Wallpaper, invented by the Chinese around 2,000 years ago and popular for centuries all over the world, sadly fell out of favor in the 80s and 90s, but is finally making a big comeback.
My earliest memory of wallpaper is these murky brown grasscloth ones my parents had all over our house in the 70s (not the most attractive wall decor!), but these days, they come in a myriad of styles and colors.
There are so many new ideas and designs out there, ranging from the totally unique (check out this elastic plastic wallcovering), to self-illuminated wallpapers to classic, sophisticated, discreet patterns, but with a modern twist.
And, as seems to be the case with just about everything nowadays, if you can’t find a design you like, you can always get it custom made.
1. Forest Flower
This pretty Danish-made understated wallpaper from Ferm Living was inspired by Scandinavian nature and comes in pale green or silver. It is printed on WallSmart paper, a non-woven material that is washable, light-resistant and easy to hang. (For more from Ferm, also see my posts on wall art stickers, wall art and decor, and wooden shelves.)
Photo: Ferm Living
2. Edith
I have long been a fan of Lisa Bengtsson’s designs (for more from Lisa, also see my post about dachshunds as well as her wallpaper “Family” on my “Cool Wall Decor from Sweden & Norway” post) – always clever, unique and creative. The black and white Edith is designed with leaves, branches and a few birds, and I love the idea of putting it on the ceiling!
Photos: Studio Lisa Bengtsson
3. Mr Perswall
The name stands for Personal Wall and they have tons of designs. Some are very pretty, some I’m not sure I’d like on my walls (they’re a tad too busy for my taste). Here are some images that fall under the pretty category though. But if you don’t like any of their nature scenes wallpapers, they can make you one from your own photo. For more from Mr. Perswall, see my Book Wallpaper Designs and New Wallpaper Designs… posts.
Photos: Mr Perswall
4. Nature
Appropriately named, the Nature collection from Swedish wallpaper design house Decor Maison features several styles with different nature-inspired designs. These are my favorites:
Photos: Decor Maison
5. Charisma
German designer Ulf Moritz creates really cool nature wallpapers. There is nothing discreet and understated about any of his designs – lots of texture, bold colors, huge images, unusual materials (silica sand, hammered metallics) and effects (leather-like, corrugated). Here are some of my favorites from the “Charisma” collection:
Photos: Ulf Moritz
6. Blossom My Heart
Blossom My Heart comes from Swedish Byracka Design (which roughly translates to Mutt Design). This gigantic flower image creates quite a focal point in a room, and comes in brown, beige and red. All Byracka’s eco-friendly wallpapers are printed with eco-friendly inks on non-woven materials which you can wipe down, are light-resistant, fire safe, and come with non-toxic glue.
Photos: Byracka Design
7. Gracie
Taking things in a totally different direction now, this classic Chinese hand painted wallpaper from Gracie (a family-owned company that has been in business since 1898) reminds me of interiors in European castles. This pretty, delicately colored piece is painted on an antiqued silver-leaf background, and there are tons of other different designs as well (and they also do custom work).
Photo: Gracie Studio
8. Butterflyland
I think this colorful wallpaper from German designer Anna Wand would look adorable in a kid’s room.
Photo: Anna Wand
9. Cochabamba
This painterly wallpaper (designed by Veronica Ferre) from Turkish company Studio Nommo turns the entire wall into a work of art.
Photo: Studio Nommo
10. Shadow Light
This discreet branch pattern from Swedish company Eco is one design of many nature-inspired wallpapers in their “Wood” collection. When you see the wallpaper just by itself, it looks a tad busy, but once it’s up on the wall, it looks fantastic. This one is also made from non-woven material, making it sturdy and easy to hang.
Photos: Eco Wallpaper
