Is Wallpaper Back in Fashion Again?
The wallpaper industry took a big hit in the last 10 years when people chose to use flat paint on their walls or do faux finishing. They had less interest in wallpaper and wanted a more neutral look. As a professional Interior Designer in Bergen County, NJ, I knew the benefits of wallpaper and used it whenever I could.
Now, wall paper is back! It has had a major resurgence and in the last few years. People started to embrace the NEW wallpapers that give a richer look. They finally recognized the many advantages of using wallpaper over paint!
Today, new techniques and equipment using new technology gives us wallpapers that are sleek and stylish, using fresh colors, textures and patterns. They are environmentally friendly and can drastically change the whole look and feel of a room.
What about using wallpaper as your feature wall? We certainly do that!
Here the accent wall is a soft paisley design to add to the serenity of the master bedroom design.
Geometrics, florals and botanicals are now larger in scale and are hot right now. Metallics are back and so are textures. With digital printing, subjects such as wood, leather or grass cloth really simulates the look so closely, you feel like you have to touch the wall to see if it is the real thing! Of course, using wallpaper is a fraction of the cost of using the genuine item.
New wall papers feature sand, ribbons, glass beads, cork or bark in the designs. Some papers are sponged looks but are designed in a more contemporary way. Hand-made papers give you features such as feathers, flowers, raffia or ferns and are very organic.
The new technology in printing also gives us papers that are lighter, easier to install and some are even able to be removed easily if you so desire. You can paper the whole room or just do a focal wall that is an accent. You could do three walls in a subdued pattern that goes with the bolder, more colorful accent paper as the focal point.
Don’t forget the 5th wall~ the ceiling. Installing wallpaper between beams or coffers adds interest and hides problems.
Hanging wallpaper can be tricky. It is best to leave it to the professional who knows what to do to prep the walls before and hide tricky seams when installing.
Having fun with your spaces is part of the design process and today’s wallpaper helps you get to that goal!
