April 28, 2011

WALLPAPER TRENDS

This week we continue our ongoing series of discussions with leading design experts about the state of the wallcovering industry.  Bob (Bobby) Higgins is associated with Sterling Decor Concepts and RJHiggins and Associates, representing International & Fine Decorating Products.  According to Bobby, the most important new trends in wallcovering are: Green and Lean.  Green refers to the ecologically sound materials associated with wallpapers today and Lean refers to the ease of wallpaper installation and the ease of removal.

Bobby Higgins, Wallcovering Guru


Bobby has decades of experience in the wallcovering industry and is always on the lookout for new trends.  He travels the world on a quest to find the next big wallcovering 'thing'.  And, following are some of his sound bite observations regarding the wallpaper of today:
  • The design community is gravitating back to wallcovering
  • Wallpaper is being used as a design focal point on single walls v. an entire room
  • Textures are 'in' from mosaics to faux finishes to suedes and tactile stucco and other natural looks that make a design statement but are kind to the environment
  • New wallcovering materials and supplies make it a virtual snap to install and de-install wallpaper--Easy Up Easy Down
  • Natural fibers are big--Grasscloth and cork in particular
  • Wallcovering is timeless
  • Big Colors--Turquoise/Spa Blue/Purple/Yellow/White
  • The new demographic--kids love wallpaper--it is 'new' to them
  • Retro looks are big--circles-geometric shapes
  • Tone on Tone with texture is the new neutral
  • Future trends--wallpaper is back to stay--consumers are recognizing the enhanced value wallpaper adds to a home and the warmth wallcovering adds to a decorating scheme
  • 20-30% of wallcovering is now purchased on the Internet
  • Designers are turning their attention to creating new wallpaper looks. Two big names in wallcovering design are Candice Olson and April Cornell 
So, wait no more.  Check out your local wallpaper store--yes, there are still some stores that actually stock product and they tend to offer great pricing deals--or do a web search.  Either way, you are in for a treat--wonderful products in many different styles and colors. You  are sure to find something that will truly enhance your personal decor.  

April 21, 2011

Wallpaper Used Creatively

Wallpaper offers a simple and cost effective way to change a room's look or vibe.  But, a new trend is to use wallpaper in specific ways as a dramatic accent.  It can be used for a single wall or as a filler between molding strips instead of a picture.  Or, use it for scrap booking or craft projects, to wallpaper a doll house or a dresser or a door, or as a backdrop for a photograph--the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

The following photographs offer real life examples of how the same wallpaper pattern can be used effectively in different ways in very different settings.  The first photo illustrates a sliding bedroom door covered in a golden hued fleurs-de-lis pattern.  Note the border pattern above the door and at chair rail height as well. In the second photo, the same paper is used beneath a chair rail going up a double staircase in a contemporary take on a traditional home.  In both cases, the effect is striking and noteworthy.  

So, give some thought as to how you can make a dramatic wallpaper statement in your home.

Door Covered in Wallpaper





Wallpaper Creative

Wallpaper can change the look of a place
And make it seem like a different space

It doesn’t take much money or time
And is the perfect cover for muck and grime

So give some thought to what to change
Wallpaper offers you quite a range

From stripes and plaid to cloth of grass
It looks good with copper, silver and brass

Cover a dresser, door, floor or wall
And in the process, have yourself a ball



April 15, 2011

Batter Up

It's that time of year when thoughts turn to America's favorite pastime--BASEBALL.  It is also a time to clean out clutter and freshen up the look of your home.  What better way to blend a love of sport and a new decor than with a baseball border.  Shown below are some wallpaper border alternatives that could make a study, recreation room, game room or teenager's bedroom look oh so new.  Borders are available in generic form and also specific team colors and graphics.

Selection of Generic Baseball Borders



Batter Up

Grab your glove it’s that time of year
To head to the ball park and cheer

For your favorite MLB team be it major or minor
Even the hot dogs taste better than at the diner

America’s favorite pastime is here for another season
To bring us joy and sorrow, sometimes for no reason

And to show your rah rah spirit is for real
What better way than to that old border peel

In order to replace it with a border brand new
You can be one of the special privileged few