Wednesday 24 / April / 2024
At one time, the ancient Chinese used delicate, hand cut paper to adorn the walls of their homes and temples. This lovely, historic Eastern art form evolved and spread, finding popularity in abodes both humble and grand around the world, from the walls of nobility to the walls of mid-century American housewives.
The wide-ranging appeal of these artful wall dressings stems from the fact that with very little effort, wallpaper can transform a home; adding character, charm, and a definite sense of individuality. Just like personal fashion, home fashion is a reflection of your personality, so whether you are a sucker for floral designs or a fan of Arabesque geometry, adding the texture and pattern of wallpaper, can make a room. And in this digital era, there is now a world of options available from modern graphic designs to kid-friendly animal kingdom-inspired themes to old-school art deco prints.
Before going cuckoo with your wallpapers, keep a few tips in mind. Horizontal designs, lines, and stripes make a room appear bigger, but can make the ceiling feel lower, while vertical patterns or stripes will make the ceiling appear higher. Oversized patterns and dark colours can overpower smaller rooms, making them feel cramped, but the same large pattern can make a cavernous, large space feel cosy and warm. Patterned wallpaper can be overwhelming in any space if it is overused, so consider papering a single accent wall, instead of the entire room.
First things first, get a good sense of your room style and what you feel is missing. If you have contemporary, minimalistic furniture, it might not jive with wild, jungle wallpaper, though if it is warmth or playfulness that you want to add, it very well could be the perfect choice. Just ensure that the colours you choose harmonise in your space. Most shops will either give you samples to take home, or sell you small amounts of the paper, and it is always a good idea to see the paper in your own home before purchasing metres of it.
Popular Patterns:
1. Wall Garden
Who said that floral is only for spring? These classic patterns are versatile as they can compliment most furniture as long as the colours are of a similar hue. Opt for a white, contemporary floral design that can work in any space, or make a design statement with traditionally, ornate flower patterns that will add some nostalgia.
2. Touch of Whimsy
Children's wallpaper has become even more creative and innovative than you might remember. Try a busy print with funky, bold illustrations to transform a boring, white space into a fun, kid-friendly room, or try the same paper in a home office paired with minimalist furniture for an off-beat vibe.
3. Room with a View
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to stare out your window at New York City's Empire State Building, London's Big Ben, or the busting of Tokyo. New decal-like wallpapers featuring iconic concrete jungles, exotic beaches, and forest scenes are all the craze now. Cover a single wall for a custom view, or use a smaller section of the wall and add a frame for a window-like look.
4. Mother Nature
Raw wood panelling, wood planks, and faux stone wallpaper add a warm, earthy feel to spaces, without the headache, cost, or commitment of hiring a carpenter. Create a dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone wall in the living room, or try a country-chic half-wall in natural wood grain. —[email protected]
Find the perfect paper:
Best for Contemporary Designs
ID Design
Markaz Al Bahja, Al Hail
+968 2454 5658
Best for inexpensive variety
Dragon Mall, Barka
