Is wallpaper making a comeback?  I would argue a resounding yes.

I know, I know, I can HEAR you rolling your eyes … I too have spent agonizing days with a steamer and a scraper removing old ‘cute’ floral stripes from endless bedroom walls with no wish to repeat this torturous exercise. Ever.

Until fairly recently, there has been a definite push toward paint for walls. Oh, the occasional special paint finish appeared…some finishes exquisite, like a beautiful combed strie, or a Venetian plaster, and some, not so much … we’re looking at you, sponge painting … which the do-it-yourself crowd embraced, often with the enthusiasm and skill of a 4 year old. And let’s not forget stenciling - okay yes, maybe we should try to forget that. But even decorative paint finishes gave way to clean smooth painted walls in the recent decade.

But are plain walls and simple lines starting to look ubiquitous? Are we beginning to long for ways to inject a little more PERSONALity into our spaces?

Now, new technology, and a new era have arrived on our doorstep and with it – new wallpaper options. Re-invented archived historic patterns, faux finishes, murals, textures, metallic accents, trompe l’oeil and more.

Even if you think you hate wallpaper, the new choices may just surprise you. They offer pattern, elegance, warmth, and a variety of textures.

Ready to dip a toe into the wallpaper pool? Here are some places you might consider using wallpaper without feeling overwhelmed by it:

1.   Powder room

a low commitment space since it is small and used only in short intervals.

2.   Dining room

often there are chair rails or wainscoting, so only a portion of the wall gets papered – and this is a great application for murals or soft patterns

3.   Foyer

again, a low commitment space, since it is a relatively small pass- through room, but wallpaper can give it a big impact and set the tome for the whole house

4.   Accent wall

this is especially effective with more modern styles like mid century modern or industrial chic, or with trompe l’oeil papers.

5.   Back of a bookcase or china cabinet

this can add texture and color to a room without committing to a huge amount of it, and it can provide a beautiful backdrop for the objects displayed on the shelves

In addition to real wallpaper, there are now temporary wallpapers that just peel off without leaving any mark…a perfect solution for rental property…or really swank dorm rooms...or just for the terminally indecisive!

Ready to take the plunge? We would love to help you choose a paper that is just right for you! Contact us at JRLInteriors.