Wonder wall
Margaret Gill from Guthrie Bowron Tauranga looks at the pros and cons of opting for either wallpaper or paint as your decorative wall finish.
Margaret Gill from Guthrie Bowron Tauranga looks at the pros and cons of opting for either wallpaper or paint as your decorative wall finish.
photos SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED
When designing a space, numerous elements can add character, texture, pattern and colour to your interior. Wallpaper achieves all of these in unison, giving the illusion of space and depth while offering a focal point to create a layered and well-designed personalised scheme. Wallpaper also adds to the longevity and durability of your walls with a protective layer that is washable.
One major benefit is that wallpaper can hide many imperfections as long as the surface beneath is of a similar and even colour.
It is important to be mindful that in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, wallpaper can warp or peel due to high humidity, especially if placed on bath panelling or near a splashback. However, for a well-ventilated guest powder room that's not the main bathroom, you can make a statement – large botanicals and geometrics are standouts this season.
The Caselio Reliefs collection showcases infinite possibilites with lifelike textured panelling and headboards mimicking wainscoting and moulding in rattan, jute and wood beading. This stunning design array gives a unique architectural reference to what otherwise could be a flat one-dimensional wall.
In the paint space, matte finishes are becoming popular, assisted with technical advances in anti-marring and anti-scuffing properties. This protective finish has come a long way, becoming a practical and beautiful choice for living and sleeping spaces that is easy to keep clean.
Paint appeals to DIYers and is generally perceived as easier to apply than hanging wallpaper. It can be used creatively to add height by including scotias into the wall colour and stripes, or a feature colour to a dining nook, or any space you want to enhance.
Tonal variations of the wall colour applied on the ceiling can add interest and elegance to a room. Brushed suede and special metallic-effect type paints now give way to a more gentle sophisticated approach.
Stone paint finely applied by large block brush, or subtle limewash can add movement and nuances of tone without being too overt.
There are, of course, areas where only paint can shine such as in a sensational complementary front door – a warm peach/ pink or a sunshine yellow in high gloss can create a welcoming entrance.
For kitchen and bathroom areas there are mould and bacterial resistant formulations specifically designed for optimal performance and worth the investment.
Whichever decorating route you prefer, always consult a professional who will guide you to the correct paint or wallpaper solution, and open up the world of colour for your next project.
Textured tones
Margaret Gill from Guthrie Bowron Tauranga explains how the emerging trend of Quiet Collected Luxury is transforming wallpaper choices.
Margaret Gill from Guthrie Bowron Tauranga explains how the emerging trend of Quiet Collected Luxury is transforming wallpaper choices.
PHOTO Salina Galvan + supplied
The worlds of interior design and textile fashion are more intertwined
than ever. Weathered silks and linens, as well as shimmering nuances of silver, rock and gemstones all remain refined and understated.
These days, people are more confident in experimenting with varied textures throughout their home. For example, plaster walls mixed with wooden floors and feature murals with textured wallpapers.
The emerging trend of ‘Quiet Collected Luxury’ is being seen within highly textured, softer tone-on-tone coloured wallpapers.
Reflected in new collections we see crafted dark wood grains, curved arcs and geometrics, recycled materials, aged velvets and stone washes that emphasise texture and silhouettes.
When following these trends, it’s best to choose effortless tactile finishes that will age gracefully, rather than going with the slick and new. Think handwoven textiles, wool fabric, complex stones and expressive woods. The subtle sophistication of mixed materials in a room conveys an artisan, collected interior.
The mandate is to embrace the artisan movement, celebrating handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces. We see this in beautiful wallpaper collections such as Khroma Aquila Arc Desert or Aquila Gigi Copper (both pictured below).
Plain wallpapers are now in fact anything but plain. They are soft and luminous, and can encompass nuances of what we see in nature. For example, silk, linen, bark, leaves and shimmery night skies. This captivating layering of tonal understated beauty serves to cocoon a living space.
We are also seeing a resurgence of aged patina, muted colour palettes and more uneven or quirky patterns being introduced to wallpapers, whether this be across velvets, damask, arc shapes or animal prints, it adds an extra layer of faded luxury to the overall appearance.
Whatever you decide on, it’s best to consult an interiors or wallpaper specialist, who can offer advice on styling and what will suit best with your current aesthetic.
Stylist Amber Armitage shows us how to create a space to call home
It’s the little touches that make a house a sanctuary. We put the pieces together to create a space for ultimate calm.
PAINT + WALLPAPER Resene STYLING Amber Armitage PHOTOS Wendy Fenwick at Flash Studios
Resene Wallpaper Collection MG11102, walls and floor in Resene Nero. Art print original by Claire Stapleton X LA TRIBE. Frame from Country Road, Inside Pendant Lamps by Oblure, Tokyo Stool OMK 1965, ‘Von’ armchair by Ercol, all from Good Form. Cushion from Mood Store. Arch Lean mirror by Made of Tomorrow. Brass drum coffee table from Contempa. Books and magazines from Sunday Home Store. Pot, plants and candle stylist’s own.
Expert tip: By pairing the wallpaper with a bold colour paint, you add even more impact. We’ve teamed Resene Wallpaper Collection MG11102, a gold patina look wallpaper, with Resene Nero to add even more drama.
Resene Wallpaper Collection 218741. Walls in Resene Alabaster. Floor in Resene Colorwood Rocksalt. VV Cinquanta Twin wall lamp by Astep from Good Form. Soho 3 seater sofa and Juno Ottoman in Olive from Contempa. Cushion covers and Elevation side table, all from Città. Sophie So Shady hat by Sophie Store. Ay Soho sunglasses, Veja sneakers and framed print, all from Father Rabbit. Books and magazines from Sunday Home Store. Vase stylist’s own. Rug from Mood Store. Arch Lean mirror by Made of Tomorrow.