post off: is wallpaper here to stay?
We bet when all those decorating magazines started writing about wallpaper last fall, a lot of you thought, no way, not in my 21st-century home. For many, we know it ranks up there with wall-to-wall carpeting as cringe-worthy decor. But the fact of the matter is, wallpaper is an even bigger trend now, as evident from the two catalogs that landed in our mailboxes this week: Brocade Home (top) and CB2 (bottom). Both of these mass brands happily use wallpaper in their styling, and rather traditional fleur-de-lis patterned stuff, at that. And as much was we love the way it looks it on the page, we have yet to plaster any up in our actual homes, yet. We blame it on a shortage of walls, which makes experimentation tough. What about you, readers? Have you bought into the wallpaper revival? Thinking about it? Please tell us! And if you have, let us know what you chose and how you like it!
September 22nd, 2006 at 7:04 am
I do not like wall paper here nor there, I do not like it anywhere. I am firmly anti-wallpaper because it’s so friggin hard to change and I’m someone who changes color schemes on a regular basis. That said, I really do like the graphic patterns and have use textiles with wallpaper like patterns to add some graphic punch. There are a couple of new designers out there that have almost made me change my mind, but if I do wallpaper it will be the interior of a closet.
September 22nd, 2006 at 7:50 am
I have always like the patterns of vintage wallpaper and I think there are some amazing new wallpaper designs out there. But I have to agree with hoppekat - it is hard to change and can be a pain to maintain. A little water damage and you have peeling rippled wallpaper. I do like the idea of wallpapering a screen or large board and leaning it against a wall, though.
September 23rd, 2006 at 1:22 am
This wallpaper thing is part of the Bad!Retro revival - taking things that are consciously kitschy and trying to make them hip to those people who, instead of winkingly reveling in bad taste, think they are tastemakers or at least people with good taste.
Some of it is fun, in a Madonna Inn sort of way, but nothing I would want in my own house. One wall at most in any house, too, or you risk feeling like you’re living out that story “The Yellow Wallpaper.” (I mean, to me, both the patterns displayed above are way too small and busy to cover four walls of a room with on anything but a period theatrical or film set; otherwise they are headache-inducing. I do like William Morris repro wallpaper, but even that only looks good in specific settings, and is properly used sparingly - only the top half of a wall, for example.)
September 23rd, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t mind the wallpaper so much. In every room? No way. But in little rooms (bathrooms) or spots that maybe don’t get as much play (a guest room?), It would give me an excuse to play with some fun colors, etc. Yeah, there’s paint–but sometimes you need pattern!
September 25th, 2006 at 8:14 am
I think it really depends on where you are based. Over here in Germany, where I am based currently, wallpaper is and has always been a part of design decor. Same goes in the UK. To rent an apartment in Germany, you are not allowed to paint directly on the walls as in the states, you must paper the walls first and paint on top of the paper. The paper is mostly textured. It’s not some kitschy revival over here, it’s a part of decor, just as much as painting directly on drywall is a part of life in America - over here that is simply not accepted. Even when you own your own flat, most paint on wallpaper created especially for that purpose. I think, if done tastefully, wallpaper is gorgeous. But, TASTEFUL patterns are key. Osborne + Little and others come to my mind when I think of tasteful. Not the common “walmart” design motifs - roosters or perhaps cartoon-y borders or Sante Fe style. Eek!
September 25th, 2006 at 8:17 am
Oh, and I might add, I agree with Rebecca - I prefer wallpaper in the following scenarios:
1- Entryways
2 - Small rooms (guest baths, half-baths)
3 - Guest bedroom
4 - Closets (looks lovely inside)
5 - Or on one focal point wall - behind a large piece of furniture for instance.
I also, although I’ve never seen this, would love to paper a ceiling in a baroque black/white flock print, cap a chandelier with an ornate ceiling flower pendent, and paint all four walls a solid color - perhaps just white - or go a little wild and paint it fushcia, chartreuse, or teal. Yum.
September 25th, 2006 at 10:33 am
… I would say that most people are over the wall paper thing. Most of the interior designers that I work with find that it is something which doesn’t stand the test of time - even short term - for most people. The decal/sticker solution is a bit more classy and removable, but for those who actually buy interior designers time, have the money to forgoe such fauxpas as using a short term trend like wallpapers and invest in something more lasting and tasteful for their walls.
I have to disagree with Molly - Wallpaper in a bathroom or entryway? Think again. … those high traffic/mositure areas would wilt quickly with that type of wallcovering. Perhaps a grasscloth or a paintable like the Euro wallpapers, if you must, but why would you? And to torture a guest with the stuff seems like a sad compromise.
I would agree a closet could handle the wallpaper, because you can close it and not look at it, you but why not punch up the closet with a bright paintjob or subtle coordinate color to the room? Putting wallpaper on a ceiling is such a novel idea to make the room look smaller and cramped. Probably why you never see it.
Wallpaper is so … yesterday.
September 26th, 2006 at 11:00 am
I love wallpaper. Absolutely. Nothing else gives the same graphic punch to a wall. And I have to disagree with you about the placement of wallpaper. I grew up with a mother who believed that the rooms you absolutely wallpaper no questions asked were the kitchen and bathroom. Now I grant you, it’s vinyl wallpaper, but it’s easy to clean and has held up for at least 30 years. On the other hand, we had a designer come in and tell us that he has to replace the grasscloth in a client’s house after a year because it’s full of mildew. And it’s not in a high moisture spot.
I think, like everything else, it’s just a matter of personal taste. I can see how if you like to change things up periodically, wallpaper is definitely not the way to go. But I love the zing and the warmth it gives a room and I’m glad it’s become an option again.
September 27th, 2006 at 5:34 am
I love the idea of wallpapering a closet–putting a feminine print with all your clothes seems like the ultimate in luxury. I also love the idea of papering a ceiling. I’ve seen it done in many of our titles (I’m an editor with Better Homes and Gardens) and the results are fabulous, especially with a gorgeous chandelier like Holly suggested.
September 27th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
I guess I’m the lone male voice into the subject. I’m one of what seems to be very few men that have any concern for the look and feel of the inside of my home (beyond plasma TVs and PS2s, that is), and I couldn’t stand the thought of wallpapering any room of my house.
Contradicting myself, I do love the wallpaper on this site, but could only see it on one (very small) wall in a big, modern room:
http://www.wallpaperfromthe70s.com/
September 27th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Now if we’re talking magnetic wallpaper, I’m all for it!
http://www.magscapes.com/index.php
March 17th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Wallpapers today are alot easier to remove most good paper is stripple or if you use a good paperhanger he can use stripple paste wallpaper makes a room and if you take the time to look at new patterns you would be amazed of the choices
February 19th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have looked and many books at a local wallpaper store and there are so many new textures and very unusual things I am hooked on wall COVERING