Wallpaper!

Throw away the faux-finish tools—designer papers are taking over

The current crop of wallpapers are nothing but wow! The trend plays with scale and includes exaggerated damasks, bold graphics, and large patterns. But if that’s not your thing, look for grass papers, textures that appear to be tinted plaster, and patterns that resemble wood grain. Overall, the looks are so fresh that many who swore they’d never use wallpaper have taken pause.

Photos byMichael Hendrickson

Some wallpapers such as this gold and aqua design from Cole & Son’s Alpana collection look more like hand-applied intricate stenciling. Available at Lee Jofa, International Market Square and Hirshfield’s Design Studio, across from IMS.

Even manufacturers that have made a name in the traditional décor market have introduced patterns that embrace the large-scale trend. We like Osborne & Little’s Bovary by Nina Campbell. From KDR Designer Showroom at IMS.

This paper from Arte offers a very large pattern created with tiny beads. The sophisticated deep taupe tone-on-tone design provides great texture. Available at KDR Designer Showroom, IMS, and Hirshfield’s Design Studio, across from IMS.

Large-scale and abstract damasks work beautifully with the current “new traditional” and “new contemporary” décor trends. Note: Large patterns need space to allow for at least three repeats of the design. In a room with high ceilings (nine feet or more), the wall needn’t be wide to accomplish the impact. From KDR Designer Showroom.

Yes, flocked papers are back, though manufacturers refer to them as sueded so not to conjure up visions of Elvis’s Graceland. This Durbar Hall pattern is from the Bukhara collection by Designers Guild. From KDR Designer Showroom at IMS.

The muted palette of Cordoba by Zoffany delivers the now look without too much flash. We first discovered this paper in a high-contrast orange, pink, and brown pattern in the new Kuhlman store at Gaviidae. From D & D Associates, IMS.

Metallics are also hot right now. We love this graphic silver chrysanthemum pattern set against a French blue background from Romo’s Kenzan collection. From KDR Designer Showroom, IMS.

Where to Buy

The best looks are from upper-end manufacturers ($100–$200/roll) and available through show rooms at International Market Square, but you need an interior designer to purchase. If you don’t have a designer, use IMS’s Designer Connection. 612-338-6250

We also found many of these papers at retail—you can purchase without a designer—at the Hirshfield’s Design Studio location only. 721 2nd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-374-8901, across from IMS