Not quite gone are the days of fleur-de-lis,
toiles de Jouy and floral prints. No, wallpaper has made its triumphant return to the
world of interior design. What started as an early Renaissance aesthetic, and the act of hanging tapestries
to brighten up a room, has blossomed into an exact science of pattern combinations that can tile any length
of wall.
Most recently, the resurgence of vintage
wallpaper from the 1960s and ’70s and the appeal of wallpaper covering only one single wall in a room have
become mainstays in any modern interior decorator’s arsenal. And with technology at the forefront of any
industry, the patterns of print are only limited to any image you can find. Covering the interiors of
cupboards, lining the insides of drawers and framing sections of wallpaper for hanging can also bring new
life to an otherwise dull surface.
When asked where wallpaper is heading next, Sarah Cole, director at
Farrow &
Ball, says, “Bolder use of colour and pattern is on the
increase, with people becoming more confident when choosing a decorating scheme. Oversized prints have been
popular more recently, as have detailed designs featuring botanical and geometric shapes, and we expect these
trends to continue over the next few years.”
The trends in wallpaper often reflect the
ever-changing world of design in general. As vintage clothing and signage becomes fashionable, it is
reflected in our interior design. The return of wallpaper is no surprise to Cole, especially in its most
prominent form, the feature wall. “The continuing popularity of the feature wall has encouraged a more
adventurous approach to decorating, providing an opportunity to indulge in colour and pattern without the
commitment of covering a whole room.” If commitment is something you distance yourself from in home decor,
the feature wall is an appealing addition to any room.•
Photo Courtesy: Farrow & Ball
