The wallcovering is on trend, thanks to drastically improved processes and designs.
Written by MARY CORNETTA
IT’S SAID THAT TRENDS — fashion, home decor, and even music — operate in a 30-year cycle, also referred to as the ‘nostalgia pendulum.’ It makes sense, then, that wallpaper is making its comeback after falling out of favor in the 1990s. If the mere mention of it gives you flashbacks of messy installations or nearly impossible removals and has you dismissing the idea of adding wallpaper to your home today, there’s good news. Technology has drastically improved these processes, making it easier than ever to turn walls into a style statement.
Local wallpaper suppliers, installers, and enthusiasts have shared their thoughts on the current wallpaper resurgence, along with tips on how to incorporate it into your space this season.
Wall-saving Technologies
Known for its modern coastal aesthetic, Broad Street Interiors has embraced using wallpaper in its recent projects. Joe Gallo, who owns the full-service interior design firm with business partner Pat Portera, explains why they’re not afraid to suggest it to clients when revamping their spaces. “The new wallpapers are great because they are easy to remove, as opposed to the old papers that would pull down half your wall with it,” he says. “The new papers are like works of art.”
Knowing that removing wallpaper is not as labor intensive as it once was may give you the confidence to choose something out of your comfort zone. Gallo finds that bold colors and textures are popular at the moment, but other options abound. He suggests accent walls, or using wallpapers on the back wall of a bookcase, or even on the ceiling. So, if you want to try something new, consider first doing a test run on a smaller scale.
Infusion of Personality
The current state of wallpaper trends makes it easy to experiment. “In my opinion, wallpaper trends have evolved over the years with many styles that have gained popularity due to the ability to transform a small space,” says Curry Salandi, owner and principal interior designer of Curry & Co., a residential design consulting and home staging studio located within Cohen’s Retreat.
“My favorite small spaces to install wallpaper are powder rooms,” she adds. Most half baths are notorious for their cramped layouts and lack of natural light. But a bright, eye-catching pattern on the wall is sure to attract the attention of guests and infuse personality into an unexpected place. According to Salandi, other areas in the home that beckon for wallpaper include entryways or hallways, wet bars, laundry rooms, and ceilings if the height allows.
Look Up
Beaufort, South Carolina-based wallpaper installer Edwina Scarboro agrees that ceilings are a hot spot lately. “Ceilings are the trend,” she affirms, adding that it’s particularly impactful in a tall room as it helps to create a warmer atmosphere. Recently, she has worked on projects that include wallpapering a coffered ceiling and another that added a blue and gold constellation pattern to the living room ceiling. “It’s new and different,” Scarboro says. “It’s a way to give a contrast of color without needing to paint.”
A Tastemaker Talks
Color isn’t something that Emily McCarthy, clothing designer and owner of Emily McCarthy Shoppe on Victory Drive, ever shies away from. One step into her store, and you’re met with vibrant pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and reds. But you’ll also spy leopard print wallpaper peppering accent walls, such as near the dressing room and the Joy Club wine and coffee bar. “Wallpaper is a wonderful way to add punch to any space,” says McCarthy.
She’s also on board with papering small areas, like the powder room and the ceiling, to add a touch of delightful drama. “I prefer larger scales with wallpaper in addition to textures like grasscloth,” McCarthy says. “My new office features a metallic grasscloth, which adds a layer of richness to the room.” Other trends that she’s currently loving are botanical prints, mixing paper with painted trims or paneling, and color-drenching a room by using wallpaper.
The consensus among the experts is clear: Wallpaper is back and better than ever. Take it from them and use it as a tool to spice up the corners — or ceilings — of your home, creating a stylish and polished aesthetic.
