If These Walls Could Talk

It’s Time to shake off any lingering disdain you may have toward wallpaper. Decorative prints for the walls have come a long way and are now
hitting another wave of popularity. But this time around, it’s all about being bold and beautiful in opulent damasks, trendy graphic designs,
gilded patterns — even three-dimensional embellishments are back, yet more refined. DIY decorators can also take comfort in the relative ease of installation and rejoice in the overwhelming amount of choice available.

So if you’re looking to leave a paper trail, read on for these interior ideas from design experts who champion wallpaper and all it has to say.

Hergen Tantzen, owner, Anilin Decorating Centre
“Wallpaper is experiencing a comeback as the popularity of faux finishes drops. The trends are drifting toward stronger colours and even duplex paper, which you can paint. Wall coverings can add another dimension and today’s wallpapers are easier to hang. Try to start with a small area and don’t tackle the whole house, but don’t think that the accent wall is the only way you can use wallpaper. Do an entire room, the stairwell or even try a wainscotting effect.”

Ben Brannen, interior designer, Thomas Benjamin Brannen Interiors
“In the global market, [wallpaper] is really big right now. As far as the Calgary market, I don’t think it has hit just yet. We’re on the cusp. A look that’s big right now is one wall featuring a large scale pattern of floral, damask or geometric shapes in intense colour. Wallpaper can add drama, but the dimensions of a room generally dictate how much pattern you can put in. In larger rooms, if you paint the walls the same colour, it can feel cavernous, whereas if you use a strong pattern all around, it feels more proportionate.”

Julian Riley, co-owner, Maria Tomás
“For those of a certain age, there’s a fear of wallpaper. They’ve removed it and don’t want to live through it again. But it’s like shag rug — there are judicious ways to use it. Wallpaper has become like art, especially with the big graphics. If you can’t afford a huge painting, maybe a few rolls of fancy wallpaper can give you the impact you need. And use it in unexpected places; try wallpapering the ceilings and not the walls.  
The idea of wallpapering the powder room is cute, but not original.”

Karen Keller, product manager, Graham & Brown Canada
“If it is your first time wallpapering and you have any reservations, consider taking baby steps. Hang two strips of wallpaper and wait a day to see the end result. If all turns out well, you can continue. If not, remove the product and correct your hanging technique. And always purchase an extra roll. You may not need it right away but you’ll appreciate it if you need extra paper a few years down the road and the product or the lot number is no longer available.”

Arren Williams, stylist and trend reporter, Flare and Cityline
“Using wallpaper today is about making a fashionable statement. The hottest trend is to wallpaper all four walls in pattern; the wilder, the better. A feature wall is well and good, but I’d much rather see a fabulous wallpaper on one wall, and a coordinating paper in a slightly quieter pattern on the other three walls. It’s much more sophisticated. Think of the visual flow from room to room and mix patterns with plain or even textured, paintable wallpaper.”

Ann Cutting, interior designer, Ann Cutting Designs Ltd.
“I always recommend wallpapers — they add another element to your home. It’s not for everyone and some people don’t even consider it because they’re only remembering the wallpapers their grandmother had. They have no idea what’s out today. You can go from the really traditional look to ultramodern, hand-painted wallpapers. Try running your wallpaper around the room rather than just hanging it up and down. Add to it, cut the paper or use two or three different ones. You can play with wallpaper exactly the same way you would with fabric.”

Tiffany Kiefer-Bowling, account executive, Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics
“With wallpaper, you know exactly what you’re getting. They add texture and patterns that paint can’t. Most people have a generic sense of wallpaper. But what they don’t realize is there’s a lot of interesting materials being used now: grass cloths, silks, Swarovski crystals and other embellishments you can apply for a three-dimensional look. Keep in mind, interior designers may have access to more than what’s available at the local paint and colour store.”

Evon, designer, Walls Alive
“It’s all about texture and giving your room a little pizzazz and design. Some papers also have a bit of the heirloom look that’s come back in block prints — it’s more of a vintage look. And most prints do complement one another. There’s nothing wrong with stripes with flowers and checks. It’s all a matter of making sure your tones blend together well because that’s what makes it un-busy. Or go more solid on your furniture pieces and keep your texture and liveliness to the walls."