Wallpaper - Yes or No?
I admit it - I’m a HUGE fan of wallpaper! That’s not to say I’ll always go big, bold, and bright (although I have been known to do that!) because sometimes all that’s needed is some texture, perhaps a subtle pattern, and light-reflecting qualities to give an air of sophistication to a room.
Image Credit: Wallsauce.com (Watercolour Cactus)
‘So why not just paint?’ I hear you say. Well, that’s a great question, and there are plenty of reasons why you should with lots of different paint finishes available that will give you a similar finish. Think copper, chalk, stainless steel, and metallic effects - all are great in the proper context (check out the @Dulux Design Effects range below). If used correctly (and with restraint), paint can give the same sophistication and class that wallpaper will.
(Image Source & Credit: https://www.dulux.com.au/products/designeffects/overview )
But back to wallpaper. Wallpaper gives that ‘wow’ factor where paint on the same wall can sometimes be kind of ‘blah.’ Unlike the olden days, it’s now easy to remove wallpaper if you do get tired of it or want a complete change of style in your room.
And while it has its place in many design styles, I tend not to wallpaper entire rooms - but instead use it sparingly to create interest, a feature wall, or contrast.
I’m loving murals at the moment as they can have a huge effect in the right space and provide that all-important focal point. The only limit to the mural you use is your imagination because they can even be printed using your favourite photograph!
You may decide to go wild with a bright and colourful floral wallpaper (check out my floral fields image gallery) to lift a room but to make this work, other components in the room need to be toned down so as to compliment, not compete with your wallpaper. Shades and tones also come into play, especially when choosing the neutral paint to match your wallpaper...but I’ll save that topic for another blog!
Check out my website for images where wallpaper has been used to good effect and have a browse through the @Graham and Brown and @WallSauce websites – they both have a great selection.
So wallpaper - yes or no? Absolutely yes! It’s easy to install, remove, and will transform a room from the ordinary to extraordinary. And paint - go on, be bold! Just make sure that you use the proper application technique for the best result. If I can help you select wallpaper or paint to suit your home, don’t hesitate to contact me.
I hope you find this article helpful – please reach out if you would like more information on how colour, texture, and pattern can take your next project to the next level.
Happy decorating :)
- Janine Nairn
Creative Director