Gabrielle Fagan reveals how to get on board with one of decor’s boldest shifts
Be honest, are you weird about wallpaper? Relax – you’re not alone if you resort to safe, old emulsion, rather than delving into a world of exciting pattern, colour and dazzling designs.
You may find the prospect too scary, demanding or the choice bewildering – but truly, it’s time to wake up from your decor slumber and embrace the future. Because, like it or not, wallpaper is the way to go.
One design house, Andrew Martin (andrewmartin.co.uk), is reproducing famous paintings from the famous gallery, so they can grace the walls in your home.
“This is the year to fill your home with bold prints and pattern – and wall coverings are the perfect way to get maximum impact,” enthuses Nina Tarnowski, founder and designer of Lancashire-based specialist wallpaper company, Woodchip & Magnolia (woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk).
“There’s no need to be intimidated because there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what looks good. Individuality is key to adding
your own personality to the home. If you follow your instinct and go with what you love, your home will never look better.”
1. DON’T JUST FOLLOW THE TRENDS OR THE PACK
“Your home is an extension of your personality and should reflect that. No two people are the same, so why should their homes be?” declares Tarnowski.
“Find wallpaper that speaks to you and make sure it’s something that you fall in love with. Don’t settle for decor that ticks the box on a trend but does nothing for your soul.”
2. WHAT’S HOT?
Patterns and images which are eye-catching and make a statement are becoming hugely popular, says Tarnowski.
“As a designer, working digitally lets me explore colour and scale in ways never before possible. I used to design traditional analogue wallpapers working within a set repeat. I now feel free, “she says.
“The digital age has enabled wallpapers to be designed in new and Top: Real Red Brick Effect Wallpaper, £75 a roll, Woodchip & Magnolia. Above: Blue Brick Effect Wallpaper, £85 a roll, Woodchip & Magnolia. creative ways, and the results are spectacular. It’s a really exciting time to be in the industry, with new designs coming out everyday.”
3. BAG A HIGH-STREET BARGAIN
High-street lifestyle and fashion brand, Accessorize, has launched its first range of wallpaper, with 13 designs including florals, wild prints, metallics and texture, all at £30 a roll. My favourite for adding texture is the Camden White brick. Check it out at WallpaperDirect.com.
4. STEP INTO THE JUNGLE
One way to escape our unpredictable weather is to change your indoor landscape. Put away the passport and simply replicate a hot, steamy jungle (wildlife optional) and key into one of the strongest trends in decor.
“The jungle trend has been around for a while now so we’re seeing a lot more people being more adventurous and playful with it to keep it alive and fresh,” says Rachel Kenny, head of the studio team, Wallsauce.com. “Exotic wallpaper Top: Cockatoos & Butterflies, by Andrea Haase, Wallpaper Mural, from £32 per square metre, Wallsauce. Above: What’s Hot Abundance Wallpaper Mural, £245, Woodchip & Magnolia. designs, which bring in pattern and colour, are giving rooms that punch with show-stopping feature walls.”
5. TRICK THE EYE
“Wallpaper just keeps rolling, and whatever your taste, there is something for everyone,” promises David Harris, design director at innovative and cult interiors destination, Andrew Martin.
“From traditional florals and trompe l’oeil, to contemporary geometric and tropical patterns, or animal motifs and architectural designs, it’s a world of endless possibilities.”
Wondering how to best style your wallpaper? “Ideally, pair a large-scale patterned wallpaper with a plain rug, and add in cushions with smaller-scale patterns,” Harris advises. “Instead of using matching colours, opt for shades that complement one another, to create a sense of cohesiveness.”
6. MAKE A SPLASH
“Wallpaper’s a quick and affordable update for a bathroom – far Top: Don’t Just Follow The Trends or The Pack Tropical Paradise Jungle, Mono Grey, Wallpaper Mural, £245, Woodchip & Magnolia. Above: Ava Marika Moody Floral Wallpaper, from £85, Woodchip & Magnolia. cheaper than tiles and easier to change,” points out Alex Whitecroft, head of design at I Want Wallpaper (iwantwallpaper. co.uk).
“The damp and steamy atmosphere needn’t be a problem if you use the right paper, and that doesn’t need to limit your choice. From glamorous metallics to faux tiles and tropical jungles, there are some stunning papers around.
“When applied correctly, modern wallpapers can stay strong for years,” Whitecroft adds.
“A top tip is to apply a coat of Decorator’s Varnish over the top to seal and make the surface moisture-resistant.”
Feature walls, she suggests, work brilliantly in this room, and fashionable mosaic, slate and marble tile effects can be recreated at a fraction of the cost.
They can also be a way to enlarge the space, she says, as a patterned paper can help create the illusion of more room in a compact bathroom; murals or large-scale patterns can work well. Top: Bag A High Street Bargain Camden Brick Floral Wallpaper, Light Grey Multi, £30 a roll, Accessorize. Above: Erisman Plain Concrete Slate-Effect, Non Woven Modern Wallpaper, currently reduced to £13.99 a roll from £20.99, I Want Wallpaper.