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Wallpaper is back, in a big way
Wallpaper, once associated with outdated home decor, is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, offering modern designs, improved quality, and easier application and removal processes. Oak Park designers Kim Daunis and Natalie Papier, co-founders of Home Ec. interior design studio, highlight wallpaper as a favorite method to introduce bold colors and distinctive designs into homes. They emphasize that contemporary wallpaper is a stark contrast to the challenging, often shiny, and vividly patterned papers of the 1970s, which were notoriously difficult to remove.
Today's wallpaper is not only aesthetically diverse but also practical, particularly for older homes with aging plaster walls, as it can effectively disguise imperfections and create a clean, refreshed look. While professional installation is recommended for beginners, Daunis and Papier note that the skill is learnable, and many homeowners successfully tackle it themselves. Removable wallpaper has also emerged as an ideal solution for those hesitant about long-term commitment, renters, or for small spaces, with Daunis even using peel-and-stick paper to add pattern to her kitchen cabinet backs.
The designers observe that while past themes are making a comeback, they are reimagined with a modern twist. Florals, for instance, are now seen in larger scales, and grass cloth, a classic texture, is reappearing in vibrant hues like emerald green. Graphic and modern patterns are also prevalent but with a more subdued and sophisticated aesthetic than their 1970s counterparts. Trends such as "Palm Beach chic" and 1960s "Mad Men" styles are also influencing contemporary wallpaper designs. However, one element that remains definitively out of style is the wallpaper border.
Daunis and Papier view wallpaper as a form of art for the walls, often incorporating it into nearly every project, especially in smaller areas like entries and powder rooms, where its impact can be maximized due to fewer competing design elements. They also advocate for its use in larger rooms, as demonstrated by a dining room transformation into a family lounge, where dark wallpaper created a focal point and added depth. When working with clients, they select papers that align with both the home's character and the occupants' personalities, ensuring a cohesive design. Examples include a citrine-colored peacock print for a funky dining room and a boom box print for a tween hangout space, showcasing how retro themes can be applied in a modern context.
Home Ec. often finds clients seeking their expertise for a design push beyond their comfort zones. Liz Cardwell, a client, sought their help to infuse fun, whimsy, and warmth into her entry space with wallpaper, ultimately choosing an Anthropologie paper she loved. The market for wallpaper has expanded significantly, offering options for various budgets. Popular brands include Hygge and West, Rifle Paper, Aimee Wilder, and Anthropologie. For unique prints from the UK, the designers suggest www.finestwallpaper.com, while larger online retailers like Wallpaper Direct and Wayfair provide a broad selection ranging from affordable options to high-end designer prints, with prices varying from $100 to $1,000 per roll. Papier herself utilized an inexpensive graphic pattern from Wayfair for her stairwell, proving that impactful design doesn't always require a significant investment.
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