While a classic solid color is always a safe choice, there are so many creative interior design ideas for walls, floors, and ceilings that can take your home to the next level. Stepping beyond standard paint opens up a world of unique finishes and materials—from applied wood wall treatments and ceiling wallpaper to painted floors, bold tilework, and exposed brick.
These elements introduce texture, personality, and depth, turning often-overlooked surfaces into standout features. No matter your style, there’s always a way to go beyond the basics. Let’s explore some of our interior designers’ favorite creative interior design ideas for walls, floors, and ceilings.
Applied Wood Wall Treatments for a Timeless, Cozy Feel
Applied wood wall treatments have made a strong comeback in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The versatility of wall treatments with wood allows this technique to suit a variety of styles and spaces. Lighter woods like pine or ash may help lighten and brighten a space, while natural wood finishes like oak or walnut provide comfort and add warmth to a room. Beyond its visual appeal, wood wall treatments are also a practical choice; it’s durable, provides insulation, and stands up well to everyday wear.
At CHD, we are no strangers to wood treatments on walls and ceilings. In a massive waterfront retreat, we used applied wood treatments to create a cohesive feel throughout an expansive project spanning 15,000 square feet. In a space this large, we used light-toned wood treatments not only on the walls but also on the ceiling to add texture and create a cozy feel in the bedrooms.
Depending on your goals, the orientation of your wood wall treatments can dramatically impact the feel of a space. Horizontal and vertical planks each bring their own personality and effect—here’s how to decide which direction works best for your design.
Horizontal Wood Wall Treatments for a Spacious Look
Horizontal paneling can enhance the visual width of a room while adding depth and dimension to flat walls. It’s a great option for rooms that need to feel more open and grounded.
- Offers a more contemporary, relaxed aesthetic
- Makes rooms appear broader and more expansive
- Ideal for smaller spaces where added depth is desired
- Pairs well with warm wood tones for a traditional or rustic look
- Helps low ceilings feel less imposing, adding to the room’s coziness
Vertical Wood Wall Treatments: An Interior Designer’s Secret to Height
Vertical paneling draws the eye upward, making it a go-to choice for designers looking to elongate walls and create a feeling of height.
- Adds a modern or minimalist vibe to the space
- Creates the illusion of taller walls and higher ceilings
- Makes small rooms feel more open and airy
- Contributes a sleek, clean-lined look to any design style
Wallpaper Renaissance: How Interior Designers are Reviving Bold Patterns
Wallpaper has been a staple for centuries, but the renewed popularity of using wallpaper for interior design stems from the freedom of creativity it gives the owner from room to room. Because it offers countless combinations of color, pattern, and texture, wallpaper is an effective tool for interior design creativity.
Wallpaper doesn’t have to be used traditionally on just walls; a creative way to add contrast to a room is by using wallpaper on the ceiling. At CHD, we’ve had clients use wallpaper to help differentiate between a Gentlemen’s Room and a Ladies’ Lounge.
As seen on the left in the Gentlemen’s Room, the wallpaper is used on the ceiling to create a dark contrast in the room, tying in those darker neutral colors that are displayed throughout the room. In the Ladies’ Lounge, the pink-printed wallpaper adds a pop of color to the room, accentuating the feel of the bright colors and playful designs as seen around the room.
Why We Love Wallpaper: Endless Interior Design Possibilities
Wallpaper is one of the most flexible tools in a designer’s toolbox. From bold statements to subtle backdrops, it can completely transform a space—whether you’re decorating a whole room or adding just a splash of pattern in an unexpected spot.
- Comes in countless styles, colors, and textures for every design taste
- Ideal for renters, with removable peel-and-stick options
- Makes it easy to experiment with trends without a long-term commitment
- Adds visual interest to walls, ceilings, furniture, or built-ins
- Instantly elevates a space with personality and dimension
Tiling: Creative Uses for Floors, Walls, and Beyond
Photo from Original Style Tile, featuring their Patchwork Botanical Rose tiles.
When we think of wall tiles, bathrooms, and kitchens typically come to mind—and for good reason. These spaces have long been the traditional home for tilework thanks to tile’s durability and functionality. But in today’s interior design landscape, tiles are breaking out of those boundaries and showing up in fresh, unexpected places throughout the home.
Brands like Original Style Tile (shown above) are helping redefine how we think about tile, offering collections that inspire creativity far beyond the basics. Whether it’s a patterned floor that anchors an entryway or a bold tile wall in a bathroom, tile is proving to be as decorative as it is practical. With endless patterns, finishes, and layouts to explore, tile can be both the backdrop and the statement piece—bringing color, texture, and dimension to any room.
At CHD Interiors, we love finding ways to incorporate tile in unique, high-impact applications. One standout example is a custom fireplace surround featuring hand-painted terracotta tile, where our designers selected every color by hand. The result is a beautifully crafted focal point that adds warmth, artistry, and personality to the living space.
Exposed Brick: For Rustic Charm & Modern Edge
A common architectural element that infuses modern interior spaces with a feeling of history and raw, rustic beauty is exposed brick. This architectural element adds instant character and texture to a space. An excellent choice for establishing a balance between modern and industrial aesthetics and warm, inviting sentiments, exposed brick’s natural tones and uneven surfaces contrast sharply with smooth, polished materials.
The style of brick you choose can change the effect it has on your home, giving you endless options and uses for this material. By leaving the bricks in their natural state, they provide a rustic or rugged look—but you also have the option to paint them for a cohesive, uniform appearance. Brick provides a canvas for artistic expression, whether you choose the traditional red brick style or go for a more contemporary white or gray version.
Painted Floors: Transform Your Interior Design with Bold Designs
In the interior design world, painted floors have emerged as a bold and imaginative trend, offering a fresh way to make a room stand out beyond what’s happening on the walls. This approach transforms flooring from a background element into a central design feature. Rather than sticking to solid colors, many designers are embracing graphic motifs and geometric patterns that bring movement and personality to a space.
Painted floors can serve as the focal point of a room, anchoring the overall aesthetic while complementing furniture, textiles, and wall treatments. From checkerboard patterns in entryways to intricate custom designs in dining rooms or bedrooms, this technique allows for true artistic freedom. With proper preparation, quality paint, and the right sealing methods, painted floors are as durable as they are eye-catching—proving that even the surface underfoot can be a striking statement piece.
Embrace The Possibilities: Transform Your Space with Creative Interior Design Ideas
Whether you choose to add wooden planks to your wall to elongate the room, embrace the historical brick over your fireplace, or take the time to peel and stick that funky wallpaper pattern to your bathroom, creative interior design ideas for your walls, floors, and ceilings can reimagine the possibilities of your space.
At CHD Interiors, we use our knowledge and attention to detail to assist you in making creative interior design choices that enhance the look of your home while also keeping your style true to you. Get in touch with us today and let us assist you in transforming your space into a home tailored just for you.
