We all know that wallpaper has made a major comeback. And this is not your Grandma's wallpaper. There are thousands of stunning papers to choose from, and so many different directions to go, that choosing one can be overwhelming. I currently have three clients who want to wallpaper at least one room, so I thought I'd do a post to give them (and you!) ideas and inspiration.
-Wabi 2 Wallpaper by Calico Wallpaper - feels organic, yet glamorous
via paloma81.blogspot.com - great colors, a version of an ikat
-photo by Thomas Loof - fun, asian-inspired
-room designed by Timothy Whealon, photo via Architectural Digest - classic pattern, yet decidedly modern
-via Real Simple - geometric pattern on a great background color, feels very modern
-Dominic Blackmore / Ideal Home, via Real Simple - lighthearted with a muted color scheme
-Polly Wreford/Homes & Gardens - classic, preppy, paired with modern touches
-via Real Simple - graphic blue-and-white, floor to ceiling
-via Etsy - has a cool, vintage feel
-wallpaper by Emma Hayes - beautiful, hand-painted, organic
These are all so different and each create a very unique backdrop for the rooms they inhabit. Those of us in L.A. are fortunate because we can get our hands on the most beautiful papers in the world at stores like Walnut Wallpaper, on Beverly Blvd. They are picky about what papers they feature and they have great taste, so I'm happy to have them narrow it down for me. It is so fun to go in there and peruse all the books, imagining how each one would completely change the feel of your room. As you saw in an earlier post (Orange Drive), I have always been a fan of The Woods, by Cole & Son, and used it on one accent wall in my bedroom, as well as a small accent wall in the great room:
-photo via One Fine Stay
Here it is in one of their other color schemes:
-via Country Living
Some papers add a sense of whimsy and personality to a room:
-via prettyfluffy.com - I'm assuming these people are major dog-lovers?
-via decopeques.com - fantastic kid's room!
-via sistersguild.co.uk - this one is magnetic!
World Maps are a fun way to do an accent wall:
-via canoodle.com - fun color scheme
There are even companies that will make custom papers of a specific location for you:
-via Design Milk - this particular one is not my fave, but what a cool idea
Unfortunately, wallpaper is not easy on the finances. The cost per roll varies widely, but you will rarely see a great paper for less than $150/roll (and you will need multiple rolls, depending on the size of the area to be covered, as well as the "pattern repeat" on the paper). When you're spending that much money on something like that, you should definitely use a very experienced installer. Most wallpaper stores can refer you to people that they trust, and you get what you pay for. Very few walls or floors are perfectly straight, and there is an art to hanging and patching it. The going rate in L.A. starts around $350 and goes up with the size of the job. Ouch.
The good news is that there are fun ways to use wallpaper without breaking the bank. People are getting very creative, using leftovers and small amounts to add pattern in small and unlikely places:
-via Apartment Therapy - love these coordinating mixed prints on the stair rise
- via Lonny Magazine - stairs AND the door!
-via shelterness.com - such a cute way to spruce up an old refrigerator!
-via Design Sponge - ditto!
I absolutely love it behind shelves:
-via Playdates and Pearls
--via diyremodelcenter.com - gives a whole new life to these IKEA shelves
Another fun option is to forgo the wallpaper completely, and create your own pattern using killer decals:
-via Design Milk, ZNAK's mosaic wall decals - pretty awesome alternative
So there you have it. Look around and see if you can breathe new life into your home by sprucing up a wall or two. It can make a huge impact.
