The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Paper the house
Want to wake up your walls? Gabrielle Fagan speaks to those in the know about the hottest wallpaper looks
Papering a single feature wall is also a ‘fast’ way to embrace a trend
Walls – like gifts – look their best when wellwrapped. And there’s now a huge choice of wallpaper out there, so they can shimmer, sparkle or stun.
Papering a single feature wall is also a “fast” way to embrace a trend.
Here, three experts in the field reveal their wallpaper wisdom and trend predictions for the year ahead...
CREATE DRAMA AND PERSONALITY
“Platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram inspire people and help empower them to experiment, while the rise in personalisation means people are enjoying creating unique designs for their walls,” says Catherine Jacob, head of design at Murals Wallpaper, who offer a range of designs and can create bespoke wall murals from images or photographs supplied by customers.
“Generally, patterns are becoming more daring, with large-scale dark florals, jungle prints and brightcoloured geometrics enlivening the landscape of walls once dominated by a conventional neutral palette of paint.”
For 2018, she predicts large-scale images or repeat patterns will offer a punchy alternative to the small, ditsy patterns of yesteryear.
“Millennial pink reigns as the new black and has become a staple base colour, but lilac tones are gaining popularity,” Catherine adds.
TOP TIP: To enhance a setting and ensure a beautiful wall covering is the focus of a room, pick out key colours from the design and repeat them in plain fabrics and painted woodwork.
PLAY WITH PATTERN
“Whether you prefer a bold palette with pops of bright colour, linear or geometric patterns, or shimmering metallics, there’s literally something for everyone,” says Paula Taylor, colour and trends specialist for Graham and Brown.
“For 2018, we’ve identified key trends which form the backdrop to our new collections. We’re focusing on raw beauty – tactility, texture and fresh white forms, which bring purity to a home – think weaves, cane work and wood grain with layered, natural finishes.
“Global influences are here to stay, with an appreciation of intricate markmaking, weave dying and bold graphic elements. This trend will be a statement look, with sapphire, crimson and papaya colours, underlined by earthier rusts and greys in celebration of highly-coloured pattern,” she adds.
TOP TIP: For a stylish statement wall that conjures an eclectic traveller look, consider a bright tropical wallpaper featuring animated creatures and layered forest leaves, paired with natural wood furniture, bamboo accessories and wicker accents.
For a modern feel, pair patterned wallpaper in a calming sage green with clean lines and contemporary furniture, and contrast vivid colours with glossy white finishes.
PLAY WITH SHIMMER AND TEXTURE
“The popularity of floral patterns endures and classic patterns are getting an update, with new printing techniques and a fresh focus on detail and larger-scale patterns,” promises Alex Whitecroft, head of design at I Want Wallpaper.
“The trend to bring the ‘outdoors in’, with the adoption of botanical and tropical looks, will evolve even further. There are so many fabulous ways to incorporate this look, from subtle embossed palm leaves to bold and bright tropical prints.”
“Metallics and designs incorporating sparkle and shine are another hot trend, and are brilliant in light-starved rooms, as they help bounce light around and give an illusion of space.
TOP TIP: A large print used on all the walls in a small room, or one with low ceilings, may be overbearing – so use it sparingly or consider using a smallerscale, simpler graphic design.