In my last blog post where I talked about feature walls, I mentioned that wallpaper is an option. I know that many of you may not be fans of wallpaper, preferring to paint your spaces instead, but let me reassure you that wallpaper is not the product we associate with our grandmother’s homes! There are products that are even easier to install and there have been some fantastic innovations in the industry including decals that go beyond those typically associated with children’s rooms. This week I want to share some of the benefits of wallpaper including information about the innovations I mentioned and how the products can enhance your spaces.
The visual appeal of wallpaper exceeds that of paint. With finishes such as faux suede, cork, velvet, vinyl, embossed finishes, textiles, metallics and more available, the depth and visual texture possible can add elegance and drama to your spaces.
Wallpaper is a great camouflage if the walls in your space are damaged and you do not want to or are unable to repair them. If walls are not smooth a patterned wallpaper will go a long way to masking that flaw.
The versatility of wallpaper is a definite advantage. Every room in your home can be papered including kitchens and bathrooms where the use of innovative products that can withstand high humidity keep the space looking fresh. As mentioned in the last blog post, creating a feature wall with wallpaper can provide a striking focal point in your space. Other options for wallpaper include lining the back of bookcases, framing a piece to create artwork for your room or perhaps creating decor accessories that coordinate with your space such as covering a few books with wallpaper then stacking them to add depth, colour and texture.
Wallpaper is perfect as a focal point and to highlight a decor feature such as the light above the desk. Photo Credit: Lightvisions custom wallpaper for DLUX
So what innovations have there been in the world of wallpaper and how does it differ from what many of us have had experience with? Many of the papers available are peel and stick – seriously! This allows for re-positioning and the adhesives are specially engineered for wall applications so will not leave any sticky residue when removed. I love the peel and stick products too for their ability to easily conform to corners and curved surfaces and easily applied to ceilings making them a versatile design product with unlimited potential.
Photo Credit: Wayfair.ca
‘Traditional’ wallpaper, looks and feels like well, paper. Many of the new peel and stick products are vinyl but have finishes that are amazingly realistic in appearance such as leather, cork, wood, metal and stone allowing for an instant update and refresh to your rooms. Other companies such as Light visions, produce custom peel and stick vinyls in a variety of weights/thicknesses for use on walls, floors, even ceilings, that will elevate your space making it truly one of a kind.
Realistic finishes can add rich texture and depth to your rooms. Left to right: stone, leather and suede. Photo Credit: 3M Canada
And that brings me to ‘decals’. This type of wall covering has come a very long way from those many of us are familiar with. Decals are available in an almost endless selection of styles, patterns, motifs and colour options. I am particularly impressed by Lightvisions who in addition to producing custom paper wallpapers also produce vinyl wallpapers and decals which can be personalized using your content such as a favourite image or graphic. As Wes McCallum, VP Transformation with Lightvisions says “With Lightvision's decor solutions you can turn any room into your dream space.”
The next time you are considering updates to your spaces and before you grab the paint brush think beyond paint to some of the wall covering options available to you that can transform, elevate and personalize your rooms quickly and easily.
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Simply Swank Decor provides virtual and in person consultations (as permitted) for designing updates to your home (indoor and outdoor), staging your house in preparation for sale or seasonal decorating services. Email janet@simplyswankdecor.ca to discuss your project and how I can help.