Unpainted
November 9th, 2007
Paul just blogged on painting the walls of your house, and as I read it, I thought about whether or not this would ever apply to me. And then it struck me: I have never seen painted walls in Japan. At least not that I can recall. Every apartment, house, and office where I took notice, wallpaper was used. Usually it’s plain, textured wallpaper. A few times I have seen walls that look like a texture was sprayed on. But I do not recall ever having seen a painted wall. As much to the point, I have never seen much of a house-paint display in any “home center” store in Japan.
Sachi confirms this: painted walls in a house are a special thing in Japan. They exist, but are not common at all.
Hmm.
Huh. I never would have guessed that “no paint” deal there. Now that I think of it, though, I’ve been places where they use a lot more wallpaper and a lot less painted walls.
Personally, I love the way that painting can give your old space a brand new feel. I suppose wallpaper can do the same thing, though.