In need of wallpaper help (or venetian plaster)

Well, Venetian plaster being the very tackiest thing that ever existed, I'd say go with the wallpaper if you must. But paint is much better.

alanhart- why?

Good question skippy, it's hard to know when to take alanhart seriously: http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/26209-nyt-nuclear-plant-planned-for-long-island-city

my understanding is that there are dozens of type of venetian plaster - some that looks like marble (yuck) some that looks like stone, some like wheatgrasses ... no? it doesn't all have to look like trump buildigs

i've also seen some gorgeous wallpaper that has different textures (not your typical flowered or striped stuff) adding a different dimension to walls

is paint seriously preferred over all other wall covering options?

So, everyone has different personal tastes and styles...some people love wallpaper and some people think it is tacky and same goes for virtually any other wall finish.

As Venetian Plaster applicators, we are partial to this particular finish which dates back to the Italian Renaissance, and which, when done well, with natural materials and proper techniques, turns walls into works of art. Ok, so now that we've explained our particular bias, here are some considerations:

Paint - always a safe choice, economical, can be easily changed, can be a bit boring but it won't go out of style.

Wallpaper - can quickly become dated. You can look at just about any pattern and figure out the decade in which it was applied. But it can also be changed relatively easily, too.

Venetian Plaster - a "timeless" finish, not just because it has been around hundreds of years, but because the natural lime plasters (not the faux plasters) are fade resistant, mold resistant, and completely "green"...your walls literally breathe, the finish lasts forever, and the colors and textures are, IMO, breathtaking. But beware, the faux plasters and poor application techniques can look cheesy (maybe that's what alanhart was talking about), so if you go this route, opt for a trained artisan using natural, imported plasters from Italy.

You can see samples of colors and textures on our website - www.veneshe.com. Check it out!

Alan,

Really? I couldn't disagree more.

Chiquiquita,

I don't think there is a preference. So many designers I work with have been using wallpaper as an accent wall that really looks great.

One more idea, decorative painting. So many different ways to do it. I am going to post a picture on my blog Thursday of an example of what I am taking about. I will post here with the link once it is up

Who was the designer in the 1980s who said
"If I see ANY more trompe l'oeil, I'll faux up."?

It's like that.

Richard at 212-569-0140 is a member of US Wallpapers Assn and an expert in
buying, hanging and painting.

If you call him amd he asks, tell him that Jay's friend from Astoria
recommended him.

thank you everyone
much appreciated

Here is the decorative painting i was talking about: http://www.primerenovationsnyc.com/blog/

primer, if you don't mind, how did they do those stripes? not with the masking tape trick? that never works for me, always leaks. i want to paint my kids' room an antique white with wide lilac stripes.

I like the sort of op-art wallpaper ... I hope the apartment is convenient to Payne Whitney, though.

They used tape but alot of touchups and years of practice

Alanhart,

Funny, it's only 2 blocks away. Manhattan House is on 66th and 2nd

go with a great Venetian Plaster application...they come in various application from coarse to polish finish...from old world to modern colors and styles...it will last a great years longer than conventional paint or boring wallpaper...you wont regret it...but make sure the applicators are certified and have that special touch...ask for sample boards...good luck!!!