The Purpose of Wallpaper
No longer confined to old, tired homes, wallpaper is now commonplace within contemporary homes and regarded as a piece of art in it's own right. Injecting texture, colour and pattern, wallpaper can either enrich your chosen design scheme, or be framed as the focal point of a room. Once solely used as a feature wall or complete wall covering (for the more daring), the versatility of wallpaper has become increasingly apparent as new and innovative applications are uncovered. From creating the illusion of greater height or breadth through the design and placement of pattern, to transforming the often neglected ceiling with an intriguing layer of colour and texture, the possibilities are simply endless.
Buying & Applying Wallpaper
Before you start pasting wallpaper to your wall however, consider the purpose of the room and the frequency in which you use it. Is the room utilised for work or relaxation? Is it occupied in the morning, evening or throughout the day? With this in mind, you must then decide on a suitable material. The chosen material will ultimately have a direct bearing on the application and durability of the wallpaper in the long-term. For example, vinyl-coated papers are durable and washable so are most suited to rooms with high moisture levels such as bathrooms, whilst textured vinyls are hardwearing making them ideal for areas with high foot traffic or walls with unwanted imperfections.
Another key consideration is the removability of the wallpaper. Most pre-pasted and self-adhesive wallpaper can either be stripped or peeled back with or without the help of some soap and water, but it is best to check this prior to making a purchase.
Once these decisions have been made, it is then time to make the all important design decision to ensure that your wallpaper aligns with your style and personality. Delicate florals can be used to inject a burst of freshness in a light-flooded living room, whilst bold and daring prints in rich hues offset by gold accents can add depth and regal elegance to a master bedroom. Wallpaper in a striped design or large-scale patterned motif can be utilised to manipulate the sense of space in a smaller room, without being too overwhelming. For a more modern twist, why not try photo wallpaper? Digital prints and photo wallpaper offer a unique and stylish solution for homeowners to infuse personality into a room.
Adding style and sophistication to your chosen space does not need to break the bank or involve a complete overhaul. If you're afraid of overpowering a room, it is recommended that you simply start by covering just one wall. You never know, it may just be the necessary amount of wallpaper to reinvigorate your chosen space. However, do not simply confine yourself to the typical living room or bedroom. The hallway is too often overlooked, yet offers you greater liberty with your choices due to the limited space and minimal furnishings.
Additional Uses For Wallpaper
If, however, you can't bring yourself to commit to wallpaper just yet, why not try using it for different purposes such as draw liners, framed art, wall hangings or to lift tired lamp shades, inside or out? No matter how you choose to incorporate wallpaper into your home, it is important to strive to achieve continuity. In order to do so, select a motif from the wallpaper and attempt to repeat it elsewhere within the room and decorate furnishings with scatter cushions or bed linen in similar or matching accent colours.
