Adding the “wow factor” to a new or existing commercial building’s interior needn’t require the use of costly materials such as marble or silk, but it also needs more than just a coat of paint.

Instead, owners can use faux finishes — a method of finishing intended to duplicate the look of another material. Another strategy to create a higher-end building look is to use a wallcovering such as wallpaper, wood panels or tile.

These design techniques help to elevate spaces, strengthen a company’s brand, and attract and retain occupants, said Alyssa Gawlinski, area manager at Finishing Chicago, a firm that connects companies with its network of painting, decorating and drywall finishing contractors.

“In today’s competitive market, first impressions are everything,” she said. “Faux finishes and wallcoverings are powerful tools that can transform ordinary spaces into powerful experiences.”

Veronica Leal, a wallcovering and decorative finishes instructor at the Finishing Trades Institute of DC 14 Chicago, said building owners and managers can work with Finishing Chicago’s contractors directly or hire designers on their behalf to select preferred textures and colors.

The current trend for faux finishes is a simple and clean look with lighter colors. They can be laid down with limewash, a paint made of limestone and water that dries to a matte finish, Leal said.

Jeff Hester, vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating, said that faux finishes can help turn people’s attention to a particular point of the room, which is especially important when entering a lobby, as it offers the first interaction with the inside of a building.

“A lot of clients want something special in their spaces, but they don’t know where to start,” he said. “You need to have a focal point, but you don’t need to have wild splashes of color to make it special.”

Aside from aesthetics, many clients prefer faux finishes because they can go up quickly, cover large areas and withstand inevitable wear and tear, said Daniel Fiorito, project manager at painting and finishing company Ascher Brothers.

Some clients want their painting contractor to inspect the space twice annually and refresh it with touch-ups, if needed. Keeping the building looking as good as new helps with making a good impression, Hester said.

Properties can also get creative through wallcoverings like wallpaper or murals. Leal said clients can choose from a handful of patterns and colors, or they can get an image digitally printed on a mural. Hand-painted designs are possible but may involve the work of an artist or designer and can take time to produce.

Preferences for wallcoverings depend on taste. Choices can vary between going with lighter or darker colors or incorporating textures or a clean style.

Another emerging trend is using wood veneer wallpaper, Hester said, which is made of thin layers of wood and attached to a backing. It can also be used on structures such as doors and desks.

“This wallpaper is great for spaces like banks or hotels who don’t want to invest in new furniture but still want to change the look,” Hester said. “Something like wood veneer wallpaper can totally transform a space and is much more cost-efficient than replacing furniture.”

Gawlinski said that owners and managers can connect with Finishing Chicago to find a contractor with expertise in faux finishes or wallcoverings. Finishing Chicago contractors are trained in safety, project management and client communications, and they work with designers and wallcovering manufacturers to create spaces that can stand the test of time.

“These finishes bring depth, character and lasting visual impact with textured walls that add warmth and sophistication, or statement designs that reflect a property’s brand and personality,” she said. “Our network brings creativity, craftsmanship and innovation to the table and sets a project up for success.”

This article was produced in collaboration between Finishing Chicago and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.