Walls are for papering... 5 awesome ways to use wallpaper now!
So this week has been all about wallpaper and I am amazed at the incredible selections I've been finding out there. I remember when I was little, my parents put up wall paper in our house. I remember them saying 'foil' paper was in. They actually did an amazing job.... seriously Mom, you did. I thought I would never even try until I saw that there's a removable, re-stickable paper out there now. I'm not the best at doing shelving paper, I wonder if that's tell-tale about my paper hanging abilities. Well this week, for my client, I decided to play it safe and work with a pro. There's much to know about wallpaper hanging, and I really wish the Bay Area had more paper hanging professionals. (Should you be interested check out this online class.... I'll hire you!!
- Peel and Stick...... Dorm rooms, kids bedrooms, accent walls, apartments, any space your not committed to a permanent look. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Dont be afraid to use a bold print in a small space, it makes an otherwise closet sized room a decadent refuge.
Do you recognize this paper? Kev and Veronica's apartment from the show shameless? Ha! Great idea when you want a pop of hip and current.
2. Murals, today's trompe l'oeil When you fill an entire wall, your eye reads it like the photograph that it is, It sees the brightest spot and follows the light. Murals can really give the space a feeling of being outdoors or just spaciousness that you just can't get any other way.
'fool the eye' that just about says it all, this amazing room is transformed to an etherial hideaway.
This is one of the murals that made Canadian company NumérArt famous. It really helps you feel the space as much larger than it really is.
From the 2016 HGTV Dream home- This was a photo from 1970 made into a mural. I know, I know, i'm a photographer, i can't sing the praises enough, of enlarging your photos and showcasing them in any way possible. this is a really effective use of photography, color, space, scale and NOSTALGIA.
3. Timeless Wallpaper for elegant, upscale yet refreshed applications. Sometimes a room is just a room until you set the stage for something more. Consider using classic wallpaper for spaces that you know need to last the test of time.
Grasscloth - Timeless elegance
Phillip Jeffries grasscloth - I am amazed at the materials they are using banana bark etc. etc. wow. What I'm most excited it with vinyl grasscloth that can be used by real families in the bathroom.
From one of the most respected ataliers, de gournay produces some of the most beautiful papers in the world, here we have 'badminton' designed in..... wait for it........ 12 carat white gold gilded paper. chinoiserie perfection. photo: dan marshall
*** Chinoiserie- derived from the French word Chinois, meaning "Chinese" is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theater, and musical performances. - Wikipedia
Although not everyone's home has the stature to adorn itself in chinoiserie, a touch of this kind of print is sure to raise the level of sophistication dramatically.
Foils have come a long way since I was young, here they have put texture in the mix with a snake skin influence.
Metallics and bugs by abnormals anonymous.... well, i think bugs and snakes are timeless anyway....
Another by de gourney, you can really feel a three dimensional quality to this paper, The globes remind me of one of my all time favorite works of art, maxfield parrish's the lantern bearers.
4. Ikat Patterns- Why not? With all of the global influences in today's design and all the Indonesian influence in furniture. These patterns that were made with a technique in which warp or weft threads are tie died before weaving. These gorgeous prints are making their way up our walls. If you like patterns that have a history and story, check out Ikat papers for a contemporary, transitional or traditional space.
Paper from Carey Lind Cloud nine
If an entire wall seems too much, this idea works great to showcase a great print, give the feeling of fabric lined walls and pulls the room together.
By innovations- frequency
5. Design your own paper!- There are paper manufacturers that allow you to create the exact thing you want. Recreate a vintage paper of the past or put those graphic design skills to work and come up with a one of a kind piece that is exactly what your looking for.
Spoonflower does custom printed fabrics and wallpapers.
I can't think of anything i'd really rather look at then my cute ones (no, these are not mine) but turning your favorite portrait into a wall is sure to keep that amazing moment in mind for a long long time.
So the next space you do.. or re-do, keep in mind some of the wonderful offerings for cladding your walls. From a quick fix, to timeless elegance, wallpaper really does transform a space. Please drop me a note if you have any questions, comments or corrections to anything you see here. It is my utmost intention to credit those that are due for their hard work and artistry. I don't want to leave anyone out! ciao!