertops come in a wide range of colors and textures. Designs include solid colors, various patterns, and finishes that resemble metal, stone, or wood. As with other products, there are different grades of quality on the market. Less expensive laminates will not offer the durability of more expensive, name brand laminates. Laminates are relatively easy to maintain by wiping with a damp cloth or sponge. The product will show seams in the installation where sections are joined. Some textured laminate surfaces may be scratch-resistant. New products are available that are more resistant to stains than earlier laminate surfaces. If stains occur, you can apply a mild household cleaner to the area and gently rub it with a soft bristle brush. However, if the top surface is chipped or badly damaged, a repair will be difficult or impossible. Solid Surface Material A soli s r a e is a durable countertop material that contains the color and pattern of the surface throughout. This product is constructed of an advanced blend of materials and minerals in an acrylic or polyester compound. Solid surface countertops are easy to clean and available in many colors, but much more expensive than laminates. When installed, the surface appears continuous, showing no seams. Photography courtesy of Wilsonart International Quality laminate countertops are very attractive and affordable. There are hundreds of different colors and patterns from which to choose. Photography courtesy of Gibraltar Solid Surface from Wilsonart This quality solid surface countertop is both beautiful and functional in this utility space. Florida Tile Industries, Inc In this beautiful kitchen, tile was installed on the countertops. Tile was also used for the backsplash and floor. See Also, solid surfaces can be made to blend seamlessly into sinks of the same material. Because the product can be shaped and molded, various customized edges are available. Solid surfaces are scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant. If damage does occur, these surfaces are repairable and renewable. They do not require sealing and are bacteria-resistant. Solid surfaces are available in many colors, and new additions to the market look like granite. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Tile can be expensive to apply due to the labor involved. Ceramic tiles come in many colors and patterns. They are easy to maintain and are heat- and scratch-resistant. The surface of the grout needs to be sealed to prevent staining. Ceramic tile is subject to chipping if struck by a heavy object. Likewise, porcelain tiles are expensive to install and must be sealed. However, since the surface color usually penetrates porcelain tile, it will keep a like-new appearance in spite of physical damage. See Natural Stone Natural stone such as granite is elegant and expensive. Since stone is porous, it must be sealed, which makes it stain-resistant. In addition, stone countertops can be scratched and broken if struck with a heavy object. Due to the weight of stone, it should only be installed on very sturdy cabinet bases. Engineered Quartz A new type of countertop that looks like natural granite or marble is engineere art. It is a stonelike material used for countertops that is

10 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story made by combining quartz particles with a mixture of binders. The mixture is then subjected to a high-tech compression and heating process The surface has a polished granite or marble appearance and does not require a sealant as is needed with granite or marble. Engineered quartz surfaces are gaining in popularity for several reasons. They are less costly than granite and marble; easy to maintain; and much more heat-, stain-, and scratchresistant. These surfaces are usually guaranteed against defects by a limited warranty, which is not available with natural stone. See Metal Surfaces Metal surfaces are infrequently used for residential countertops, though they are common in commercial kitchens such as restaurants. The most common metal surface is stainless steel. Metal countertop surfaces are expensive. They scratch and dent easily, and are therefore less durable than other choices. Butcher Block t er lo is a work surface made by fusing a stack of long, thin hardwood strips. The exposed sides form the countertop surface. Butcher block is not heat- and stain-resistant and is less durable than most other countertops. Also, it can harbor any food bacteria that come in contact with it. Fiberglass Bathroom countertops use many of the materials used in kitchens, but there is an additional product to consider for that room. Cultured marble countertops are molded from fiberglass compounds. They are more expensive than laminates but less expensive than solid surface, tile, and stone countertops. As in the case of solid surface materials, you can obtain a bathroom sink and countertop all in one unit. Cultured marble countertops are scratch- and stain-resistant, easy to maintain, and durable if cared for properly. They come in solid colors, marblelike patterns, and polished or matte finishes. As with all design decisions, countertop choices are made after considering the total appearance of the room. Walls, countertops, floors, and ceilings must all work well together to create a pleasing design that functions successfully. Silestone Photo courtesy of Consentino USA An engineered quartz countertop provides the homeowner with both a beautiful design and a warranty. Summary Floors, walls, and ceilings serve as backgrounds for the furnishings and accessories in a room. Floors may be treated with flooring materials or floor coverings. Flooring materials include hardwoods, softwoods, tile, natural stone, concrete, and brick. Floor coverings consist of soft floor coverings and resilient floor coverings. Wall construction provides the basis for wall treatments. Walls can be constructed from gypsum wallboard, plastic wallboard, paneling, plaster, and masonry. Other wall treatments those applied to walls include paint, wallpaper, fabric, cork, ceramic tile, mirrors, glass, and reflective metals. The height and the treatment of ceilings are important factors. High ceilings give the feeling of formality and openness. Low ceilings create an informal, close feeling. The illusion of higher or lower ceilings can be created by using different ceiling treatments. Common ceiling materials are plaster, acoustical plaster, acoustical tile, and gypsum wallboard. Countertops are another consideration when designing background treatments. They should be functional, yet attractive and durable. Your interior backgrounds will last for several years and involve considerable cost. You will want to select treatments for countertops, walls, floors, and ceilings so they set the stage for the furnishings and accessories that follow. To Review 1. Why are interior backgrounds important? 2. What is the major difference between flooring materials and floor coverings? 3. List two examples of each of the basic floor covering categories. 4. What makes up the largest surface area in a room? 5. Describe four wall treatments. 6. Explain how ceiling treatments can be used to make a ceiling appear lower than it actually is. 7. What is the benefit of using acoustical plaster or tile as a ceiling treatment in a room? 8. Why is it a good idea to use neutral backgrounds in a home? 9. What is the result of bold wall treatments in a room? 10. Name six choices available in countertop materials.

11 Chapter 14 Creating Interior Backgrounds Part 4 The Inside Story In Your Community 1. Visit a store that sells flooring materials and floor coverings. Obtain brochures showing a variety of these products with information about their cost, warranties, and durability. Make two collages: one showing various flooring materials, and one showing several floor coverings. Display your collages to the class as you summarize your findings. 2. Visit a store that sells wall treatments. Obtain samples of six or more different wallpapers. Display these to the class, and explain the effect of each if it were installed in your classroom. 3. Locate samples from local stores that sell wall coverings, paint, tile, flooring, and countertops. Use a small box to make either a miniature kitchen or bathroom. Then, using the samples, create the interior backgrounds for the room. Show your room to your classmates and explain the principles of design you used to make your selections. (Review Chapter 12, Using Principles of Design.) 2. Survey the floor treatments used in your school. Check the main office, the library or media center, stairways, a classroom, the gymnasium, and a student bathroom. Using a computer program, develop a spreadsheet listing the spaces surveyed and the various types of treatments used. Which floor treatments predominate? Explain why certain floor treatments and materials were used in one space but not any other. 3. Search the Internet for information on acoustical ceiling materials and the design options available to the consumer. Check at least three manufacturers to find the recommended uses of their ceiling materials and the effect of their products on controlling noise. Identify the Web sites you explore, and write a brief report on the information you find. To Think About 1. The use of wall, floor, and ceiling treatments changed continually throughout history. Select a specific country and historical period, and research the types of interior backgrounds that were used. What social, environmental, historical, and geographical influences shaped the creation of these background treatments? Share your findings with the class. 2. Economics often influences the choices made for interior backgrounds. Imagine having the job of designing an affordable and durable interior for a new home built by Habitat for Humanity. The home will be occupied by a nuclear family with two daughters under age 10. What treatments would you select for the flooring, walls, ceilings, and countertops? Present your selections to your classmates and explain your decisions. Using Technology 1. Use a computer program to design an informative handout on wall treatments. Obtain photos of various wall treatments from online sources, or clip magazine photos and scan them into your document. Label the treatments and list one advantage and one disadvantage of each. Print the handout and share it with your class.