20 www.thedesignermagazine.com


Cover Feature


Above: The Acqua range of leather wall tiles by Cuir au Carré are suitable for use in the bathroom as they have been treated to make them more water resistant and easier to clean


Right: Designed by WIS Design for Mr Perswall, the Jewel wall mural features a random jewel effect design created from gloss chains of circles and dots


“GLOSSY OR REFLECTIVE PAPERS CAN HELP TO CREATE THE ILLUSION OF MORE SPACE BY BOUNCING LIGHT AROUND”


a tactile element to the walls is proving extremely popular, so too is the addition of so-called visual texture, whereby the illusion of a three-dimensional - and sometimes tactile - surface is artifi cially created. “3D wallpaper and optical illusions have picked up where trompe-l’œil left off,” says Bassam. “Modern drawing packages have allowed us to create more complex designs, whilst the latest printing techniques make the production side easier and more successful.” Thanks to advances in digital technology


we are now seeing wallpapers that feature high resolution images of textured surfaces such as concrete or brick that realistically mimic more industrial materials. Likewise, there are a variety of papers that feature high resolution images of bookcases, for example, which help add depth and dimension to an otherwise fl at surface. Texture can also be added through the use of imagery that depicts fabrics or soft furnishings, which can make a room feel more cosy, warm and opulent.


Whilst wallpapers excel at adding texture


to an interior, there is also a seemingly endless range of ceramic tiles, reclaimed wood panels, leather tiles, embossed quartz surfaces, Corian panels, stone veneers or felt wallcovering solutions. With no shortage of products to choose from, the challenge is not what to use but rather how to use them and where. “Personally, I believe you can add any


texture to any wall,” says Dave Herbert, Designer-Director at Karma Living. “Some designers tend to stick to tried-and-tested techniques with wall textures, but there are so many exciting possibilities out there now, it’s the ability to pull things together properly that makes all the difference. “The variety of the textures needs ‘marrying’ together with some consistency. It’s a similar principle for putting together ‘looks’ in fashion – there are always exciting new lines of products coming out and great accessories, but to be properly stylish, it’s all about pulling things together in a pleasing way.”


“At Brahm one of our favourite suppliers of textured wall coverings is Silk Dynasty


. Their products are great for dramatic designs in


textured fi nishes such as plaster and metal. We love the verde gris bronze and other precious metal fi nishes. We are also fans of Fromental, which produces hand-embroidered silks with historical designs mixed with contemporary colour schemes.


Embroidery can vary from 25 – 75 per cent depending on requirements. Another of our favourites is Tektura. The graphic designs in vinyl and paper help to create a dynamic modern space.”


John Bassam, Head of Design, Brahm Interiors


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52