Everything you knew about wallpaper: peel, rip. Old-style florals are long gone. Geometric patterns are in. Textured surfaces do what paint and plaster can’t. And for indecisive millennials, there are smaller stickers that seamlessly cover up unsightly door frames and corners. Could the new wall decor just be an oversized laptop sticker? Design experts tell us why they’re excited about the idea.
The best thing about self-adhesive home decor? You can stay Stay on top of the latest interior design trends and change the look of a room to suit your mood. Renters love it. Fans of Bridgerton do too—Regency-inspired looks have been all the rage this year, albeit in small doses. Consider using powder blue backdrops only in a sunlit corner of a single room, or Penelope Featherington’s bright yellows on the wall behind the headboard. Or pale pink florals to accent the dressing table. “They’re the budget-friendly secret to keeping interiors fresh,” says interior designer Namrata Saigal. “They also allow you to personalize a space and achieve instant glamour without a long-term commitment.”
Shuchi Jain, an Indore-based interior designer and founder of Studio Shuchis Traces, says modern wallpapers do not make walls any thicker either. “Prices start from just ₹10 per square foot or 500 rupees per roll, although rolls can cost up to ₹45,000,” she says. Many people simply wallpaper part of their house and give it a new look long before the wall starts to peel.
On walls, fluorescent accents act like highlighters on a document. They’re bright and show you where to look. “Abstract neon patterns, inspired by retro and pop styles, add energy to spaces and make them lively and dynamic,” says Saigal. Use them in small doses – a bright motif amidst a palette of pastel stripes, a fuchsia border along the cornices or baseboards.
Another trend: Custom-designed wallpaper with motifs that reflect the homeowner’s interests, says Saigal. A biker-themed mural is perfect for travel content creators who film from home between trips. A floor-to-ceiling image of a tropical forest enlivens a window overlooking the concrete jungle. Trippy patterns work well for a yoga-loving couple. A kolam, or hand-woven motif, along the borders is a subtle reminder of hometown.
Botanical decals – found on maxi dresses, saris and tote bags – are great for the entrance to a plant-filled garden or balcony. Aamir Ansari, a Mumbai-based wallpaper designer, says tropical motifs are a big trend “that transforms spaces into exotic oases.”
Florals look less dated than they once did for those who just have to have them. When in doubt, choose geometric patterns over watercolor motifs, and look for unusual textures rather than flat greeting card imitations. Consider a deep but muted background, highlighted by decorative blooms to create depth and drama. “From geometric Art Deco patterns to retro florals, there’s plenty to choose from,” says Ansari.
Little houses need little tricks. Not an entire wall covered in a texture or print, just a stick-on design that fills a corner, the back of the desk, or the kitchen counter. Children’s rooms have been using stickers for years, updated from fluffy animals to skateboard silhouettes depending on the child’s interests.
As always, tailor your wallpaper dreams to the size of your home. Thick vertical stripes add height. Light colors give the illusion of space. “Reflective surfaces reflect light, large-scale patterns reduce visual clutter, textured designs add depth, accent walls draw the eye, and continuous patterns expand visual space,” says Jain. “Opt for monochromatic schemes for a seamless flow and minimalist designs to make rooms appear airy.”
Satish Parab, interior designer and founder of SSP Infratech in Mumbai, says most first-time buyers choose wallpaper after seeing only a small selection. “This makes it difficult for them to imagine the full impact of the pattern in their home,” and often homeowners are disappointed with the final look. Take photos of your walls with the lights on and off and ask the store to make mock-ups. This will give you a better idea of how a print will look on a full wall.
And think beyond the wall. “Wallpaper can be used on ceilings, cabinet fronts, the backs of open shelves, or even framed as a custom piece of art,” says Saigal. Just add some visual variety or breathing room if the patterns become too overwhelming.
From HT Brunch, August 17, 2024
Follow us on www.instagram.com/htbrunch
