Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design
Wallpaper is back, and this time it looks set to stick around! As a lover of pattern, I am thrilled. Paint is fantastic but unless you hire an extremely talented artist you can’t create quite the same effect as wallpaper in your room design.
Like me, you probably have some shudder-inducing memories of 1970’s/1980’s wallpaper – gaudy patterns, sickly colours and cheap paper. Fortunately those days are long gone and we are now absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to wall coverings. Designers have experimented with wild and wonderful patterns, different paper types and every colour imaginable. Even the wallpapering process has been simplified with the invention of self-adhesive sheets and some handy tools.
Picking the right paper is one of my favourite parts of the room design process. I can spend hours scouring the web and trailing design shows to find new designers and styles. Here are some of my current favourites:
Timorous Beasties – This Glasgow based design duo create ultra modern textiles and wallpapers. Their creations are at once urban, edgy and inspired by nature. Some of their designs are conventional while others are a little more surreal but all are guaranteed to make an impact in your home.
I used two of Timorous Beasties’ papers in one of my interiors projects at the Kings Circus in Bath.
Above and below: penthouse maisonette in the Kings Circus by Clair Strong Interior Design Ltd.
Designers Guild – Founded by Tricia Guild in 1970, the Designers Guild produces exceptionally high quality wall coverings. Their innovative collection includes dynamic textural papers, modern florals, theatrical grandeur and rococo designs. Designers Guild wallpapers are like no other, they are experimental, innovative and cool. Even the more traditional designs have an artistic edge.
Sian Zeng London – This award-winning design company specialises in creating quirky and imaginative interactive wallpapers. Sian’s work features beautifully illustrated woodland landscapes and wildlife scenes. However, where Sian’s wallpaper really stands out is that it is… magnetic! The paper is provided with a magnetic liner and magnetic ‘stickers’ that allow you to create your own endlessly unique designs.
