Adapted from Paint & Decorating Retailer magazine
Four examples of how decorative artists can use Appliqués
Architexture, which has brought several innovative products to the North American market, has done it again—this time, with a hot new product known as Appliqués. This proprietary-engineered material is laser-cut into various shapes, providing contemporary visual accents for a room. The self-adhesive Appliqués are approximately 0.03 of an inch thick, providing a subtle relief to the surface. Offered in a total of nine designs, they are easy to paint as well as apply.
Depending upon the color that the installer selects, Appliqués can be a subtle and soft element on a wall or a boldly colored accent that contrasts with the rest of the room. Artists can use traditional paints on the Appliqué or get creative with metallics, high-gloss sheens or faux techniques. The possibilities are endless.
Gaia Calcaterra of Architexture sees Appliqués as the perfect product for these challenging economic times. “The look for 2011 is not based on color or texture or style or even price, but the consequence of less consumer dollars to spend and the growing consumer emotional desire for the new, the now, the instant personal gratification,” she said. “Kick-starting this market requires products that can light a fire under the thrifty, design-conscious customer who wants to experience a ‘wow’ reaction—for emotions have become the new trigger for any successful marketing message.”
The Frise Art Deco pattern provides a contemporary accent in this room setting.
The self-adhesive backing of Appliqués adheres to a previously painted wall surface and in many cases over a faux finish, such as Venetian plaster. The elegant designs are suitably sized in width and height for both vertical and horizontal applications, including repeat patterns in either direction when multiple Appliqués are applied. They are appropriate for a variety of surface choices—not only walls but also fireplaces, doors, headboards or panels. In many cases, their physical flexibility also makes them ideal for niches, columns and curved surfaces. They work well in any room and any setting, with styles ranging from classic to modern.”
Since the Appliqués are meant to be painted, they will fit into any color scheme that the client desires. “Simply painted, they are stunning,” Calcaterra said. “Even white-on-white is an exceptional look. For your signature look, consider the possibilities of glaze or a touch of metallic foil on the Appliqué.”
Another advantage of Appliqués is their simplicity—literally as easy as 1-2-3, according to Calcaterra. “If you take longer than an hour to install one, you went for coffee—unless you were just waiting for the paint to dry,” Calcaterra said. And when the client is ready to change décor, Appliqués can be removed from a wall in same manner and result as quality wallpaper, with a steamer and water.
“Appliqués will excel in the current market conditions,” Calcaterra concludes. “They are the coin needed to make that call—to announce you have, without a doubt, one of the hottest new products anyone has seen for a very long time.”
Contact Information:
Leave a Reply