Exploring the Latest Drywall Texture Styles

When it comes to interior design, texture is an important element that can dramatically transform the look and feel of a space. From ultra-smooth surfaces to heavily textured walls and ceilings, drywall textures provide visual interest and depth to any room.

While traditional options like orange peel and popcorn have been popular for years, there are many modern drywall texture types that are changing the game. These innovative textures range from subtle and sophisticated to bold and captivating. By harnessing the latest tools, materials, and techniques, drywall contractors can create stunning finishes that complement contemporary decor.

Overview of Key Modern Drywall Textures

If you're looking to remodel your home or give a room a fresh new look, exploring modern drywall texture styles is a smart way to upgrade your interior. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Smooth Finish

A smooth finish provides an ultra-sleek look and is ideal for modern spaces with clean lines. To achieve this texture, drywall is sanded until flawlessly smooth and painted with high-sheen paint. The result is a glossy, polished look. Smooth walls nicely showcase bold wall art or furnishings. Minimal imperfections in the drywall are visible, so the underlying surface must be properly prepared.

2. Orange Peel

The orange peel texture achieves its name from its bumpy, citrus-like look. It provides visual interest while still being relatively subtle. Applied using pressurized sprayers, the texture has rounded peaks and valleys. Heavy orange peel has more texture while fine orange peel is more uniform. The spackled look conceals flaws and adds depth without overpowering a room.

3. Knockdown

A knockdown finish uses trowels or broad drywall knives to create an undulating, lightly textured look. Joint compound is applied, then flattened down before drying, leaving behind shallow ridges and valleys. The technique creates shadows and visual appeal. Knockdown ranges from smooth to aggressive. It works well in styles like modern farmhouse, industrial, and Mediterranean.

4. Skip Trowel

As its name implies, the skip trowel technique utilizes irregular application motions to build unique textures. Joint compound is thrown or scooped onto walls with skips and gaps between the plaster strokes. The finishing trowel knocks down high points, leaving behind ridges. Skip trowel produces varied textures with lots of depth and shadowing. Designs range from subtle to highly textured.

5. Stomp Brush Textures

Stomp textures make a bold statement with high variation. A stiff-bristled brush is used to apply thick plaster in sweeping, multidirectional strokes. The applicator then stomps their brush into the wet plaster, leaving behind an imprinted design. Varying the downward pressure creates points of different height and depth for dramatic effects. The deeply grained texture hides imperfections.

6. Sand Swirl

Sand texturing techniques add visual intrigue using fine sand. In a sand swirl finish, joint compound and sand are mixed together then troweled onto walls in broad, circular strokes. The hand-applied swirls create movement and interest. When painted, the sandy texture catches the light beautifully. Colors like silvers and grays accentuate the finish.

7. Spray Sand

Spraying sand through texturing machines achieves a heavily grained look. The sand is combined with a splatter coat material then mechanically sprayed on. Spray sand finishes have a pronounced texture with deep ridges and valleys. The finish varies from small grains to large pebbly designs. Backlighting accentuates the dramatic shadows and contours.

Benefits of Modern Drywall Textures

Texturing drywall offers numerous advantages that explain its popularity in contemporary interiors:

Adds Visual Interest

Plain flat walls tend to look uninteresting and sterile. Adding texture creates eye-catching appeal in a space through varied contours, shadows, and lighting effects. The complexity draws the eye.

Conceals Imperfections

Textures hide minor flaws in drywall finishing, such as trowel marks, seams, cracks or dings. The bumps, grains and aggregates disguise imperfections that would be obvious on smooth surfaces. Spray and hand textures mask defects.

Provides Sound Dampening

Acoustic textures like popcorn absorb sound and reduce echoes. The peaks and cavities trap sound rather than reflecting it like smooth drywall. Textured finishes allow sound transmission through walls for improved privacy.

Adds Variety

With endless texture types and combinations, the design options are vast. Multiple layers and techniques can be combined on walls and ceilings. Accent walls highlight specific textures. Rooms can transition from one texture to another.

Budget-Friendly

Texturing drywall is relatively affordable compared to other finishes like wallpaper, tile or panels. Simple stomp textures can be created with basic materials and tools. Texturing extends the workspace between finishing steps.

Choosing the Right Modern Drywall Texture

With so many enticing drywall textures available, deciding on the right style for your space is key. Keep the following factors in mind:

Walls vs. Ceilings

Lighter, less dramatic textures work best on ceilings so the space doesn't feel too heavy. Ceilings can handle simple orange peel or skip trowel textures. Walls can utilize more pronounced 3D finishes for accent purposes.

Home Style

Match the texture design to the overall decor and architectural style. For modern spaces, smooth or fine sand finishes keep the look streamlined. Rustic farmhouse styles feature rough-hewn woodgrain textures. Mediterranean interiors incorporate hand-applied Venetian plaster textures.

Lighting Conditions

Textures look best when illuminated across their surface contours. Add fixtures like track lights or wall sconces to create shadowing. For sand finishes, consider backlighting to maximize visual intrigue.

Maintenance

Heavily manipulated textures with deep grooves can be harder to clean and require gentle dusting. Simple techniques like orange peel or knockdown offer textural appeal while still being easy to maintain.

Combine Multiple Textures

Using different textures in adjacent spaces creates contrast and interest. Or blend multiple techniques like skip trowel and sand swirl on a single wall for depth. Complimentary textures enhance the overall design.

Applying Modern Drywall Textures

Achieving the perfect finish requires careful preparation, the right tools, and skillful technique:

Prep the Surface

Textures accentuate any flaws, so the wall surface must be cleaned, repaired, and smoothed to minimize imperfections. Follow all necessary steps of drywall finishing before texturing.

Prime First

Priming levels out variances in drywall porosity and provides a consistent base layer. Priming also allows the texture material to fully adhere. Use high-quality drywall primer.

Use Proper Tools

Each texture technique requires its own specific applicators like trowels, brushes, blades, spray rigs, etc. Having the right tools ensures the desired finish.

Achieve Correct Texture

Practice texture techniques on spare drywall until the desired look is perfected. Match the product thickness, aggregate size, and application method to the texture sample.

Allow textures to fully cure before exposure to avoid damage. Prevent contact with liquid or debris during application and drying. Careful paint application preserves the texture.

The array of modern drywall texture types offers endless ways to customize the look and feel of any residential or commercial space. With the right prep work, tools, and techniques, drywall contractors can transform ho-hum surfaces into works of art. Textured finishes provide visual flair that delights occupants and guests.