When I was growing up and my dad, a museum administrator, had to go out of town for meetings, my mom had two rituals: make breakfast for dinner, including waffles with strawberries and ice cream, and redecorate the house. She took advantage of her temporary insomnia by painting and wallpapering rooms through the night.
Dad flying to New York? Down comes some old velvety floral monstrosity and up goes old-timey black-and-white 19th-century newsprint advertising in the kids bathroom. Dad is in Chicago for a few days? Thats just enough time for my bedroom to get green, yellow and blue flower paper, and my younger sisters room a burst of pink, red and orange flowers. Sometimes, after we got home from school, Mom recruited us to help steam and scrape off layer upon layer of old paper. I still have olfactory memories of that distinctive aroma of wet paper and old paste.
And I have never approached wallpapering for my own home, as a result.
But Im rethinking that now. According to Homes & Gardens, an interior design and garden design magazine, wallpaper is a key trend for 2021. And its changed dramatically since the 1970s when Mom was putting it up and certainly since the 13th century, when the earliest wallpapers were used in Europe. These were domino papers pasted on the walls of homes of devout religious believers, featuring popular religious icons.
The Amhara design, available at Thomas Lavin, is based on a linen print called Zig & Zag, a playful take on a mixture of African and Asian designs and symbols.
(Courtesy of James Malone at Thomas Lavin)
Now, of course, wallpaper may be too limiting a name. Think wallcovering since, according to Debra Lyons, owner of Lyons Wallpaper in San Diego, the sky is the limit as far as materials used. She pointed out that thin wood, bamboo, raffia, silk, plaster, metals, glass beads and leather are many of the options. Other designers incorporate woven papers, cork and grass cloth as well.
Printing methods, too, have evolved.
Methods used in production range from hand-painted, drum roll printing and silk screen to digitally printed on large-format printers, Lyons said.
Stephanie Moffitt, design director of Mokum Textiles in Sydney, Australia, explained that digital printing has become a huge innovation for wallpaper.
It allows you to print photographic quality and play with much larger scales, she said. This has created a growing trend towards landscape and panel-style wallpapers.
Moffitt pointed out other trends for 2021 and 2022:
The Les Petites Histoires (miniature journeys) pattern, shown in Broceliande (enchanted forest), offers a stroll through a fantastical setting.
(Courtesy of litis)
Trends are now very layered. The area we focus on in the Mokum brand is translating our textile patterns into wallpapers and, as a result, our curated range is very pattern-rich. The key trends we are referencing in our next Catherine Martin for Mokum range, due early 2022, are maximalist in tone and grounded in escapism and nostalgia. We believe that escapism will become even more relevant, with patterns engulfing rooms to create immersive environments. Patterns will continue to reference tropical foliage, creating lush interiors and surreal landscape.
Historical patterns are another key trend which is often explored via digital print, with designers reinterpreting and modernizing traditional techniques and archival patterns via scale and color, she added. This trend allows you to create an interior space with a sense of historic splendor, adding antiqued surfaces or architectural details via wallpapers or panels.
Sois Changeante (between silks) wallpaper, shown in Yuzen, is reminiscent of silk painting. The collection also offers plain designs and stripes.
(Courtesy of litis)
Other trends we see continuing to grow across both wallpapers and textiles are retro and vintage style patterns via the current obsession with Bauhaus geometrics and hand-painted abstract designs.
While these wallcoverings are designed and created to last for years, temporary wallpaper is another option think peel-and-stick designs that make it easy and inexpensive to put up and take down. They can be found at retailers from Wayfair to Urban Outfitters to West Elm, and can be a perfect option for a renter, for a kids bedroom, for someone who wants to create the illusion of a design element or for someone who just cant make up their mind.
Designer Kim Nadel used a vibrant Missoni-style wallcovering on the back panels of a wall unit in this California contemporary coastal home. The choice was inspired by the clients love of yoga, the 1970s and a beach vibe.
(Courtesy of Kim Nadel / Gaia Inspired Design and Consulting)
Encinitas interior designer Kim Nadel of Kim Nadel/Gaia Inspired Design and Consulting has used it for her clients. For one client, she installed a vibrant Missoni zigzag pattern on a removable panel behind the shelves of a custom-designed wall unit/room divider because the client was concerned about committing. The pattern is one of several for the client.
I had panels made up that were covered in different things so she could pop the back panel out if she wanted to and change it out with another.
For a quick, low-cost way to add visual impact to her own fireplace, designer Kim Nadel used a temporary wallpaper around the arch that looks like tile. The effect also helps balance a large TV hung above.
(Courtesy of Kim Nadel / Gaia Inspired Design and Consulting)
She also put in temporary wallpaper strategically in her own home around the arch of her fireplace to balance having a massive TV over the fireplace.
It probably needed some beautiful Spanish tile, but because of the expense and the time involved installing it, I found a temporary wallpaper that looks like tile, Nadel said. People think its real and it cost a fraction of tile. And we could do it ourselves.
The Papillon wallpaper pattern, shown in Powder, brings a romantic, floral look to the room.
(Courtesy of Mokum Textiles)
Whether you choose a unique textile or temporary paper, you have to be strategic in the design you choose and where you put it. Still, both Nadel and Lyons insisted there are no rules. It just depends on your aesthetic and the impact youre looking to make.
There are no rules, but I would say in general for a small room, like a powder room or a den, if you put it on all the walls and use a large pattern, understand that it will give you a cocoon feeling, said Nadel. If youre trying to add just a little pizazz or wow factor for a living room, you could put a small pattern on every wall.
If its a large pattern, think about the scale and what else you have in the room. Will it compete or clash with a patterned area rug or other textiles or complement them? Is it meant to stand on its own for attention or be a background for art?
Nadel pointed out, You might want a calmer pattern or color in your bedroom unless you put it just on the wall behind your bed where it wont impact your sleep.
But, she said with a laugh, if you want to be adventurous in a guest room or an office wall, a hallway, stairwell or the powder room, go for it. They can be fun spaces to be in.
And, she added, you could even put it on the risers of stairs.
LOdyssee collection by James Dunlop displays exotic flowers, foliage and jungle animals in a colorful, artistically rendered style.
(Courtesy of James Dunlop Textiles)
If youre only going to choose one wall in a room for installing wallcoverings, Lyons recommends making it the wall you see when you first walk into the room or wherever you want to create a focal point or setting.
Should you do it yourself?
Wallpaper installation can be fun and challenging, Lyons said. But if you are purchasing a high-end wall covering, I definitely recommend hiring a professional. The best way to find a good installer is a referral from someone who has had wallpaper installed. Check out websites online or sites like Yelp, where you can read reviews. Always make sure the installer is a licensed contractor who is bonded and insured.
Golden is a San Diego freelance writer and blogger.
More:
Deck the walls with lush florals, patterns and a whiff of nostalgia - The San Diego Union-Tribune
- Marvel Snap: War Machine Best Decks and Synergies - Mobalytics - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Steam Deck Weekly: Pepper Grinder and Missile Dancer 2 Impressions, FFXIV Dawntrail Release Date, New Strive ... - Touch Arcade - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- The 30 best Steam Deck games - Rock Paper Shotgun - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- View from the Hill: Albanese hit by unexpected wave as he tries to clear the decks - The Conversation - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Fanatical's New Steam Deck Bundle Is Full Of Cyberpunk Therapy And Kingdom Management Games - GameSpot - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- New Business: Martingale Wharf Restaurant to expand waterfront deck; T-BONES in Derry to get facelift - The Union Leader - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- 'Below Deck' star Captain Kerry admits Ben Willoughby wasn't his first pick for bosun - Entertainment Weekly News - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Magic: The Gathering reveals deck archetypes for Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander decks - Sportskeeda - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Banged-up Heat have 'all hands on deck' - South Florida Sun Sentinel - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- 'Below Deck': 'Real Housewives of New York City' Star Jill Zarin Shakes Things Up on the Boat - Entertainment Tonight - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Fraser Olender Reacts to Cat Baugh Leaving Below Deck: "I Can't Take on Another Job" - Bravo - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Becky Lynch Brawls With Rhea Ripley On WWE Raw, Decks Dominik Mysterio - 411mania.com - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Ben Willoughby Might Be Fired In Below Deck Season 11, According To Captain Kerry - Screen Rant - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- RHONY's Jill Zarin Is One Demanding Charter Guest in Below Deck Midseason Trailer: 'Make It Better' - PEOPLE - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Outlaws Of Thunder Junction Debut Story, Mechanics, Commander Decks Revealed - TheGamer - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Get a Glimpse at the Stew Replacing Cat Baugh in the Below Deck Midseason Trailer: "I'm in Trouble" - Bravo - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Below Deck Season 12: Latest News & Everything We Know - Screen Rant - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Posh and decks! David Beckham upgrades 5million yacht for a 16MILLION version as former England ace sets sail ... - Daily Mail - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Student start-up decks up colleague's wedding venue with water-hyacinth-based creations | Onmanorama - Onmanorama - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Xandi Oliver Is a Star on Below Deck Season 11- Here's Why - Yahoo Entertainment - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- The Best Singles In The MTG Fallout Science! Commander Deck - TheGamer - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- The Best Queen's Blood Deck In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Game Informer - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Magic: The Gathering The 10 Best Cards In Fallout's Mutant Menace Commander Deck - TheGamer - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Fallout Visual Spoiler: Every Card Revealed MTG - TheGamer - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Game over for Roblox on Linux / Steam Deck as it's now blocked - GamingOnLinux - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Magic: The Gathering Unveils Assassin's Creed Collaboration: New Cards, Decks Revealed - BNN Breaking - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Remote Play broken on Steam Deck with the February stable update - GamingOnLinux - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Below Deck's Barbie Thinks Cat Shouldn't Have Signed Up for the Show - Us Weekly - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Magic: The Gathering The 10 Best Cards In Fallout's Hail, Caesar Commander Deck - TheGamer - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Below Deck: 8 Chief Stews Who Will Never Return To The Franchise - Screen Rant - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- The MAGIC: THE GATHERING Oracle Deck Will Help Shape Your Path - Nerdist - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Valve fixes Remote Play on Steam Deck - GamingOnLinux - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Here's the most played Steam Deck games for February 2024 - GamingOnLinux - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Best Steam Deck alternatives in 2024: Ayaneo, GPD Win & more - Dexerto - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Outlaws of Thunder Junction: Release Date, Spoilers, Commander Decks - MTG Rocks - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Helldivers 2 Player Shares Their Incredible Solution for Calling in Complicated Stratagems - Screen Rant - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Below Deck fans convinced Cat Baugh is not cut out for reality TV - Dexerto - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Magic: The Gathering The 10 Best Cards In Fallout's Scrappy Survivors Commander Deck - TheGamer - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- February 27th, 2024 [Deck Recipes] - YGOrganization - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Everything Jack Stirrup Has Done Since Below Deck Mediterranean - Bravo - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- Star Trek: Lower Decks S4, Scream sets The Faculty for 4K, plus Origin, Dreamers, potential Warner Ultra HD catalog ... - The Digital Bits - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- How To Watch Below Deck Season 11 & When It Premieres - Screen Rant - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Paramount Bowing Animated 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' Season 4 on Digital Feb. 5, Blu-ray and DVD April 16 - Media Play News - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- What Has Happened to Connie Arias Since Below Deck Season 3? - Bravo - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- How to Run 'Enshrouded' on Steam Deck - Lifehacker - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Below Deck is Bravo's most subversive show - reality blurred - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Below Deck Season 9 Cast: Where Are They Now? - Screen Rant - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:DECK) - Yahoo Finance - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- How to watch 'Below Deck' Season 11: Premiere time, new cast info, where to stream and more - Yahoo Entertainment - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Steam Deck open source Playstation Remote Play app 'chiaki4deck' gets smoother - GamingOnLinux - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Steam Deck Most Played: Even Palworld Cant Knock Baldurs Gate 3 Off The Top Spot - Forbes - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- 11 Things You Didnt Know About Below Deck's Captain Kerry Titheradge - Bravo - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- San Diego Mom Creates 'Go Deck' -- 52 Cards with Outdoor Activities for Every Week of the Year - Times of San Diego - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- How To Build A Fire Kings Structure Deck In Yu-Gi-Oh! - TheGamer - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- 'Below Deck' Season 11 Release Date, Trailer, Cast, and Everything We Know So Far - Collider - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Magic: The Gathering The 10 Best Cards In Murders At Karlov Manor's Revenant Recon Commander Deck - TheGamer - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Improve Performance on Your Steam Deck With CryoUtilities - Lifehacker - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- 'Below Deck' Season 11 Cast Guide: Who Is Back on Board? - Collider - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Airliner Number 4: The 9 Deck Plane Concept From The 1920s - Simple Flying - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Where was Below Deck Season 11 filmed? - Dexerto - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Cape Hatteras Secondary School decks the halls with Christmas tree project - Island Free Press - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- 'Star Trek: Picard,' 'Strange New Worlds' And 'Lower Decks' Pick Up 15 Saturn Awards Nominations - TrekMovie - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Win a Steam Deck OLED by watching The Game Awards - Polygon - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- McKinney moves forward with deck park plans - The Dallas Morning News - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- 9 Best Tarot Card Decks For Beginners, According to Expert Readers - GLAMOUR UK - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Valve will give away 100 Steam Deck OLEDs during The Game Awards. - The Verge - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Steam Deck OLED hits retail stores on December 12th in Asia - GamingOnLinux - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Below Deck Mediterranean: Luka Brunton Wasn't Ready For The Bosun Role (Is Captain Sandy Regretting Her ... - Screen Rant - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis live results: Haney decks and dominates Prograis to shutout decision in boxing ... - Sporting News - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- 100 Steam Deck OLEDs will be given away during The Game Awards 2023 - GamingOnLinux - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- You can win a free Steam Deck OLED just by watching The Game Awards - PCGamesN - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- The Best Cards In The Three Captains Ultra Deck - One Piece Card Game - TheGamer - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Solar Spotlight: Solar mounting hits the deck - Solar Power World - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- 'Deck the Halls' Meets Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs' - Laughing Squid - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Minden farmer decks out five acres for Christmas in the Country - KOLN - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- December 8th, 2023 [Deck Recipes] - YGOrganization - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Can you play The Finals on Steam Deck? - Dexerto - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- The Performance & Power Improvement Of Steam Deck OLED's 6nm APU Review - Phoronix - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Paige Spiranac Decks The Halls As The World's Sexiest Mrs. Claus - Outkick - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Skyrim Special Edition updated with Steam Deck support, ultrawide res, bug fixes - GamingOnLinux - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]