HOME STYLING
WHAT THE PAPERS SAY
Wallpaper might be one of the last things you think about during a build, but it’s one way to create the ‘wow factor’ that’s vital for bringing your interiors together, and infusing your personality. Designer Avalana Simpson shares some tips
T
he UK’s love affair with wallpaper originated in the late 15th century, but it was the French that came to dominate the industry. One of the most famous manufacturers was Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, who had a royal warrant and produced lavish papers for the aristocracy at his factory in Paris. Modern, bare walls later came to prominence as the on-trend interior choice but now, wallpaper is back. It’s come a long way.
The wallcoverings of today can go way beyond what can be done with paint, and as a designer I’ve learned first-hand how colour, patterns and hand-drawn scenes can not only add colour and interest to a room, but also form the basis for a whole interiors scheme, delighting the homeowner and wowing their guests.
SEEK OUT INSPIRATION
I love clashing prints, bold colour and a maximalist approach to design. I do believe that as we step into 2022, most
homeowners will change their outlook on walls, and opt to be brave and bold when it comes to colourful walls and patterns. However, if you’re not sure where to start with your room makeover, then seek out some inspiration. Hotel-style is a huge trend in home interiors at the moment, largely due to restrictions on travel – and I always find that hotels are a great reference point when it comes to dramatic wallpaper. Don’t be afraid to translate hotel style onto a smaller scale in your own home – you can take inspiration for all parts of a design – from walls, furniture, lighting and other finishing touches. Beyond hotels you could look to fashion, nature and social media for design inspiration.
MAKE A STATEMENT Textured and patterned wallpaper can manipulate spaces and add or eliminate architectural detail. An added advantage is it can cover up any imperfections or oddities in your walls. A big mistake many homeowners make is playing it safe when it comes to their wallpaper selection but walls and even ceilings are the perfect place to add some designer flair and make a statement – so don’t ignore them. Intricate murals are very impactful compared to the traditional wallpaper repeat designs. The more unique the better! Be drawn to things that sing to you, whether that’s nature inspired full of botanicals, a quintessentially British landscape or Chinoiserie with ornate flowers and birds.
GO CUSTOM
Consider working with a designer who can help create a custom wallcovering
10
www.sbhonline.co.uk
Hotels are a great reference point when it comes to dramatic wallpaper
or mural and adjust their collection to align with your colour palette. It makes no sense to have put so much time and effort into the exterior of your property to settle for walls, textiles or soft furnishings that you aren’t 100% happy with. Invest well so your choices will stand the test of time.
SCALE & PROPORTION
Like paint, wallcovering options can fit every budget and creative mind. To help you choose, I suggest you keep in mind two simple things – scale and proportion. In a small room, for example, a large- scale pattern may not repeat more than once before it meets the skirting board.
jan/feb 2022
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 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
