Wallpaper has been a strong element to use in interior design forever. It’s not for everyone, though. Uninspired and overly feminine wallpapers from the distant past turned many people off. Not surprising, really. However, today’s wallpapers can add drama as well as dimension to a room design, whether they are subtle or more outspoken. The effect is so much greater than what simply paint colour can convey. They are much more easy to deal with than they were in the past, as well. Modern glues make the papers easier to remove when it is time for a change. 
We can more effectively express a design style through the medium of wallpaper than though simple, solid wall colour. The room above is somewhat masculine in approach, yet would appeal to a great many women. It also carries a sense of vintage style, almost an Art Deco feel. Going in a slightly more feminine direction we can add a floral wall-covering. There’s nothing wrong with granny but sometimes, not always. Granny’s taste in wallpaper left a lot to be desired sometimes. There are so many wonderful floral options now. Some options come in the form of large, dramatic murals. These dramatic options bring a sense of fun, as well as plenty of colour. They can be quite dramatic or understated. They suit casual transitional room designs. Surprisingly, these murals are quite easy to live with and the client tends not to tire of the choice for a relatively long time.The room below would appeal to clients of many persuasions.
Some wallpapers are revivals of classic historic hand printed papers like the William Morris shown below. Often, the option of co-coordinating drapery fabric is available, as well. This more historical choice has a strong following. It is quite a naturalistic botanical often with a strong colour palette. Dark paint colours would look terrific with one of these papers. William Morris was very active during the Victorian Arts and Crafts Movement and his designs are still holding strong today. There is such a range of colour in these florals that the room design can be updated with accessories chosen from the many colours in the wallpaper. The look is easily refreshed through the vehicle of colour. Since this is a historical wallpaper, it suits a room with traditional furnishings. However, since this paper is timeless it would also look good with furniture with cleaner, more contemporary lines. Even a historical wallpaper does not need to feel “old” and out of style!
The understated grasscloth wallpaper below enhances the furniture pieces as well as the artwork, accessories, and custom draperies and lends a casual elegance to this room design. We can make the look more contemporary casual through the addition of shiny metal elements. The ornate fretwork on the doors of the buffet lend a traditional element to an otherwise contemporary feeling room. The velvet tufted chaise is elegant and comfortable. The hip roof ceiling is also papered and the banding draws the eye upward for a feeling of greater height. The overall feeling of this room is classic serenity.
There has been a strong trend to casual room designs with a rustic flair. This is not the old “Country” with dusty rose and Windsor chairs. A more contemporary bent can be brought to this rustic look. There is a place for wallpaper in this fashion forward approach. A geometric motif wallpaper that adds the look of texture brings a lot of energy to this eclectic modern farmhouse look.The black ceiling adds drama and flair. The heavy wood table has a clean lined contemporary base. Mercury glass vases are a nod to the past but have clean, modern lines. The industrial chandelier adds impact.
Dramatic murals are not just in florals. The cross section of weathered wood below lends drama and looks fabulous with the leather chair. The effect is mid tone with very high impact. This room has a youthful feel.
Light and bright contemporary room designs benefit from the use of wallpaper, as well. Large and medium scale geometric and abstract graphics with metallic sheen can be spectacular. clean lined furniture softened with the classic look of tufting lend dimension and interest, as does the introduction of clear, acrylic elements. There is energy, fun and drama in the room design that wall colour alone likely could not achieve. 
We begin to wonder how anyone thought that wallpaper was boring and passe. Rather, it is a bold and versatile tool in our interior design arsenal.
Often, the assistance of a a colour and interior design specialist is a desirable service to help you through this. Call Mulberry Interiors now at (905) 849-6423 to book a consultation. We look forward to working with you to increase your enjoyment of your home.
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