Wainscot, wall paper, raised wall panels are all great ways to combine styles to enhance or create new atmospheres. Modern Faux finish paints use various techniques and tools and even additives like perlite to recreate walls by the DIY.

Old time textures were made from aggregates like plaster and sand or perlite and required experience and tricky techniques. There was also the long forgotten formula consisting of a lime based putty and pulverized marble. When prepared with color additives and applied to the wall with a spreading tool, the effect was both dimensional and colorful.

Venetian Plaster (..developed by Italian artisans and not to be confused with Faux finshes ) re truely elegant and can be purchased in easy to apply acrylic kits. The colorful, glossy finish does have a pleasant textured appearance, while not being gaudy. By mixing three or so separate batches, each with color variance and applying them in an overlapping fashion, appealing aesthetic textural effects can be achieved.

I would also recommend that you practice using different spreading techniques on a scrap peice of drywall or wood panel before applying to your own wall.  With a bit of positive energy and a bit of practice, you'll create a refreshing ambiance for your room.