Long perceived by some as old-fashioned, undesirable or even ugly, wallpaper is in leading a design revolution that’s taking the world of interior decoration by storm.
Forget about your grandparents floral wallpaper of the ‘80s. The pasted paper has come an incredibly long way to become trendy and much sought after again.
For many years, wallpaper was hard to use because it was difficult to apply and maintain, leaving room for paint to invade our interiors. But today, it’s easy to put up, washable and reasonably affordable.
“Our concept is wallpaper sheets that can be laid like tiles. You can mix them like mosaics. It’s simple and fun, you apply paste the wallpaper like a puzzle!” says Aude Malbat, co-founder of Joli Jour Paris. 75 different patterns are available in her shop.
Bring out the artist in you
From romantic floral motifs to geometric shapes and nature-inspired designs, it has never been easier to create your own unique decor, to break away from normal standards and everyday codes. Wallpaper adds depth and texture to a room, enlarging the space and that’s a considerable advantage over paint whether you live in a small spaces or larger dwelling.
Malbat tells Euronews Culture that she believes pasted paper is timeless. ‘’It’s back in the spotlight because people need a warm, special, lively interior that matches their own personality.’’
Besides, old-fashioned items or decorations still hold enormous appeal for some. ‘’Wallpaper is everywhere in England and in the US too!” she says.
Super-sized, super trendy
In the past, wall-coverings had to be printed by screen or by gravure rollers, which meant the repeat process was limited. But digital printing has allowed the development of large-scale patterns and murals that can cover an entire wall without repetition.
‘’We hand-draw or hand-paint our designed landscapes, then photograph, scan and print them in our workshop in Bordeaux. This technique enables us to reach a very high quality’’, says Méliné Boghossian, technical director of Ananbô.
Based in Gironde, the French family-run company have brought back to life the French tradition of super-sized wall-covering using digital printing. ‘’We turn your interior into a journey. Our 100%-French panoramic wallpapers can span a room all-over, from floor to ceiling.’’
Murals particularly shine in diner rooms and luxurious cocktail lounges. ‘’We export worldwide. Our customers are mostly professionals, because the product we offer is tailored to them. We offer a drawing, a universe that fits their vision,’’ says Méliné.
From traditional to contemporary, the versatility of wallpaper is increasingly becoming a style choice for those looking to add a more personal touch to their abodes or offices, and its popularity promises to grow as more people seek sustainable, unique and eco-friendly design options.
