I’m quite partial to wallpaper. Not so much the designs that feature flowers or garish patterns, but more the textured wallpaper that looks (and probably is) rather pricey; the kind that you are more likely to find in a five-star establishment or a posh restaurant than in a B&B in some dodgy town.
I also quite like Damask wallpaper – of the subtle kind. In fact, that is what’s featured on my kitchen wall. For some reason it just works – and I’m quietly confident that I won’t need to be changing it anytime soon.
Although wallpapering is always going to be more of a hassle to do as opposed to painting, the extra effort is worth it if you get it right. A wallpapered feature wall, for example, can add depth to a room, as well as a feeling of warmth – quite important when you live in Britain!
And the great news is there’s such a plethora of choice out there, there’s bound to be something that is just the ticket – just take a look at wallpaperdirect.com – a site where you find it impossible to take ‘a quick look’…30 minutes later and I’m still drooling over some of the fabulous designs.
As a wallpaper fan (not every wall, mind), I was interested to hear that Graham & Brown (one of my favourite designers) is marking its 70th anniversary this year by announcing its ‘Wallpaper of the Year’ – Marbled Charcoal and Rose Gold. I didn’t even realise it was common practice for companies to announce their best wallpaper (or is this a first?).
Apparently, the winning wallpaper (below) combines two key trends identified by the Graham & Brown design studio for 2016, Marbled Charcoal and rose gold to create a luxurious designer look. I can’t say this would be my first choice of wallpaper because….well, it just wouldn’t, but I admire the fact that it’s a striking design and I can just see this in a cigar room of some five-star establishment.
Paula Taylor, the company’s colour and trends specialist, puts it better: “Our Wallpaper of the Year draws inspiration from the natural simplicity of marbling in stone, complemented by metallic embellishment in blushing gold hues for a glamorous, handcrafted aesthetic.”
So, congrats to Graham and Brown on reaching the big 7.0 – and if you’re fan of the 2016 ‘Wallpaper of the Year’ (code 100538), it can be purchased from www.grahambrown.com/uk for £20 per roll.
Happy papering – oh, and any wallpapering tips gratefully received…
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