What? Wallpaper is back?

Apr 3

I still remember my bedroom wallpaper as a little girl. Soft pink roses on a pearlescent, textured paper. I loved that wallpaper. It turned my room into the perfect pink oasis I was looking for. That was many years ago of course, and the wallpaper design frenzy went dormant for more than 20 years. But I’m super excited over the fact that wallpaper is back with a vengeance, and I couldn't be happier.

A quick google search on the history of wallpaper will show that its birth is a little unclear, but all signs point to the fact that it was first used in China as early as 200 B.C. It was essentially rice paper adorned with drawings of birds, flowers and beautiful landscapes. It was imported to Europe around the 16th century, and then in 1785 the first machine for printing colored tints on sheets of wallpaper was invented. The rest is history.

I say that “wallpaper is back,” but not everyone knows or thinks that. Some people gawk when I say it. But it’s true. If you scan Pinterest or look at any design magazines, you’ll see for yourself that it is in fact back in style, and designers are doing some amazing things with it. It can quite literally transform a room. It saturates the senses and affords the influence of art in your home, without breaking the bank. I urge all my clients to open their minds just a bit, because honestly, breaking out of your comfort zone and trying something unexpected can bring the greatest rewards when styling your home.

Now for a rundown of my favorite wallpaper sources. I think you’ll agree - these brands are knocking it out of the park.

Kerri Rosenthal XOKR