
Wall Coverings Are Back in a Big (and Bold) Way
Wall Coverings are Back and Bolder than Ever
We’re used to seeing plain walls of paint in our daily lives, and while they serve their purpose well in many settings, it’s all too easy for them to become boring and mundane. Enter: wall coverings. Adding a wall covering or treatment perfectly suited for your space is the best way to liven things up a bit and add a brand new energy without needing to overhaul the entire room. Below, I’ve compiled some of the biggest trends in wall coverings for those wishing to embrace the bold.
Wallpaper
While wallpaper has been around for centuries, it’s officially on trend again—we aren’t talking about your grandmother’s floral wallpaper from the 1970s. Bold prints, bright colors, animal themes, and gold foil accents are all big for 2016.
Though it can make a fantastic impact in the right space, don’t feel pressured to wallpaper every surface of your room. While I’ve seen wallpaper covering everything from dressers to ceilings and even lamp shades, simply adding wallpaper to one carefully chosen accent wall may be the simplest way to change the entire look and feel of a room for the better.
Medallion Wallpaper from Brewster Wall Covering
Koi on Gold Gilded Wallpaper from de Gournay
Fabric
Adorning a wall with a textile, like linen, silk, sisal or even wool or burlap, adds an unexpected touch of modernity to any room—nothing says contemporary sophistication quite like a fabric wall covering. Consider a dark print for a sleek bachelor pad or a pastel for a modern bathroom. Contemporary textiles also tend to be more ecofriendly than their paper counterparts, and help to reduce noise transfer from room to room. With fabric, the possibilities are endless.
Bodrum Wallcovering from Anichini Fabrics
Grasscloth Wallpaper from Thibaut
Tile
Whether you choose luxe, shimmering metallics or geometric neutrals, covering a wall with tile is a chic option when you want to elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Tile is versatile enough to work well in many rooms, from kitchens and entry ways to bathrooms and bedrooms. Give your space character with tiles that tell a story of their own and don’t be afraid to mix styles, such as metallic tile with rustic lighting and hardware. You may be surprised to find that the elements you expect to clash complement each other well.
Aluminum Backsplash from Home Depot
Tile Bathroom Treatment by Gribble Interior Group
Wood
An emerging trend in wall coverings is the creative use of wood to liven up a wall with a rustic edge. Wood is the ultimate choice for adding a cozy and comfortable feel. We’re seeing everything from reclaimed barn wood to cork being used to warm up a space. Don’t think 70’s-era wood paneling—modern treatments are weathered, reclaimed, white-washed and tend to feel repurposed.
Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall from Stikwood
Printed Cork Wall Covering from Thibaut