The raw wall: where does the trend come from?
Although coatings appeared in Antiquity, they were not used in all interiors – nor in all cultures. Suffice to say that raw walls have been widespread for thousands of years!
The natural stone wall is undoubtedly the raw wall par excellence. It is found both in aristocratic residences and in rustic buildings. Considered a noble material, exposed stone is highly sought after.
It is traditionally associated with wooden furniture, which warms the atmosphere, while allowing it to take center stage. The good news is that natural stone is no longer reserved exclusively for charming homes: panoramic wallpaper or facing panels allow you to adopt this look at home.
The raw wall is an emblematic element of loft decor. Brick, cement and concrete are common materials in warehouses and factories converted into homes. We associate them with raw materials, such as metal and wood. Again, it’s entirely possible to cheat, and trompe l’oeil wallpaper is the easiest way to achieve this look.
Does wabi sabi decor mean something to you? This concept from Japan celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the transience of time passing. The wear caused by the passage of time is part of this aesthetic which is as much about the art of living as it is about philosophy. This trend arrived in the West in the 2010s and helped launch a new trend: the Trash Wall.
The term comes from the English “to trash” (to demolish), and it means leaving the damaged walls as they are. Remnants of tapestries or coatings are a must! Purists can try a DIY to create a 3D effect. Or we put on a pretty trompe-l’oeil wallpaper!
Raw wall: what style to adopt?
Natural stone, concrete, colored or uncolored coating, plaster… The raw wall is endless! The choice therefore depends primarily on your desires, and the style you want to imprint on your interior.
Concrete is one of the key materials in industrial decoration. It also lends itself to a very contemporary urban atmosphere. The wallpaper imitates it quite well. The trendy alternative is XXL tiles.
With the exception of light natural stone walls, raw walls tend to darken the decor. The Trash Wall look allows you to introduce a white coating effect, and maintain beautiful brightness.
It’s been a long time since polished concrete has been limited to loft-style decoration. This versatile covering has the particularity of combining a raw character and great softness. It also has the particularity of being able to be tinted, which allows it to adapt as well to a rustic style as to a more urban look.
The Trash Wall can be surprisingly refined when it is adorned with the remains of a mural. This look is pretty great for adding a twist to a classic chic interior or for bringing an original note to a neo-ethnic interior.
How to enhance a raw wall?
The raw wall has a strong visual impact. To adopt it at home, we therefore prefer the accent wall to the total look. And we strive to highlight it.
The raw wall has a vintage character. Unsurprisingly, it goes wonderfully with antique pieces or second-hand furniture, particularly if it bears some traces of the passage of time. We just make sure not to overload the decor, and, of course, to leave parts of the wall visible!
If the raw wall does not lack character, it can give the unpleasant impression of living in an interior that is more or less under construction. One of the tips for creating a more cozy atmosphere is to combine it with parquet flooring. Think about the chevron pattern, which brings an extra touch of refinement.
The safest way to highlight a raw wall is to focus on contrast with delicate pieces. In the bedroom, we love the refined bed linen and the padded headboard. In the living room, let yourself be charmed by the tulle sofa or the colored velvet sofa. The final touch? The chandelier with tassels, for “castle life” inspiration!
The raw wall gives a mineral character to the decor. To introduce a little freshness, we put on a vegetal touch. And we don’t skimp on textiles to create a cocooning atmosphere. What a good excuse to adopt the relief rug!
Wooden furniture, canework, plant fiber suspensions… the natural materials create an elegant and characterful contrast with the raw wall. Don’t hesitate to also play with mixing genres, for example by combining pieces of artisanal terracotta with an industrial concrete wall.