I have mixed feelings about wallpaper, as do a lot of people. It's an f-ing B to get up, its an ever bigger one to get down and it can be trendy, pricey, reads differently in every space, on every wall and its semi permanent. I say semi because once you've had the pleasure of steaming and scraping off wallpaper, you're gonna think twice before changing your mind. You'll live with that strong floral accent wall forever whether you like it or not because you're not going back to that dark, steamy, wet place of burning shoulder muscles, literal burns on your flesh and your shirt melted to your chest, not to be dramatic. But I guess thats why you hire a professional. Either way its a commitment and a real design leap of faith and not for everyone and every project. Side note: Natalie Myers just did a post on removable wallpaper which looks bad ass, check it out if you're thinking of experimenting. Removable wallpaper, I could get into that.
For these reasons I had kind of taken my eyes off the wallpaper world, gave myself some space and really learned to embrace and admire the simplicity of a white wall. Then, when I least expected it, I got pulled back in, like a true on again off again torrid romance. I keep seeing waves of imagery that is so fresh and rad that its changed my whole perception of what wallpaper can do for a space.
I typically like to go subtle, but these new hand drawn, seemingly one of a kind art pieces turned wall coverings is something unavoidable. Some made with light fluid brush strokes, watercolor whisps and others more like OCD doodles you used to draw to pass time in class, or on a flight, or in a waiting room, before iphones took away our creativity. I've highlighted a few examples of what I'm going on and on about. Hopefully, it will get you to date wallpaper again too.
I especially like using wallpaper in kids rooms. I feel like they need that creative stimulation in their space to help inspire them as well as get them excited about their little sanctuaries. Also, one accent wall isn't going to break the bank and isnt too much trouble to change out if you grow to hate it. That being said, I typically like to go gender neutral and a bit whimsy. Ferm Living is a great place for kids wallpaper. Simple shapes, soft color ways and small scale innocent patterns are the way to go
Fayce Textiles -This is what I'm talking about! Her stuff is hand drawn and printed using non toxic dyes so beautifully organic, subtle, linear and totally soothing. I'm just loooooving the dimension it gives to a wall. Kind of expensive but there is no way I would regret putting this up. Just really love the simplicity and the precision of it.
Drop it Modern has been on my radar for a minute. Their stuff is a little more bold but I'm really drawn to their more recent prints that have more fluidity and a more hand drawn feel. Its bold but they have multiple color ways so you can choose your contrast. I think this works great in an office, retail or commercial space for some pow. It would take a strong kind of personality to float this in your own home and I applaud you if you do.
Rebecca Atwood is my watercolor guru and her textiles and wallpaper add the perfect pretty pop to any space. Again, I think theres a theme here, her prints are hand drawn and imperfect in a really beautiful way. I like her soft palette and simple patterns, totally speaking my language.
Studio Four NYC is my one stop shop for gorgeous textiles, rugs, pillows and wall coverings but in particular, I'm feeling their recent wallpaper collabs with Sally King Benedict and Nina Freudenberger. Sally a bit more muted and artsy, but really f-ing special. It feels like she stayed up all night hand painting your walls to give the space movement and life but in a really mellow happy way. I'm so into her!
Nina is a bit bolder but clean, California inspired, thoughtful and a little boho, just like her beloved book Surf Shack. She knows whats she's doing.
I'm always on the look out for new inspirations and I love how discovering new artists and designers really just invigorates my love for interior design. Keep on following and I promise to share the love of all my late night trips down the dark holes of the interwebs.
ciao for now,
-k