Borders add touch of charm to room

"Primary Sources," Color Tree Designs
Spruce up a kitchen with borders or stencils in floral, geometric, or Hawaiian petroglyph patterns.

"Borders became popular starting three years ago," recalls Tanaka, the 1996-97 president of the American Society of Interior Designers Hawaii. "I thought it would die out, but I am seeing more and more of it."

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are popular now-a-days, and a likely location for borders and stencils is the soffit - the area between the ceiling and the top of a cabinet.

Gorgeous options include charming leaf patterns, sophisticated antique borders and tropical florals. Tanaka said to think light and restful when picking a trendy "natural motif" - such as exotic fruits - or one of the "muddied" shades that are trendy variations of true colors.

She said one-third of the wallpaper catalogs now feature border designs. Another advantage of the wall coverings is that they're easy-care wipeable.

Tanaka added that kitchens and bathrooms can be tricky areas in which to apply wall coverings.

"I always tell people, 'Just take your time.' They think that because these rooms are small, they can rush right through and complete the project."

Also, do-it-yourselfers can make stencil designs in floral, geometric, even Hawaiian petroglyph designs.

"I know that (lifestyle expert) Martha Stewart also shows how to do stencils," she said.