photo: Ballard DesignsAccording to many of the decor mags, wallpaper is back. Now, despite being a former fan of it, I am not sure they are on the money with this declaration. Sure, it is popping back up in magazine photos; but for the average homeowner, scared off by sweeping statements that wallpaper can "ruin the sale of a home" and that it is woefully outdated, I think it will take a lot more than the predictions and acceptance of it by de rigeur designers and decorators...
Don't get me wrong. As a stager, it is my job to rid the real-estate world of outdated wallpapers and faux finish wall treatments. As a rule, the wallpapers I come a cross do not add to the saleability of the home. In fact, they indeed hinder the process; for who wants to remove layer after layer of wallpaper that dictates the colour scheme and design direction of the space?
Indeed, the wallpapers the decor world is touting are the beautiful vintage and reproduction prints that are timeless, muted, and beautiful. Rules have changed. No longer should we cover every vertical surface with wallpaper and coordinating borders. And I don't care if Martha Stewart herself says we should bring back the wallpaper border (and she hasn't!!), wallpaper borders have had their day in the sun!! A definite no-no...at least in my book...and any decorator worth a pinch of salt...!!! I think wallpaper looks best in small doses: on one wall as a backdrop to a beautiful, classic piece of furniture; to liven up the main focal wall and to add that element of coziness that only wallpaper can.
One great online source of vintage wallpaper is Second Hand Rose. If you are fortunate enough to check out their actual shop, follow their advice, "In the attic of the store is the largest collection of antique wallpaper in the world. This impressive collection which spans the 1860's to 1970 has been featured on Martha Stewart and is in the collections of many important museums throughout the world. Prices range from $70 per double roll (60'sq) to $1200 per roll for original Frank Lloyd Wright wallpaper (90'sq)" They also offer vintage linoleum for sale and the selection is quite wonderful.
Another of my favourite wallpaper designers is Mr. Perfection himself, Ralph Lauren. Since everything he designs is of the utmost in quality and good taste, how could you possibly go wrong with his paper?? I remember my very first roll of Ralph Lauren wallpaper I purchased. It was for a pseudo-mudroom in a home we had renovated. We had installed beadboard, and above it, I hung the RL wallpaper that was printed in a small blue gingham with small gardem implements randomly printed on the paper. The overall effect was cottagey, vintage and fun. I loved it!!
So go ahead...take the wallpaper challenge...if you dare. Just promise me two things: don't do it if you have plans in the near future to sell, and don't tell your realtor that a home stager gave you the green light!
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