Return of Wallpaper

The Return of Wallpaper

Is there one decorating element that can instantly set a tone and create a unifying design for a room? Yes; wallpaper can. Wallpaper has fallen out of favor in the past ten years or so because it was overused and too infrequently changed. It also became tiresome as wallpaper borders became ubiquitous and made our eyes run a tedious marathon around the four corners of every room where it was used.

But, we’re seeing a resurgence of patterns and the natural transition is to put them on the walls. Today’s wallpaper isn’t like your grandmother’s. The style now is vibrant, boldly graphic or understated and both can be used to create a fresh and cleverly updated appearance.

Go graphic

Bold, graphic designs like Lisa Bengtsson’s black and white shoe wallpaper are so chic and trendy. But using those wild prints requires a light touch. A great example of the use of bold design is on the hit television show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition. In many homes, they use very bold and graphic wallpaper, particularly in the master bedroom.

If you want to try some high style wallpaper, create a bold statement wall and use a wild or large print as a focal point, such as behind a bed. If the print is bold and the design is not too big, add paper below chair rail moulding. A graphic black and white wallpaper was used below a black chair rail on Episode 514 on Extreme Makeover and makes the furnishings pop against the monochromatic backdrop.

Be different

Another clever use of wallpaper is using texture on the walls. You no longer have to hope to find wallpaper in the color you want. Instead, you apply the wallpaper in the texture you like and paint it with the exact shade you desire. This means an infinite variety of styles can be used from a single style of textured wallpaper.

Try using textured wallpaper in a closet or on a ceiling for even more visual interest and unexpected punch. A huge surprise in wallpaper is the re-emergence of flocked wallpaper. Some of the trendiest hotels are employing this Seventies standard for more high-style with retro appeal.

Of course, all wallpaper today doesn’t have to be big, bold, and wildly-patterned. Many of the new wallpapers are very subtle designs. Ronaldreddingdesigns.com has a wonderful selection of classically elegant yet updated wallpapers. Rich and beautiful, these understated papers create a relaxing and calm environment that is tasteful, yet fresh.

Apply carefully

Even though you can add great style and a decorating facelift in a hurry, resist the temptation to paste up a roll of paper without doing some prep work first. The great thing about wallpaper is that you can take it down. The bad thing about wallpaper is that you have to take it down. Before using any wallpaper, take the little step and roll on a coat of wallpaper sealer before pasting up your paper.

This product will ensure that when it’s time for the paper to come down, you will be able to get it off of the walls. Check with your paint store to get the correct product. Once your paper is on the wall, try using any leftovers in a creative way.

For instance, if you only paper one wall, try framing some wallpaper to hang on a non-papered wall. It will create a great designer look and save you some money on artwork.

Take a look at wallpaper again. It’s not the same old roses and paisley prints anymore – and the new patterns might just be the perfect remedy for the plain painted wall.