And why do we do this? Because it is important, that’s why. Every day we wake to face the decisions we make about our homes…for better or worse. The only thing better than the satisfaction of making a choice you find beautiful is one you find unique as well.

An innovative option in wall (and ceiling) paneling may just be the perfect customization for a space in your home. It seems nothing grabs our attention like texture. Let’s face it, when most of us see a beautiful silk blouse in a store, a puppy’s curly hair or the leather on an elegant chair, we are almost compelled to reach out and touch it. There is something about certain textures that awakens the senses and causes us to want to further the experience beyond simple visualization. We are drawn to them. Because of this, we are beginning to see more and more options in textures via the walls of our homes. Hand-trowel lead plaster is very popular as are various paint applications that give the illusion of texture.

Another option is gaining in popularity and it brings texture (and thus interest) to a new level. Woven paneling is now emerging on the decorating scene and getting rave reviews, not just for its beauty, but also for durability, ease of installation and variety of materials. It can be used on entire walls or ceilings or as a border. It is designed in such a way that, unlike wallpaper or traditional borders, there are no visible seams. While researching this product, we found that there are several companies online who are suppliers and/or act as intermediaries to the buyer, but who are not the manufacturers themselves. One company who sells its own product directly to its customers is Madrid, Inc., offering exotic wood weaves in cherry, maple and oak. Aluminum and leather are also options and the tiles come in 12”x12” or 8”x8”. For more information, contact: 562.404.9941 or www.madridinc.com.

Other materials available are coconut, palm and metals. For those of you who don’t want to buy through an unknown middleman (or just want to help promote local business) Sherwood Fine Wood Designs, Inc. has a catalogue through which they may help you select the material of your choice, samples for you to see (and touch) and they also have local experience installing these products. Contact: 575.647.1509, visit them on the web at www.cabinetsbysherwood.com or drop by their showroom located at: 1753-A Buildtek Court, Las Cruces, NM 88005.

Whether you decide to check out this innovative finishing productonline or in person, we think you’ll find it interesting and worth considering for an area in your home.