Wallpaper: It’s Trending Again!

Wallpaper: It’s Trending Again!

Wallpaper. It's the word that still makes some people shudder from long-held memories of those god-awful, old-fashioned designs that were permanently affixed to Grandma's walls.

"Wallpaper is one of those things that fell out of the zeitgeist—hard," said Stylecaster. "After pervading the home decor trends-sphere in the '70s, '80s and '90s, wallpaper became the stuff of our parents' decor, and our grandparents' decor. It wasn't cool, it wasn't contemporary, it wasn't chic—by all definitions, it was stale."

Today's wallpaper is a world away from the stuff people went running from decades ago. The "revival," as Stylecaster calls it, means there is a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to elevate a home and give it character. It's also a great way "to personalize a room," said House Beautiful. "Its sole purpose is to breathe life into a space and make it feel like your own. If anything, the revival of wallpaper tells us it's time to be fearless and have a little fun."

We're taking a look at a few of the biggest trends.

Go deep
Wallpaper trends this year have embraced deep, rich hues including "navy blue shades, burnt red, mustard yellow, and forest green," said Prime Walls. "Colors can affect the mood of the space, and dark color tones are no exception. Lighter colors tend to create a welcoming, optimistic aesthetic. Darker colors create a cozy atmosphere and depending on the chosen color, can range from romantic to mysterious."

Bring in some texture
Yes, deep, rich color can transform a space, giving it moody appeal and allowing décor to stand out. But there's something satisfying about a subtler approach, said House Beautiful. Translation: Beige does not have to be boring. That is, so long as there is real or perceived texture, interactions with light, or even a two-dimensional design. That means using textures like grass cloth and faux suede, "which are particularly well-suited for the color-averse. These will bring depth a space without insisting upon the spotlight."

Manage metallic
You can bring in metal in all kinds of areas in your house—lighting is the obvious choice for a glam touch. But going metallic on such a large expanse is bold—just like the patterns the golden, silvery, or coppery colors adorn. This gold and blue wallcovering is a standout, ready to transform a dining room or create a haven in the bedroom. We also love this contemporary, art deco-inspired gold geometric wallpaper from Home Depot that "gives walls the appearance of a glistening mountain scape."

Go graphic
"Create a feature out of a recessed wall with graphic wallpaper," said Décor Aid. "This is a great way to craft a warm and inviting nook; perfect for a kid's bedroom, a reading area, or a grand master suite. An area like this doesn't need to be filled with busy and bold wallpaper, it can be simplistic, while still giving you the desired effect of a well-decorated, cozy space."

We love this Pick-Up Sticks Wallpaper from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, which is not only chic and subtle, but also easily removable!

Embrace the palm
"Whether embroidered on a pillow, perched askew in a vase, or replicated on wallpaper, palm imagery is a major trend right now," said Elle Decor. "The look is lush, natural, warm, and most importantly, versatile. With palms, your surrounding design can be opulent and raised to the heavens or more down to earth, an organic oasis."

You can't go wrong with House of Hackney's 'Palmeral' print, which references 1930s Palm Springs with its "explosion of palm leaves" and chic black and green color story.

Just do you
The great thing about wallpaper is how it can make a space come alive and speak to your individual taste and style. That's really apropos when looking at Fornasetti's hanging plates wallpaper. You may be able to locate this vintage print in "real" wallpaper, but this mural makes it so much easier to use the funky, unique print because it's removable.

Think kitschy
Wallpaper also offers an opportunity to have a little fun. This Hipster's Paradise print from Y.S.D. London "takes you on a jaunty trip into the most happening street—care to suit up and join in with the best dressed in all the city?"

Want a daring, fun look without the commitment? This Drop It MODERN Femme© Wallpaper from West Elm gives off a Picasso-ish vibe and is removable, for when the whim passes and it's time to go in a different direction.

Add interest
Buyers love new construction for so many reasons, but brand-new spaces can sometimes lack character. "This brand-new townhouse at Pierhouse, Brooklyn was a gorgeous space, but was crying out for some personalization to reflect our clients' vivid, sophisticated and lively design aesthetic," said threshold interiors on Houzz. "Bold patterns and colors were our friends in this fun and eclectic project."