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.
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.