From Our House to Yours…

Wallpaper—It’s Back!!

Just when you thought it was passé, wallpaper is making a comeback as a home décor element and it’s big in style and better than ever.

Wallpaper has been revived with updated and fresh new designs.  It is being used for whole rooms, single accent walls, and even on select accessories and furniture. 

Why the comeback??  It adds texture and color to rooms, creates themes, and gives a new approach to design.  Some designers are referring to it as  “wall art”.  These new wall-covering options are allowing us to establish a mood or feeling in an otherwise bland room.

Television show’s such as HGTV are touting it’s use as a viable decorating tool with unique designs to fit everyone’s individual style and budget.

Whether using borders, murals or wall coverings, there are endless possibilities to consider,  as many companies offer a vast array of options .

Tip of the month:  Designing with wallpaper.

· Use High Quality paper— It is extremely important to use the best quality wallpaper you can afford for your project.  Not only does it make installation easier, by lining up seams and patterns properly to ensure a professional job is accomplished, but it gives the appearance of a premium look. 

· Types of wallpaper— There is a wide array of wallpaper styles to consider.  A few   types are listed below.   

         1. Glass Beaded:  Adds not only style, but texture.  This type of luxurious flexible wall covering can be used in many applications and is available in rolls or squares.  Surely it will add pizzazz to that special area in your home.   

         2. Madagascar cloth:  A woven, generally heavy textured look.  This type of application is great for libraries and offices, but could be used as an accent wall to create warmth and comfort in other areas of your home.

           3. Grass cloth: Making a comeback in softer colors and finer lines.  Used often in bedrooms, family rooms, offices, libraries and accent walls, adding a soft texture to a room.

           4. Embossed vinyl:  For use in kitchens, baths and any area that is close to moisture.  Embossed vinyl adds a new dimension rather than using  plain vinyl wallpapers that have been around for years.

           5. Traditional and contemporary:  An updated version of “Damask” is used today in many traditional and contemporary design themes.  It has become very popular in the last year and is seen in various up to date colors throughout the decorating world.  There are many other design patterns that are “in-style” in these two categories as well.  Again, the selections are endless and the manufacturers are abundant. 

· Professional Paper Hanging— This is one of the most important steps in making sure that you get the best outcome for your project.  Professionals know how to save money by ordering the right amount of material and supplies needed for the job and guarantee the installation as well.  

· Green design trend- Eco-friendly wallpapers do not contain toxin emitting VOC’s or mold harboring chemicals. Improving indoor air quality and helping people with various allergies to chemicals is being addressed with updated “green” materials by many manufacturers today.

· Wallpaper borders-  By adding a wallpaper border, you can create a new theme for a room, and add color, texture and style.  Using the traditional border placement at the wall to ceiling is certainly fine, but you might want to consider other options:

           1. Frame door and window moldings in a room to add design to the space.

           2. Put a border at baseboard level, add paint above with a tone that is in the border.

           3. Hang the border 6-8” below the ceiling all the way around the room for a dropped ceiling effect.  Paint above the border the same color as the ceiling and below the border in a contrasting color.

· Wall Murals-  A great way to add a feature wall or create a larger looking space. By using digital technology, you can come up with your own design. 

Styles and types of wallpapers below:

 Glass beads (above) show off a luxurious look.

Damask wallpaper with matching fabric.             Wallpaper murals—add depth to a room.

Selecting a wall covering does not have to be complicated.  Think about the look you want, hire the necessary professionals to help you achieve the look and then sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Contact: Louie or Deborah Carter, Grayson Family Homes, 3391 Linger Longer Rd., Greensboro, GA 30642, (c)706-347-0424 or (c)706-453-6523.