Wallpaper Vs Paint - Which One Is Better

Homeowners the world over have to make a decision about what to put on the walls of their homes. Wallpaper and paint are two of the most commonly used materials, but which one is better? Wallpaper used to be something that people hated to use in their houses because it was considered to be distasteful. Nowadays wallpaper is back in, and people can't write off the idea of using wallpaper on this basis anymore. Both wallpaper and paint have their own unique and distinct advantages and disadvantages, and this article will take a look into the pros and cons of using each material, respectively. 

Advantages of Using Paint:

Paint has the advantage of being cheap and easy. Almost anyone in the world can pick up a paint brush and use it effectively. With paint, you can choose from high gloss, flat and semi-gloss. Imperfections can easily be covered up using paint by simply adding more layers. Walls that are irregular can easily have these imperfections hidden by a good paint job. Painting doesn't take much preparation either, a definite plus.

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Disadvantages of Using Paint:

When using oil-based paints, you run the risk of the paint running when it's drying out. Oil-based paints take a long time to dry out, and they are not very heat resistant. Painting has to be done every couple of years to keep your home looking nice and it can give off harmful fumes called VOC's.  

Advantages of Using Wallpaper:

Wallpaper lasts much longer than any paint will, usually from ten to fifteen years. This not only reduces the amount of hassle involved in maintenance, it also reduces the amount of money you spend. Wallpaper also has the extra advantage of adding texture and variety to your house. Instead of a boring uniform paint job, you can create diversity with wallpaper. There are even some kinds of wallpaper that can be made to look like wood or cloth. 

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Disadvantages to Using Wallpaper: 

Wall paper is more expensive than paint. It also needs to be installed, which takes more preparation. If you get tired of wallpaper, it can't just be painted over, you will have to DE-install it first. If you damage your wallpaper, somehow, and are lucky enough to find a match to it, even though the print matches, it may not be the same color because of exposure to the sun. When you are applying new wallpaper, it is best to remove the old paper first instead of putting more paper on top.  

Why Choose? 

You can have the best of both worlds by adding the texture and diversity to rooms that you want to see wallpaper in and leaving it out in the ones you do not. Most people mistakenly think that every room in the house has to look identical. This could not be any further from the truth, in fact, a home looks better when not every single room looks uniform. Each room can have its own theme. Make some rooms with paint and some with wallpaper and get the best of both worlds.

Modern Concepts for Garden Renovation

Popular Garden Design Tips

Some of the popular modern landscaping materials include wood, metal and concrete. Many landscapers choose to leave the concrete surfaces a natural gray color. But, staining can be more fun, and can be done in one bold color or a variety of colors. Metal can be great for an accent to your garden, especially corten steel with a weathered look. You can use it in planters, as a retaining wall or even a privacy screen. Adding a wood deck to your garden will give it an inviting look. Brazilian hardwood, such as Ipe, is rich in color.

One of the number one goals of modern garden designs is creating contrast. Ornamental grass plants add color that pops out against any plain concrete wall. Orange and purple flowers draw your attention when planted near patio furniture with simple colors and finishes. Colorful shrubs, such as Knockout Roses, a Dwarf Burning Bush or a Rosa Glow Barberry demand the eye's attention when you set them against a row of bluestone. Just be sure to be selective. You want to create contrast, but you don't want your colors to be overwhelming. Contrast should only be created in two or three areas of your yard, not the entire garden.

A paved area with a simple grid of green plants is a modern landscaper trademark. It can be done using stones, with green grass that grows where there would usually be grout. Or, you can pour concrete in sections, allowing thyme to grow between each section. Your modern look can be accentuated with architectural plants with unique textures. They're interesting to look at, and give your garden a unique look. Also, add some containers to create patterns that can be changed when the mood strikes you. As the leaves fall from your colorful bushes, you can add color to that area with your potted plants.

Caring for Your Garden

Two things you must pay close attention to when caring for your garden are weeds and water. Weeds create competition for your plants and flowers. They compete for garden space, as well as water. Check your garden regularly to ensure that there are no weeds soaking up the water your garden needs to grow. Water is needed for cell enlargement and cell division. If the cells don't get enough water, the plants will start to wilt. The easiest way to make sure that your garden gets a sufficient amount of water is with an automatic sprinkler system. Sprinkler systems can be set to come on and go off automatically. And, if installed properly, they water your garden evenly. Check out some of the best sprinkler systems from Sprinkler System Store.