Style Trends
- Wallpaper is Back! Perhaps the best indication of that is
a recent article appearing in the Wall Street Journal—yes,
THE Wall Street Journal, about the new decorating cache
associated with wallcovering. In a December 3, 2010 WSJ
article written by Jen Renzi, the emphasis is on how a surge of
interest in using wallpaper has resulted in many new designs
developed by creative artists. And, the best part is that it is no
longer necessary to purchase high-style wallpaper through
a decorator. New wallpaper retail stores and on-line selling
options have broadened the base for wallpaper purchases.
Wallpaper is being produced in dramatic new patterns and vibrant colors which lend themselves to being used for spot applications. Think of placing a special, patterned wallpaper above a fireplace or behind the shelves of a bookcase or in between the moldings of a library or cut out a piece of wallpaper with a special pattern image and frame it as a picture. What a simple and cost effective way to dress up a wall. The photo below is a good example of a wow pattern used as a focal point accent for a contemporary living room.
In addition to new edgy
designs from up and coming artists,
some of the traditional recognized names in the wallcovering
design industry such as Pierre Deux, Ralph Lauren, Waverly
and Scalamandre, are pitching new looks and new colors.
Another wonderful addition to the wallcovering industry is the use of accessories to dress up a wallpaper-covered wall.
Lightweight forms in the shape of teardrops or circles or diamond-patterns can be affixed to a textured wallpaper to make the design truly custom. What a great way to express your inner creative self and to have a resulting pattern that is not duplicated anywhere.
Wallpaper is Real Fake
For those consumers who still favor a faux look there are many wallpaper and border textured patterns that replicate marble or stucco or leather or a random faux finish. Animal prints are also big as are large-scale damasks and natural fibers such as grasscloth.
Wallpaper is Green
It is environmentally friendly. It contains no PVC or VOCs, uses Water-based inks, is fully breathable, inhibits mold and mildew, is fully removable and requires no harsh chemicals or special tools and is odorless to apply. There are also vinyl-free, totally natural patterns such as grasscloth which continues to charm with its hand-made look. Grasscloth is no longer limited to colors in the beige spectrum--look for greens, blues & reds.
Wallpaper is Fun
With limitless subject matter and patterns to choose from, you can add whimsy to any space. And, if papering an entire wall or room is not your thing, then think Borders. Borders are great additions to any decor. Borders come in a large variety of sizes, cut out designs, colors and in the case of Sports Borders, in the colors and logos of all major sports teams. What a great way to decorate the den or the family room. And, the right Border can add real drama to a small space such as a guest bath.
Announcing the 2013 Color of the Year
Well the votes are in and according to Pantone, the color services company, and the developer of the Pantone Matching System, a system recognized as the color standard around the world, Emerald Green (17-5641) is the 2013 Color of the Year. Just a quick rundown on past colors--2007--Chili Pepper, 2008--Blue Iris, 2009--Mimosa, 2010--Turquoise, 2011--Honeysuckle and 2012--Tangerine. What does being color of the year mean? It means that the color in question becomes the inspiration for many different consumer items-be it clothing, housewares furnishings, fabrics, linens, flooring and yes, wallcovering. Emerald is the new design 'darling' and will be the inspiration for many new patterns incorporating Emerald with contrasting or compatible colors such as Navy Blue or Crisp White. According to a Pantone representative, 'Emerald is lively, radiant and lush. It is a color of elegance and beauty that enhances a sense of well being, balance and harmony.' And, what a cool contrast to the warm color of 2012.
It is said the Color of the Year is determined based on a review of colors in use around the world & how appropriate that Green has been selected as it plays to two dominant themes
effecting us all: Environment & Money. On the Environment front, there is a heightened awareness of the effect of global warming & a conscious effort to be more environmentally
aware. Grasscloth wallcovering products are a perfect 'green' way to achieve a fantastic wall look & to do so with an environmentally friendly, natural product. Several samples of
a variety of grasscloth patterns appear to the left. Grasscloth is not a petroleum-based product as is paint & there are no toxic fumes associated with its production or installation.
On the Money front, the world has been embroiled in a major effort to achieve financial stability & the color green speaks to that focus.
Aside from Pantone, two other paint companies, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, also announced their choices for Color of the Year--2013. In the case of Benjamon Moore it is Lemon
Sorbet (2019-60) and in the case of Sherwin Williams it is Aloe (SW6464). Benjamin Moore touts Lemon Sorbet as the 'perfect transitional color between the mid-tones and saturated
colors in today's furnishings and the softer, lighter pastels for 2013' while Sherwin Williams sees Aloe as 'funky, glamorous, demure and free-spirited'.
Whatever color you select for your decor there will be a wallcovering pattern to enhance your choice. And, as the year progresses, you can be sure to see new Emerald applications. Go Green.
For the Love of Wallpaper™ stays current on all new trends and is the beneficiary of all the new patterns coming to market. Check back with us often to see what is new now and soon-to- be new tomorrow. We will be updating this Style Trends page as new ideas and new patterns become available.
We welcome your comments and suggestions for future topics.
Just e-mail us at sales@fortheloveofwallpaper.com.
Thank you for reading this page.
Mela
For the Love of Wallpaper™
