Wallpaper is making a huge comeback of late and for good reason!

Back in the 1700’s when the wealthy social elite were hanging tapestries on their walls, which were hugely expensive but fabulous for adding colour and warmth (and of course much needed insulation given they were hung on bare stone walls), the less wealthy of the elite classes used wallpaper to brighten their rooms. These were often stencilled or hand-painted and so began a love affair with wallpaper.

I am a huge fan of the beautiful Chinoiserie style wallpapers, so delicate and feminine, De Gournay have the most beautiful examples. Perhaps consider wallpapering the back wall of your wardrobe so you are greeted each day with a glimpse of this very beautiful style.

Wallpaper is fabulous for introducing texture, it can be subtle if you stay within your existing colour palette. To add some sheen/glamour try a foil wallpaper or a metallic - Kelly Wearstler’s metallic range is gorgeous. Wallpaper will add another dimension and make your room more interesting.

You can have some fun with wallpaper in a powder room. Invariably these spaces are small and there isn’t a lot else going on so why not try a beautiful wallpaper to liven things up! You needn’t be worried about water splashes, there are wallpapers that can withstand this.

My current favourite wallpaper is Ellie Cashman’s Black Saturated Floral, inspired by still life paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. This design is simply stunning and makes quite a statement! I am about to use this in a laundry. If you have a family it’s quite frightening just how much time you can spend ‘working’ in the laundry … so why not make it beautiful? Just think of the personality you are giving what is often a dull ‘services’ type room.

Try adding a little wallpaper to your home, I am sure it will make you smile each time you see it.

Al Paget