Today's wallpaper designs are incredible and buyers are spoilt for choice because if you can dream it, you can probably create it in wallpaper.
Here is what the experts have to say.
Wallpaper adds a lot of personality to a room, whether you are looking to create a fun accent wall, embellish the back of your shelves or redesign all your interior walls. A combination of wallpaper and paint is a great way to immerse yourself in the fascinating and beautiful world of wallpaper.
Internationally renowned wallpaper designer Cara Saven, of Cara Saven Wall Design, works all over the world and has made a big name for herself in the industry, with offices in the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia.
She says, “We design everything in South Africa but partner with printers in other countries, offering them our designs.
“Each order is ‘redesigned’ to fit the client's wall size perfectly. Then, with the click of a button, it is sent to Australia, Singapore, Holland and the U.S.”
According to Cara, there are really only three ways to decorate one's walls – paint, a piece of art, or wallpaper.
“You have a lot of walls, and to create a varied space, you should use all three elements in different ways. Wallpaper is a brilliant vehicle for transforming space – it can help keep the room minimalist by creating a beautiful mural without any other frills, or it can be a layering tool to build on.”
Wallpaper is not cheap but it can be more durable than paint.
“Make sure you use wallpaper that will last and needs to be removed only when you are tired of it. Technology today makes it possible to print wallpaper that is incredibly resilient. We even have a product that is scratch resistant and can be used in bathrooms,” she says.
“Paint is great, but it does not offer the luxury and interest that statement wallpaper can. The two need to be used together to get the best out of them both.”
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So what are some of the latest trends in wallpaper locally?
Cara has found that South Africans are risk-takers when it comes to decorating. She says, “We are incredibly brave when it comes to decor – way more so than our overseas clients.
“We are leaps and bounds ahead of many other countries in terms of decorating trends and because of this, we have seen a huge increase in the use of our products, which is quite bold.
“Some trends we are seeing are the use of vintage-style panoramic scenes that wrap entire rooms, oversized foliage and flowers, and the use of designs that include natural elements such as sand textures, marble and clay,” she says.
- Start in the guest bathroom. Everyone is brave when it comes to the guest loo because that's where you can create a conversation piece. If you can manage wallpaper there, you will have the courage to try it somewhere else.
- You can also start by papering one wall – then slowly build the look around that wall instead of trying to put everything together in one go. If you start by wallpapering just one accent wall, you can pick up one colour of the wallpaper and paint the other walls in that shade.
- Choose something you love. You'll be surprised how long you can live with something you really enjoy. And have fun – that's the whole point of wallpaper.
- Don’t ask too many people for their opinion – they will only confuse you. Go with your gut feeling.
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Laura Malan, Wallpaper Online's production manager, shares her take on popular local trends. “South African homemakers are inspired by soft, gentle colours and minimalist vintage designs inspired by nature.
“Imaginative brushstrokes of watercolour peonies, palm trees and feathered friends bring vibrancy and energy to their spaces without ‘shouting’ for attention.
“Pieces with subtle touches of nudes, greens and charcoals bring the nostalgic calm into a room that people around the world have been craving lately.”
Samantha Nortje, director at Sasi Wallpaper in Sandton, says: “There is no right or wrong when it comes to wallpaper. It can be used in any interior design style – whether in a classic and sophisticated home, country style, minimalist, traditional or industrial environment, you will find complementary wallpapers and murals. Walls in nurseries and children's bedrooms, playrooms and study areas are among the best to decorate.”
She adds, “We find that 3D wallpapers are often requested in our retail shop. For some, it's a realistic image of a forest that makes you feel as if you are outdoors, while others use the term to describe a pattern that seems to protrude from the wall. Textured wallpaper, brick and wood are also popular.
