Let’s talk about wallpaper, which to some people, is akin to a dirty word. You either love it or you hate it. Whether or not you are a fan, wallpaper is technically decorative embellishment although it has qualities that can appear almost architectural. While there are many decorative things besides paint you can apply to your walls including paneling, wainscoting and shiplap, wallpaper alone provides a unique ambiance no other finish for your walls can duplicate.
The big news is that wallpaper is back in style after being out of vogue for nearly two decades. The history of wallpaper, by the way, is pretty cool. The Chinese are credited with inventing wallpaper, having glued rice paper onto their own walls as far back as the Qin Dynasty. In time linen fibers replaced rice paper, and by the 12th century, the skill of paper making spread to the western hemisphere via the Silk Road. A guild for wallpaper makers emerged in France in 1559 where a taste for wallpaper featuring flowers, swans, beasts of the forest and cornucopia flourished. Flocked wallpaper became wildly popular in the late 1600’s as a more modestly priced alternative to cut velvet. In 1712 in England a property tax on wallpaper was introduced under Queen Anne, a tax that remained in force for 124 years. In the early 1800’s, the wallpaper industry was galvanized by the designs of William Morris, who drew on scenes from nature focusing on birds, flowers, trees and leaves and fruit.
With the advent of Modernism and a desire for spare, stark design, it seemed like wallpaper virtually disappeared. But tastes have evolved, and with the trend away from stark minimalism, wallpaper is making a comeback. Major player tastemakers like Hermes, Versace, and Louis Vuitton have recently extended their brands into the wallpaper market. Thanks to their leadership, even budget-minded consumers can enjoy an exciting array of wallpaper now available at every price point.
If you’re searching for inspiration, look no further than Pinterest. This is where you’ll find some of the most engaging and artful wallpaper concepts. What’s not to love about a charming powder room featuring a floral wallpaper that brings the outdoors in? Wallpaper, by the way, is a tried and true way to make small spaces truly great.
Not all staircases are beautiful but you can improve their look by wallpapering the stair risers. Pick a durable paper in a design that really pops and transform a simple area of your house into a focal point.
If you live in an older home, you’ve probably got some odd or quirky spaces. A problem area in many older homes is that area under the stairs. Instead of wondering what in the world to do with it, consider defining the area and giving it a purpose. Area rugs are helpful for space definition but nothing adds a splash of sizzle and straight up glam like the perfect wallpaper.
Admittedly wallpaper can be intimidating. It’s a lot of trouble to put up and removing it is also not exactly a picnic. A HomeSquare professional can help, and they can also help you prep your home for wallpaper installation. A HomeSquare professional can build shelves or refinish a staircase in preparation for your wallpaper job and assist you with handyman and renovation services.
Scared of wallpaper because it feels like too much of a commitment? You’ll be happy to learn there are now a good number of wallpapers that are easily removable, a bonus if you rent your home and your landlord might insist you return the walls back to their white-painted originals. Also keep in mind nobody said you had to paper the whole room. An accent wall, like the wall behind your bed, will transform your bedroom environment into a warm and welcoming area. When you want to discuss your options or get started with a new home project, contact the pros at HomeSquare to get it done right.
Eve Marx
Eve Marx is a national journalist and book author. Follow her reflections on home design and interior style on Instagram at the hashtag #funkybeachhouseseasideror.