The wallpaper comeback: big patterns take stage

Mauve hues and brass fixtures may have lost their luster since their overwhelming popularity in the 1980s, but another feature of 1980’s interior decorating style, wallpaper, is currently making a major comeback. However, the wallpaper being pasted onto foyer and dining room walls today is quite different from the muted florals and swirling ivy patterns of years past.

One notable characteristic of many of today’s wallpapers is the size of their patterns and motifs. While the wallpaper of the 80’s often featured small repeats—flowers only a few inches by a few inches scattered and repeated in a recognizable pattern, or vertical stripes only a couple inches wide—contemporary wallpaper often features patterns of a much grander scale.

In addition, the motifs of today’s wallpaper are often of a very different style than in years past. Many of today’s wallpapers feature motifs that look more hand-drawn and organic. Oversized outlines of lily pads in muted, neutral tones and sketches of various stringed instruments are two motifs used by Cole and Sons, a wallpaper company that has been in business since the 1940’s and is experienced in several different methods of printing.

Wallpaper artist Aimee Wilder creates whimsical wallpapers that are great for children’s and teenager’s bedrooms or children’s playrooms. Her robot silhouettes and other stark, geometric patterns with solid, clean lines are quite eye-catching. However, they require simple surroundings, or they become overwhelming.

When a room features a strong, vivid pattern on its walls, it is important that the other elements of the room maintain a sense of subtlety in their design. The furniture and fabrics in the room should be solid colors so as not to overwhelm the eye with too many competing patterns.

While oversized repeats may be very trendy, small repeats still have their place in some many areas of the home. Smaller repeats can fall into the background, leaving room for other strong visual elements in the room.

As an alternative to traditional wallpaper, homeowners can upholster their walls, which can create a soft and elegant atmosphere for a bedroom or a rich and sophisticated look for a sitting room. However, fabric should not be used as a wall covering in kitchens or bathrooms where moisture can penetrate and damage the fabric.

Some companies make fabrics specifically for upholstering walls, and the fabrics come with a paper backing so they can be applied to the wall as a regular typical wallpaper would be. Other fabrics can be stretched over a cushioned backing and then applied to the wall. Some innovative and ambitious homeowners even upholster their walls themselves with using quilt batting and glue.

For those a little too noncommittal to paper their walls in trendy, bold patterns or upholster their walls with textured fabrics, vinyl wall decals are a wonderful option. They can be removed without damaging the wall or even the paint. The decals can serve as a bold accent to a room, whether a delicate dandelion blowing in the wind or a child’s favorite sports star in action.

Foyers and entrances are great places to feature bold wall coverings because the space is usually somewhat small. Having a bold repeat in a larger room can be overwhelming and have a dizzying effect. However, small spaces that are not occupied for extensive, continuous lengths of time are great places to exhibit bold style choices and strong personality.