What-paper?? On surface level, wallpaper is a material used in interior decorating; typically applied on walls in repeating patterns.
But we’re not here to talk about what wallpaper is. Much more importantly, how do we use wallpaper in the home, and why should it be used?
Why wallpaper?
To wallpaper, or not to wallpaper? An age old question (or rather, scaffold for a question) that we at Moda Interiors speak about a lot with clients. There are some great advantages to wallpaper…
Aesthetic value: Wallpaper is an incredibly versatile styling element in any space. It can be flat, patterned, multi-coloured, textured, and even personalised with HD images to fit and personalise any space.
With so many options, it’s an amazing tool to characterise your design choice, and bring to your space a great deal of personality, style and individuality.
Practical value: Design benefits aside, wallpaper is also incredibly durable and functional. It can last up to 5 times longer than paint in average conditions, doesn’t chip, crack or need repainting, and is much easier to clean. This all contributes to the long term cost effectiveness to originally a more expensive option; this lower level of maintenance saves you a lot of hassle in the long run.
How to choose?
When looking at what kind of wallpaper you choose, it’s important to consider design principles similar to those you imply when you pick paints.
Different colours and styles can have different effects to the space you’re trying to design, and can make your room appear bigger, brighter, more open and warmer (or vice versa).
A good tip for darker spaces is to choose wallpapers that brighten a space and reflect light, as dark colours absorb light and portray a room to be smaller and more closed in.
Patters with cool coloured backgrounds make spaces look larger, and ceilings taller.
Soft, cool tones make a space feel more relaxing and light-hearted, whilst intense colours bring a fresh and exciting character to the space.
Similarly, warm colours are very inviting and make people feel warm in any setting.
Is your room meant to be fun, formal, for working, fine dining or your kids?
Cater your colour choices, as well as the actual style (or image) of your wallpaper to the intended purpose and feeling of your room.
For example, consider how much of your wallpaper will be exposed.
Planning ahead will help you determine whether it’s worth choosing a more expensive wallpaper for your wall, if a great deal of it will be covered by features like cabinetry or artwork; pick smart!
Along with colour, you may also consider the advantages of real or perceived textures in wallpaper to disguise imperfections on walls.
If you have any questions, be sure to send us a message or book an appointment; we love using wallpaper!
Top 5 picks **get some photos from our wallpaper supplier
