Not Your Grandma's Wallpaper

Interior design, complete with scenic wallpaper, by Michael S. Smith

Wallpaper is dreamy. I wish we could have it in our home, but a few things are preventing my dreams from coming true:
1. Expense; it ain't cheap (I do firmly believe it's worth the price, we just haven't had the cash, ya know?)
2. Imperfect walls; ours have been around a while and they are a little texture-y. Wallpaper works best on nice, smooth walls
3. We keep moving. While we were in our last apartment for nearly two years, and the previous one for three, it would be nice to enjoy wallpaper for longer and/or not forfeit our security deposits because wallpaper we leave behind has to be removed for the next tenant, etc.

To quench my thirst for paper, Oliver and I take great pains to paint wallpaper-like patterns on our walls, which is a great, if time consuming stand-in for now. However, being an interior designer means I get to live vicariously through clients, and sometimes they let me do fun things to their walls. I worked for a fancy New York decorator who was all about wallpaper. Her clients had lots of dinero (and recently skim-coated walls), so wallpaper was par for the course. Case in point: this little bathroom we redesigned – it's really a powder room in the client's work studio, but the Trove wallpaper is a show-stopper:

Wallpaper: "Alula" by Trove

Not your grandma's wallpaper, right? Trove has all kinds of ethereal, shadowy patterns from which to choose. Additionally, their full library of patterns can be printed for window films and wood veneers, and they'll work with you to create custom colors and patterns.

Wallpaper (and other products) created from digitally manipulated paintings by artist/designer Shanan Campanero, ESKAYEL is another favorite among designers seeking untraditional wall coverings.

Culebra was featured in House Beautiful's March 2011 issue


Dynasty


Roman Ram - Lt Metal


Small Stag

Way back in March, when I reviewed some of the highlights of the Architectural Digest Home Show in New York, I wrote about a UK-based company, Fromental, which creates custom hand-painted wallpaper using silk, velvet, embroidery and silk screening in rich colorways, resulting in some of the most dashing designs on the market. Well, they are at it again; Berard, their latest line of hand-embroidered Italian velvet wallpaper was inspired by the work of artist Christian Berard, and is a sort of trompe l'oeil faux-paneled design.

The inspiration:

Architectural painting on fabric by Berard, 1939

The resulting wallpaper line:

Photos, history and heads-up courtesy The Peak of Chic

Jocelyn Warner doesn't need a plug from li'l old me, but she has some fun wallpapers, especially Kaleido:


Dan Funderburgh creates unique wallpaper (with pun-filled, play-on-words titles) based on traditional wallpaper designs, but with contemporary imagery addressing today's world. Some favorites:

Chinatown Toile


Flower Pedal (get it? flowers...pedals, not petals, but with petals AND pedals? CLEVER.)


Central Park (that fire hydrant is pure genius)


I'll end my little wallpaper tour with a new find: Dallas-based designer, illustrator and former interior designer, Meredith Conly (a born and raised Austinite, I might add) is the talent behind The Whimsey Chronicles, a one-woman textile and wallpaper operation churning out amazing storybook-like designs inspired by flea market finds, vintage images, patterns, and bold colors.

Brellas in Teaberry


African Cuff in Jade


Featherleaf in Teaberry


Winter Collection textiles


Foxtrot Wallpaper


Designs can be produced in several colorways, and Meredith takes orders for custom pillows. Her products can be purchased at her Etsy store or directly through her by phone or email – give her a buzz – she's very responsive!

While I think all of these wallpapers work in several applications, I understand that some may shy away from using them, feeling they are too bold for everyday use. I find that busy patterns, when covering all walls, tend to recede, providing an great background for artwork, photos or other wall hangings. If that just sounds way too busy, let the wallpaper itself be the artwork. I think bold patterns work beautifully in small spaces, too – hallways, entry halls, powder rooms, dining rooms, kitchens – you name it. The boldness makes small spaces feel extra special. I look forward to the day when we get to put some in our home!