Do the holidays make you think of the wallpaper of years gone by?
The idea of wallpapering rooms in ones home can make anyone cringe and have nightmares. Thinking back to your grandmother’s house with 2 patterns and a border in every room, or having to remove layers of paper like an archeologist in hopes of finding the last layer and the perfect wall to paint. Well it is time to push those nightmares to the curb!
Wallpaper … it’s back baby!
Yes, for real, Wallpaper is back and it will WOW you! Today’s leading trends are much different offering geometrics, grass cloths and wood looks. These papers are being produced with newer technology that are made for easier installation and removal, with products like the peel and stick papers significantly expanding your options.
Now wallpaper or as some prefer, wallcoverings, are not the “paper” of old but are made of more forgiving and even more natural materials. So impressive that they are even being used as a focal point in a room, combining paint and wallpaper together in with looks that are thoughtful and creative. In fact, wallpapers are being treated like art in a room inspired by nature and organic materials. Grass-cloths and sisals have re-emerged but in newer colors and patterns, many combining texture and bold geometrics. Spaces like a powder room or a bathroom, the bed wall in a bedroom, places like ceilings, inside a bookcase and not every room in the house, the mantra to keep in mind to use less of it – it’s like eating cake!
Home decorating shows are now featuring wallpapered rooms. Wallpapering rooms is newly exciting as many designers are designing new exciting lines, like Joanna Gaines, and Candice Olson. Companies like Thibaut, Schumacher, York, Brewster and Seabrook are producing and designing wallpapers that are timeless. Some trends that are being seen are textures, grass cloths, leather look vinyls and faux woods like shiplap. Also, geometrics, bolder prints or tactile dimensional papers with stones and beads.
Today’s design trends are more eclectic and casual. Lifestyles have changed and so has wallpaper. So say goodbye to the nightmares of old and look anew at what is now a hot trend – wallpaper!
Marc Silipo is the Color and Decorating consultant at Drive in Paint Mart in Dorchester.
Pro Tip: check out this vide0 for one project on your list: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygnHSUCagL0