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Cover Feature


As both the fashion world and the natural environment continue to exert their influence on the interior design scene, Stacey Sheppard takes a look at the trend for textured wallcoverings and asks where and how they should be used in residential projects


FOR


many years, wallcoverings dropped off the radar of


many homeowners who saw them as an unnecessary addition to interior spaces. Wallpaper in particular suffered at the hands of the trend for minimal interior decoration with many perceiving it as something of a DIY product or something to be used merely for borders or feature walls. Instead, textured paints in inoffensive pastel hues grew in popularity as consumers attempting to capitalize on the burgeoning housing market sought to pare down the personality of their properties in order to broaden appeal and therefore capture greater interest from buyers. However, with predictions that house


prices will continue a downward trend throughout 2011, the focus on investing in the home will increase, meaning that consumers will once again be looking to add interest and a sense of individuality to their homes. Whilst the resurgence of wallpaper has tended to steal the limelight, we are now seeing a far greater variety of wallcovering solutions on the market, with a particular emphasis on texture.


Sonia Murton, an interior designer and the founder of Belle Interiors says: “There has been a massive resurgence of interest in wallpaper design in recent years, which is fantastic. The view of wallpaper has shifted from being regarded as a rather bland and boring method of decorating to a way of expressing personality. But we’ve noticed a move from wallpaper to wallcoverings, which are getting more and more touchable; greater use of texture and surface consistency gives dimension to patterns and brings them alive.”


Colour and comfort have made a comeback and adding texture to walls is a great way of instantly creating that extra depth and interest that many homeowners are now craving as their homes become a sanctuary in these austere times. “Flat painted finishes can look very simple and chic, but they have little, if any, depth and lack a tactile feel,” says John Bassam, Head of Design at Brahm Interiors. “Textured wall coverings add not only


visual interest to a space, but also a sensory treat. The best compliment we have when silk walls are hung is our client instantly


Above: Leather tiles in teal from the Saint Lazare range by Cuir au Carré


Above: Broadcast in Gloss Red is part of the Iconic Panels range by B&N Industries


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