Interior Wall PlasterInstead of wood for painted paneling there is a cheaper and as effective alternativeplaster board with molding. Cut to the proper size the plaster board is fastened to the wall by the molding, and the wall, the plaster board and the molding are then painted. The panels and molding may be painted a tone darker than the wall itself. A good effect is produced by striping the grooves of the molding, and introducing a color that is to be brought out in the room. For example: suppose the walls are gray plaster, the panels a tone deeper and the moldings gray with blue rubbed into the grooves. This blue may be brought out again in the curtains. Canvas may be used in place of plaster board. Both plaster and canvas may also be used as a wainscot which a chair rail molding will finish. This is an excellent device for covering up shabby old walls or for the Colonial type of dining-room. A third substitute for the costly wood paneling is to make the panels on the wall by defining them with molding. The molding is applied directly to the plaster. This is the least expensive method of paneling and the least troublesome. Care must be taken to see that the panels are of the right proportions and that the molding is of the proper scale. Rough cast, sand finish or imitation Caen stone walls are especially suitable for country houses and camps. They have a natural simplicity that harmonizes with the environment of the house. A charming wall finish for a country house of the Italian style is rough plaster with no woodwork trim. The doors, windows and mantels are set directly into the plaster side wall, but always set far enough in to form a plaster turn. This finish is found in many Italian villas and farm houses where the severity of the walls is broken by little niches in which pottery and brass give an interesting decorative note. Next Page: Fabric Wall Hangings. | 