Article By: Stephanie Barbarino 3/9/2017

Remember when wallpaper & paneling were the worst things you could have on your walls? The old trends died out back in the early 2000’s, but they are back with a vengeance.

Not only is wall paper resurfacing, but walls are now being covered by materials no one would ever have thought of using in designs. Adding textured elements to walls is making a huge impact in both residential and commercial design.

Here’s what all the rave is right now:

1. Textured Wallpaper: 

     Wallpaper is no longer something to be afraid of. A textured paper brings  added depth to the design, especially when there is limited space. For bolder patterns, keep the wallpaper to only one wall. This will help create a focal point while making sure the pattern or texture is not overbearing or too busy for the space.

2.Shiplap

Gone are the days where people dreaded having wood on their walls. Although Wainscoting has been popular for the past decade in design, feature walls covered in wood have only recently been desirable. Bringing the outside in, shiplap gives a natural, historic, yet modern feature to a space. The coloring and age of the shiplap will set the mood for an entire design.

3.Chalkboard Paint 

This fun element is being used in homes & restaurants all over the country. Having a chalkboard painted wall is a great way to add character to a space for a playful yet sophisticated look. For restaurants, this option is used to save space while advertising for the customers.

4.Wall Tiles

If you’re looking to create a unique space, implementing wall tiles into your design is an excellent option. The texture and finish of the tile can range from vintage to super sleek and modern. While starting to get more common in homes, this is a go to look for lobbies in both apartment buildings and commercial buildings. The tile adds  warmth to the space which makes it more clean and inviting to the residents and workers.

5. Wood Veneer 

Similar to wall tiles, wood veneer gives a sleeker look to a space with added elements of depth in each piece. Not all wood veneer looks like wood, either. Using patterns such as Sunburst will take a plain wall and evolve it into a piece of artwork.

Photo credit: Google.com

Design Alternatives Inc. takes on the Days Hotel:

In the fall of 2016, Owner of Design Alternatives Inc., Carrie Fusella, took on the task of bringing the Days Hotel in Toms River, New Jersey into the 21st Century. The hotel located only 3 miles from the beaches of the Jersey Shore was ready for the 173 room establishment to be redesigned in order to provide the most comfortable experience for their guests.

The Project, headed by Project Manager and Designer Chris Presti, began to take form in April, 2016. Construction for the renovation then began in May 2016 with a new style on the horizon throughout the hotel. Each area of the renovation was carefully designed to meet the owner’s desire of a Casual Contemporary Tropic theme blending a timeless look with the fiery spirit of the Jersey Shore.

The renovations started in the guest rooms, bringing each room back to a blank slate to build a new look with a variation of fun design elements. Starting from the bottom up, each room maintains that Casual Contemporary Tropic theme. From the custom color carpet of  Shaw’s Private Line  to  the freshly painted walls colored with a vibrant shade of Blueberry Muffin by PPG Paint, Presti brought the rooms a clean & welcoming feel that is sure to keep guest coming back for years.

The team took on a multitude of other areas throughout the hotel such as the pool area, adding some updated details like wall tile and fresh paint color in the pool area bathroom. The Days Hotel lobby also gained a cool look with shades of blue and green in the sitting area and beautiful DalTile added throughout the quarter. In addition, the pre function corridor picks up the revitalized design with new light fixtures by Dale Tiffany.

Design Alternative’s work throughout the hotel has received rave reviews, but what may just be the show stealer are the updates that were made to the hotel’s Veranda Room. Illuminated by  stunning custom chandeliers by Elegant Lighting, the Veranda room is beaming with elegance from the ceiling to the floors, which are adorn with beautiful carpeting by Shaw Hospitality.

From originally opening as a Holiday Inn in 1978, the change to the TR Hotel, and then to the final transformation as the beautiful Days Hotels that is today, this establishment is continuing to grow and evolve. With talks of renovating the ever popular Atlantis Ball Room in 2018, the Days Hotel is on it’s way to being the most desirable hotel in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Read what they’re saying about us! 

“Really enjoyed our recent stay at the Days Hotel Toms River. The renovations are very nice. The bed was very comfortable and the new bath was nicely done. We were a bit disappointed that the pool was being redone during our stay but the staff made us very comfortable and are always a pleasure. Thank You Jennifer and your team.”

-Craig M.W  February 2017 

“My wife and i recently spent a pleasant night at the Days Hotel TR. They are near the end of a major face lift which is providing a new clean look. we stayed in one of the new rooms which we found very comfortable and convenient upgrades such as WiFi building wide, plenty of outlets in room (big +), and room refrig. comfortable desk chair to name a few. As always the staff is outstanding and more than made up for any inconveniences. we look forward to returning when completed.”

-Bob G. February 2017

“Great experience here..I began staying here when it was the TR Hotel and I have to say that they did a phenomenal job at rennovating the hotel is beautiful! The staff is the best..they are all like family..”

– Phillips177 February 2017 

Read more about our renovation feedback! TripAdvisor.com