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Because
wallcoverings were first made to imitate tapestries, woven
wallhangings and fine fabrics, some timeless patterns based
on these early designs have retained their appeal to this
day and are as elegant as they were centuries ago.
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Damask
designs derive from damask fabric (a woven material with
its pattern reversed on the underside), which was popular
during the early 15th century. It is characterized by
perfectly balanced motifs, such as acanthus leaves, forming
the repeat pattern. |
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Oriental
patterns imitate colors and designs found in the art of
China and the Far East. Stylized birds and floral elements
are favorite motifs. |
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Crewel
designs, usually imitative of bold embroidery stitches,
reflect English and East Indian renditions of the "tree
of life" pattern. |
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Documentary
designs are based on old paper or fabric documents. The
best known are the toile de Jouy designs, named for the
region in France where fabrics of this type were manufactured
in the late 18th century. Toiles nearly always depict
romantic pastoral landscapes populated with animals and
people in period dress. |
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Paisley
patterns have an historical background, too: their motifs
are based on organic shapes that first appeared on fine
woolen shawls woven in Kashmir in the 17th century.
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Some
early wallcoverings were made of actual materials, such
as grasscloth, burlap, linen, silk and wool, They are
still available but are now manufactured with a durable
paper backing, which makes for easy application. Today,
modern printing techniques have made it possible to replicate
these real materials on either paper or vinyl, thus creating
faux grass cloth and linen, etc. Likewise, simulated wood
grains, bricks, stucco and cork are now possible and popular,
because the cost of decorating with the wall covering
version is far less than with the real material. |
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Today's
tastes have popularized the geometrics - stripes, plaids,
polka dots and checks, as well as classic lattice, grille
and tile designs. Contemporary demands for faux finishes
have given rise to a proliferation of exciting wall coverings
replicating marble and other stones, while the popularity
of the country look has seen a burst of patterns with
coordinating country themes. |
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Florals
never lose their appeal: they simply change their "look"
every decade or so, swinging from bold and bright to soft
and muted. The newest styles in wallcoverings, which have
enormous appeal for the contemporary decorator, are novelty
patterns with motifs for use in kitchens, bathrooms and
children's rooms - further proof that patterns exist to
suit every taste. |
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The
demand today may be responsible for launching new styles
and patterns, but it's contemporary technology that has
improved the quality of printing and reproduction and
made possible such developments as die-cut borders, which
are sculpted, pierced and self-sticking. |
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Colors
trends change with the seasons, as well as the years. There
are, however, a few major trends emerging that will likely
remain a major force in the marketplace for several years.
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First,
we're seeing the disappearance of "jewel tones". These
are the hunter greens, burgundy and navy tones that have
been popular for many years. In their place are lighter,
subtler tones of these shades. Look for sage greens, mauve-pinks
and sea blues to replace the vibrant hues of the early
nineties. |
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Additionally,
look for a new color tone "purple" to emerge with greater
force. This hue, from rich lilacs to deep eggplants, is
showing up in all areas of home furnishings, and is becoming
a major force in wallcovering design. |
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Neutrals
will always be in vogue. Clean, classy and contemporary,
tans, creams, taupes and white will always be a fashion
"yes". At the same time, a new set of neutrals is emerging.
Shades of gray and copper are being blended into the neutral
mix, adding a richer complement of tones for depth and
distinction. |
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An
offshoot of gray and copper are metallics, which probably
won't become a widespread trend but will pop up with increasing
frequency. Look for silvers and golds to play a part in
more mainstream wallcoverings, rather than just very elegant
or novelty looks. |
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