How To Make Wallpaper Work!

My noble mission in life is to convert everyone to use wallpaper in their homes. I believe there is a wallpaper design out there for everyone, and every home.

I’m acutely aware that the mere mention of ‘wallpaper’ can give a strong reaction, and frankly I don’t blame you. Does a wild 60s floral wallpaper come to mind, nicely contrasted with an equally wild floral carpet? We’ve been scared by some shocking wallpapers, I get it. But that was then – now, wallpaper has changed, and it’s nothing to be afraid of.

From the bold to the textured, patterned to the colourful, there is a wallpaper to suit most spaces. A kids room is a typical space to use wallpaper, however we’re also seeing it used to great effect in unexpected rooms, such as kitchens, hallways and even laundries. Even the humble powder room should not be overlooked. Afterall, it’s the perfect small space to use an impactful pattern, as we don’t (usually) spend a long time in there and won’t get tired of it.

Not all wallpaper needs to be patterned. A plain textured seagrass provides a gorgeous warm texture that paint alone can’t provide to a living room or bedroom. A textured grasscloth wallpaper can also be cleverly applied to joinery, such as walk-in-robe doors or to the back of a shelving unit, for a more subtle, understated finish.

Here are some of my favourer wallpaper designers, brands and stockists –

AUSTRALIA

Oat Studio – Hand painted textiles inspired by modernist architecture, by Sarah Annand. A new collection is launching soon!

Annie Coop – Melbourne-based Annie Coop designs all these bold and colourful prints, printed to order locally on a blend of natural and renewable fibres.

Willie Weston –Another Melbourne-based business, Willie Weston collaborates with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to transform artworks into beautiful textiles for the home, including wallpaper. Artists are paid for every metre produced.

These Walls – Husband and wife duo Sara and Mark Hingle’s textiles business operates out of Burleigh Heads, Queensland. All but a few designs by These Walls have been created by Sara’s hand.

INTERNATIONAL

Anewall – Overcalled murals and playful patterns.

Hygge & West – Nostalgic patterns from films such as Back To The Future and ET!

Sandberg – Classic stripes and tasteful florals.

Bien Fait – Quirky and casually chic as only the French can pull off!

Pierre Frey – Established textile maison, for something unusual yet chic; florals, mermaids and everything interesting in between.

St Kilda Penthouse project by Golden. Photo – Sharyn Cairns.

These Walls ‘Basket‘ Wallpaper in Sand. Styling – Claire Del Mar. Photo – Alicia Taylor.

Project by Emilie Bonaventure. Photo – Nicolas Mathéus.

These Walls ‘On Shore’ Wallpaper in Sky. Styling – Claire Del Mar. Photo – Alicia Taylor.

Sandberg ‘Anna‘ wallpaper in Hazel. Photo – courtesy of Sandberg.

Kelly Wearstler ‘Graffito’ wallpaper from Elliott Clarke. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Sandberg ‘Pine‘ wallpaper in Green. Designed by Karolina Kroon. Photo – courtesy of Sandberg.

Sandberg ‘Siri‘ wallpaper in Green. Designed by Sara Bergqvist. Photo – courtesy of Sandberg.

‘Land of the Roses’ wallpaper from Jimmy Cricket in the home of Alexandrena Parker. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Interior design – Hide and Sleep. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas.

Seagrass wallpaper in the Merricks North home of Alex McCabe. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Project by Nicoline Beerkens. Photo – Space Content Studio.

Original woollen stripe wallpaper in the mid-century home of Vy Costen. Wrapped knot wall hanging made by Vy, and Jai Vasicek tile. Other paintings and items are vintage. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli