Say Goodbye To Popcorn Ceilings With A Solution From Erin Napier

Interior design trends shift over time, but one fact that is universally agreed upon is that popcorn ceilings are a big no-no. The outdated textured ceiling format looks unappealing and sloppy. Instead, a ceiling should look crisp and can also be used as a canvas for design to help the room feel cozy and establish the ambiance. 

HGTV "Home Town" host Erin Napier hatched an idea to transform a dated popcorn ceiling without the hassle of scraping off every piece of popcorn. She covered the ceiling with wood planks so the space would still offer texture. Napier then decided to take the visual a step further by limewashing the ceiling to add character and a touch of naturalism. The result was a beautiful surface with pleasant color that is pleasing to the touch.  

What is limewashing exactly? It's similar to the process of whitewashing walls, but instead with limestone that has been transformed into a paint or glaze consistency. The limestone is crushed and then fired at a high heat. Then it is combined with water and naturally colored, giving its off-white base a hint of yellow tint and a chalk-like texture. Limewash is frequently utilized on interior and even exterior walls like brick. It is durable enough to create a soft, organic look to add the perfect amount of dimension and visual appeal. Napier loves that limewash could be manipulated in the hours after it is applied to look more distressed or smooth, meaning any desired visual can be achieved during the limewashing process.

Covering popcorn ceilings with wood paneling and then adding a limewash effect will revitalize the space by converting it into something new and stunning. This creative way to use limewash to transform your home will create warmth while also offering a touch of softness in a shade that reflects light. And it will straighten out the ceiling to be flat in place of the bumpiness that comes with inconsistent popcorn. The solution is fairly easy to achieve because you won't need to undertake the grueling process that comes with removing a popcorn ceiling. Instead, you are simply covering it up with a visual upgrade as the ceiling should already be reinforced with a durable material that can withstand the necessary weight. There are wood planks available on the market that are DIY-friendly, much like wood flooring panels that can be easily assembled with interlocking technology. 

Limewash can be applied with a paintbrush or a sponge to create unique shapes and blot patterns. It requires intentional brush strokes to really generate a prominent texture that is pleasing to the senses. By limewashing the wood planks, more of the hardwood's natural graining and pattern will be showcased. It will also keep the room from becoming too dark as limewash will lighten up the space. The combination of hardwood planks and limewash will combine the best that modern wood constructions have to offer with a traditional, timeless limestone visual that is sure to impress.