Gutsy Wallpapers
by Jamie Kern,ASID, ARIDO
President, Design Theory Interiors
Wallpapers are back! I can’t believe
I’m saying that with such enthusiasm. I have never
been a fan of wallpapers. Unfortunately homeowners
have shown a tendency to over do it in the home. And
while options seemed limitless on the
surface all of the manufacturers were doing
the same thing. The end result was so
boring that beige paint would have been an improvement. I’ve had my fill of stria, 1 1/2″ stripes, the color-washed look, tone-on-tone patterns, roosters, ladybugs and everything in between. And what was the point of a mostly solid color wallpaper?
But I love what’s going on with wallcoverings right now. In a return to the glamor days, it’s all about large scale pattern, color, contrast, and hints of metallic. In a word, wallpaper has gone bold.
The Stacy Garcia line of wallcoverings (above and left) is one of my favorites. Her color palette is adventurous with oversized graphics often reminiscent of the deco, nouveau and Hollywood regent eras. But the overall effect is quite sophisticated and regal.
The trick to using these papers is to do it sparingly but do it big. In other words, find a place or two in your home where you can make a statement and then say it loudly. But then remember that old cliche “less is more” and fight the urge to take it into the next room, and the next, and the next.
Another line that takes me to my happy place is the Moda line of wallcoverings (left and below) and these have “FUN” written all over them. One has to be a bit more open minded and gutsy for this line but the end result is stunning! These papers are nothing short of works of art so please enjoy them on their own save the photos of kids and dogs for a quiet spot.
