THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO CREATE A BOLD STATEMENT THAN WITH A GORGEOUS WALLPAPER. LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE THEIR TREND INSIGHTS, TIPS AND TRICKS WITH CANDICE BOTHA
Once an old-fashioned interior design element, wallpaper is now a must-have in every stylish home with a colour, pattern or textured paper available in every which-way imaginable. They range in price, too, and there are many very affordable options along with imported wallpapers that can be quite expensive. “The key thing is to choose quality,” notes interior designer Sam Oakley of Sam O Interiors. Getting professional advice about the amount of wallpaper you need and having it installed by experts is also essential to ensure you don’t waste money, end up without enough paper or use the incorrect adhesive. “Patterned papers are particularly tricky to hang correctly so calling in a pro will make sure it’s done right,” says Sam.
As technology has advanced, wallpapers have become more intricate in their design, and today textured, washable and natural fibre wallpapers are easily available. “Textured wallpapers – especially those with a natural feel like grass cloth – are very popular,” says Sam. “The new generation grass cloth has a printed overlay in colours or metallic finishes which create a contemporary feel.”
“Metallic wallpapers add an element of opulence and are ideal for bedrooms,” says Lisa Walters of Lisa Walters Interiors. Pair a shimmering paper with luxurious textures like velvet and flocked fabrics, quilted throws and gilt frames to add to the sense of glamour.
Lisa makes extensive use of wallpapers in her designs, often choosing one as the starting point for a scheme. “When choosing a patterned wallpaper, simple accessories in a similar colour palette make for a chic look that allows the wallpaper to star,” she says.
Sam notes that playing it safe is no longer the norm, and instead of choosing just one wall for a statement wallpaper, designers are taking the pattern around the whole room. “There is a major trend towards eclectic spaces and pattern play. A wallpaper with a bold pattern and bright colours makes for a room that’s layered and interesting, especially when accent colours are picked up in other soft furnishings and patterns are cleverly mixed,” says Sam.
Bold print wallpaper and wallpaper murals are also here to stay notes Amy. “I love to make a statement in an interior with an eye-catching wallpaper which can double as art in the right space,” she says.
Wallpaper is a statement feature and if used cleverly, a little goes a long way. “Choose a patterned wallpaper to enliven an awkward space such as an entrance hall, powder room or staircase,” suggests interior designer Amy Mitchell of Studio Mitchell.
Wallpaper is not only for spacious rooms as Amy proves in this small bedroom. “The geometric pattern of this wallpaper – Delano from Cole & Son from St Leger & Viney – draws the eye upwards and makes the room look larger,” she notes. “It adds some interest to the room without taking up any physical space with furniture, shelves or accessories.”
FOR MORE INFO
Lisa Walters Interiors: lisa@lisawaltersinteriors.co.za | Studio Mitchell: studiomitchell.co.za | Sam O Interiors: instgram.com/samointeriors