Interior decorating ideas: contrasting wallpaper styles celebrities and Google are loving
It has the capacity to completely transform a room within a matter of hours, no wonder celebrities and everyone else is searching madly for it online.
Interiors
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Wallpaper fell out of fashion for a period there, but thanks to retro-loving Millennials and Generation Z making it their own, it’s back and it’s bigger than ever before.
Teigan McCleary, founder and owner of Olive et Oriel, which sells a wide range of wallpaper designs, says the reasons wallpaper is experiencing a surge in popularity is that it’s simple to use and inexpensive too, making it perfect for those on a budget and renters – which the majority of folk in these generations tend to be.
Then, of course, there’s the fact it has the capacity to completely transform a room and within a matter of hours.
“Wallpaper adds another dimension to your walls and can make a small room look so much bigger,” says Teigan.
“And it’s fun,” she adds.
Teigan’s company specialises in self-adhesive wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is akin to a giant low-tack fabric sticker. It comes in panels and is easily applied and better still, easily removed.
“Self-adhesive wallpaper opens up the opportunity to have fun, embrace colour and patterns without worrying about it dating,” says Teigan.
“Simply peel it off in a year or so and embrace a new trend.”
SOMETHING FOR EVERY HOME
Traditional wallpaper is not quite as simple to use, but it’s not as challenging as you may have thought, especially if you’re considering a feature wall only.
There are several different types of paper including standard vinyl-coated which tends to be long-lasting and hard-wearing. There’s specialist papers, such as flock, or those with hand-printed designs (both of which are more tricky to hang) and embossed wall panels, too.
These are thicker and linoleum-based and perfect for hanging below dado rails in heritage properties.
Whichever option you decide upon, it pays to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Do that though and you can expect beautiful results.
CONNECTING WITH NATURE
The pandemic forced many of us to spend more time at home with some of us losing our jobs and others shifting to remote work.
According to data provider SafeGraph, at one point (April, 2020) close to half of us were spending more than 18 hours a day tucked indoors.
Not surprisingly we started to view our spaces differently and we began to clamour to bring the outdoors in.
One of the trends that came out of that was botanical wallpaper, which was not only beautiful but allowed us to feel more connected with nature, even when we weren’t.
Sharp clean lines and cool curves are the basis of this trend which flourished back in the 1930s but today’s versions are a little different thanks to new printing techniques and materials.
Colours are now crystal clear and patterns are bold.
Classic florals have taken a turn with the addition of cool hues such as turquoise and gold, silver and cobalt blue.
Whichever way you go the effect will be dramatic.
ALLURE OF PANORAMIC WALLPAPER
Panoramic mural-style wallpaper is huge currently with Google reporting an increase of more than 300 per cent in searches during the past year.
This type of paper-slash-mural is magical to look at and distinctly effective when it comes to making small spaces feel larger. Floral themes are big, as are cityscapes and green spaces.
Exotic holidays to tropical destinations are out, at least for a little while longer. But instead of railing against the injustice of it all, many of us are instead bringing the adventures indoors with tropical wallpaper designs wildly popular.
Gorgeous details of jungle scenes complete with tigers and toucans (such as the version seen here in designer Camilla Franks’ Sydney home) are popping up all over and we can’t get enough.
If you love this style, but are not certain you want an entire jungle effect, you might like to consider a feature wall or panel only. Alternatively hang it in a small space such as the bathroom or powder room.
Geometric wallpaper collections can be found in everything from classic curves which lend an Art Deco flavour through to ultra-modern block designs with a distinctly urban feel.
Choose designs that keep to a simple, singular palette for an old-school effect through to bold, primary colours and shapes for a more dramatic, contemporary look.
Don’t miss the new-look At Home magazine with your Saturday paper, or visit us online At Home.
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