WALLPAPER MANIA
WHEN MY CLIENTS SAY THEY WANT SOMETHING UNIQUE AND BOLD I OFTEN SAY WALLPAPER! :)
This décor element comes to a new life and incentivised creatives and us designers to incorporate it more often in our projects
Whether it’s a commercial or a residential space I love the way wallpapers can bring character and add visual interest to a room
It surely is a crucial choice to make as the selection of pattern, colour and material will have a strong impact on the aesthetic of the rest of your space. The market has a lot to offer and it’s easy to get lost or feel overwhelmed by all the options available
I’ve rounded up here a few suggestions that will help you with your selections together with some aesthetics I like
POSITION
Is this going to be for a passageway, a hallway or a foyer or are you thinking larger areas, perhaps in the living room?
Are you going to cover just a portion of the room, or is it going on all walls?
One or more walls?
Sometimes covering one wall only works better than apply the material to the entire room, however as always there are no rules, just finding the right balance between dimensions, volumes, lights, and heights
For bedrooms, most of the times it’s the wall behind the bed, as this allow to create an effortlessly integrated feature within the room, and when the selection is curated, it can transform the wall into a large artwork, bringing character and showing the owners personality and style.
Feature elements
I also love to highlight structural elements such as columns, arches and divider walls using patterns, or intense tones. Where possible I do love to preserve and enhance original features, rather than demolish and re do.
Ceiling
This area is often underestimate while sometimes is clever to highlighted to really create a ‘WOW’ factor
WHERE? Hallways and entries and large rooms such as living or board rooms if it’s a commercial space are just some examples
This is also a great way of using the space and create visual interest when working with particularly high ceilings as it adds depth, and makes the ceiling feel closer resulting in a more welcoming and less cold and impersonal space
For nooks or niches, you can play with textures, colours and patterns and really give the space a lift, making it unique.
If you are dealing with a small powder rooms or toilet sometimes, you can consider covering all the walls
You would need enough height to play with, to avoid enclosing the space more and if there are no windows or highlights and there isn’t a lot of natural light, go for a light and textured wallpaper.
PATTERN
Once you’ve decided the position, you can select colours and patterns. This is a very personal choice; however you need to select your internal wall paint colour first and decide if your wallpaper would match the colour palette or if you are after a more dramatic effect, and a complete contrast.
Domino Mag, Photo by Marco Ricca
There is no right or wrong
but you would need to make sure everything works together and that volumes and tones are balanced to create a dynamic yet relaxed space
In terms of patterns, you will find different themes such as nature including bushes beaches, mountains, lakes and rivers, hills, flowers and cities, skies, space etc.
I personally love geometric shapes and lines, and adore abstract patterns and warm and contrasting tones, but this is very personal.
Suppliers these days, offer a wide selection from simpler and cost-effective options to more expensive designer wallpapers
For kids’ bedrooms, generally pastel tones animals and narrative wallpapers work well, and you can really go creative according to your little persons personality and preferences
MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
You say wallpaper and naturally think of paper, however this decorative element has hugely improved and changed over the years incorporating different materials to increase versatility, and durability. Each finish will deliver a different feel and aesthetic
Materials include silk, linen, fabric and vinyl and natural textures and metallic finishes, all thanks to special resins able to seal the surface making it more resistant and easier to clean.
Last piece of advice: Go bold or don’t go at all!
My personal opinion is wallpapers are introduced to add a unique and vibrant touch to a space, and there is no point in selecting plain and muted tones. Do your research and go with your instinct! Pick the one that tells something to you, or about you. If you are not sure and feeling overwhelmed, ask the opinion of your designer, or an expert you trust!
Make a space, your space!
Domino Mag, Designed by Crystal Sinclaire
PRO TIP
Match your wall paper to one other textile element in the room such as cushions, curtains or upholstered furniture for a wow effect and a professional outcome