Wallpaper is one of those decorating tools that will absolutely transform a room. It is a great way to introduce dimension to simple spaces and key to creating warmth and depth in rooms that may otherwise feel cold or lifeless. Alternatively, it can also be used to showcase and highlight architectural details providing an interesting design contrast.
Whether you are looking to make a statement with a bold pattern in a small area like a powder room or just want to add texture to an otherwise neutral color scheme, there are countless options to choose from. Over the last few years wallpaper has soared in popularity and the material offerings are unbelievable.
These are my 10 favorites right now: 5 new collections that have recently launched and 5 of my tried & trues:
5 THAT ARE NEW:
1. COLE & SON: AFRIKA KINGDOM
Cole & Son's Jabula series, the newest collection from my favorite wallpaper house Cole & Son, is their latest collaboration with South African ceramist Ardmore. The collection showcases Africa's exotic: from lush florals and faunas to rare birds, big cats, majestic elephants, rhinos and monkeys and the overall celebration of the entire landscape make this is a gorgeous statement making paper that will no doubt pack a style punch.
2. DIANE HILL: REBEL WALL
Diane Hill is a London-based artist noted for creating beautiful original hand-painted chinoiserie style botanical and animal prints. She has had several major wallpaper collaborations including this soft yet impactful one for Rebel Wall. Hill notes: "I created a bespoke design for their [Rebel Wall] collection and I was over the moon! I am so happy with the outcome of these designs. The effect is soft, peaceful and has a really organic natural feeling about it". Hill recently debuted a new collection in collaboration with wallpaper house Harlequin which includes the same chinoiserie motifs this time focusing on peacocks, hummingbirds and butterflies.
3. SCHUMACHER: SEA GARDEN
Inspired by a fragment of 17th-century Japanese silk, Sea Garden was created and hand-painted in the Schumacher design studio. The wallpaper, in this rich saturated charcoal color-way, features 'a magical underwater world where fantastical sea creatures flutter among aquatic flowers and plant life.' The wallpaper is printed on large panels that have a huge repeat pattern to create a dramatic scenic effect when installed.
4. PHILLIP JEFFRIES: METRO MONTAGE
The latest intricately patterned design from the wood veneer collection, Metro Montage is a mix of 'casual sisal and sleek wood veneer'. Made from Paulownia Wood, each panel is hand-constructed upon coloring the wood and cutting it into a modern geometric design bringing with it an incredible amount of depth and texture.
5. WEITZNER: TIGRIS
Tigris, the beautiful highly textured neutral from the Central Park Collection is classic Weitzner: a rich, thick, hand-made paper wall covering that brings warmth and subtle elegance to any space. The collection, an homage to the beauty found in New York City, explores materials and techniques that are meant to evoke the feeling of the park's walking paths, stone structures, flowers, foliage and water reflections.
5 TRIED & TRUE:
6. SCHUMACHER: ACANTHUS
A fresh take on a classic stripe concept, Schumacher's Acanthus remains one of my favorite wallpapers. It is elegant and airy and works in countless spaces from powder rooms to foyers and bedrooms alike. The print is on a sisal, or grasscloth like paper, giving it and extra dose of depth and dimension. It is also available in a variety of color ways and I like the light pastel tones equally as much as the dark.
7. PHILLIP JEFFRIES: RIVETS
Phillip Jeffries, the leader in natural, textured and specialty wall coverings is my go-to source for wallpaper, especially for a space where texture is paramount. The material offerings, combinations, and patterns are endless but the popular Rivets Collection remains one of my favorites. This award-winning pattern is hand-crafted by artisans and features a raised relief pattern of pearlized inks stamped onto a grasscloth background. There are now countless versions of this design featuring background materials ranging from silk to suede and a variety of rivet patterns and shapes.
8. BRUNSCHWIG & FILS: Les Touches
Les Touches, the chic abstract animal print is definitely a favorite in the design world. Over the years the popular pattern, also in a fabric, has become available in 18 colorways. The origins of the spotted print which was introduced in 1965 is a little unclear- some say it was a 19th-century textile reimagined for a modern audience while other records claim it was inspired by “a portfolio of French black-and-white photographs." Regardless, this timeless paper remains a favorite fun option and one of the only "prints" I never tire of.
9. PHILLIP JEFFRIES: AMALFI & COMO SILK II
Available in a wide-range of colors, the Amalfi & Como Silk II Collection from Phillip Jeffries is one of my favorite solid textured go-to's to bring in warmth. I especially love the darker versions to create dimension in common areas such as foyers and hallways. The handcrafted collection is woven of raw silk and then carefully laminated by skilled artisans. The end result is a rich yet organic wall covering that provides a great alternative when paint just won't cut it.
10. BRUNSCHWIG & FILS: BIRD & THISTLE
Bird & Thistle, the famous classic and elegant design from Brunschwig & Fils remains a stand-out staple that never tires. The delicate design is actually an adaption of an English textile made in 1785 and it certainly remains timeless today. Though it is light and feminine it can be paired with really interesting contrasting modern furniture and lighting for a contemporary take.