Tag: wallpaper

The top home trends to try in 2018, according to Pinterest

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date December 14, 2017
1 Comment on The top home trends to try in 2018, according to Pinterest

The results are in, and there’s a lot to look forward to in 2018! Wallpapered ceilings, giant knitting and finger tattoos are just a few of the emerging trends people on Pinterest are excited about. The Pinterest 100 has it all—100 trend predictions across Pinterest’s top categories backed by global data.

People use Pinterest to plan their lives, so rather than taking a look back at the year, Pinterest gives us a look forward, at what pinners are searching for and saving to do in the future. Every category in the fourth annual Pinterest 100 is full of surprises and must-tries, but of course there’s one category in particular we are interested in: the home!

Decorating a home is personal and evolves over time. The notion that design is never done couldn’t be more true; it’s what keeps pinners coming back. With over 14 billion ideas, home continues to grow with a 75% increase in pins year on year. From full renos to stylish accents, here’s what trends are set to be big in 2018.

Resort-inspired style: Spa-inspired bathrooms and rattan furniture bring the vacay vibes home.

The magic of metallics: Metals mesh with any colour palette, but to really amp up a space, mix different finishes together.

Hello, terrazzo: The forgotten flooring of the ’70s is brightening up ceilings, entryways and everything in between.

The fifth wall: A statement ceiling can transform a room from the top down with bold paint, striking wallpaper or intricate texture.

Credit: vintageindustrialstyle.com via Pinterest

Beautiful to the bone: Bone inlaid tiles take an ordinary piece from meh to marvellous with maximalism drama and geometric designs.

Wood wins: Wall tiles and flooring in a herringbone pattern are versatile and add dimension to make any space more modern.

Statement doors: A colorful, painted front door or friendly message on a mat is the new way to welcome guests.

Patterned plants: Houseplants, like the popular prayer plant, go beyond green, with vibrant, patterned foliage and flashes of colour.

Wall art is big: Bye bye blank space! Large posters, works of art and photography prints are blowing up.

Sage advice: Soften up a space with sage, the new neutral.

Credit: rooms-decoration.com via Pinterest

Start pinning now | 2018 trends

Tags 2018 trends, colour trends, design, home, interiors, metallics, pinterest, resort, trends, wallpaper

Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

6 feature walls that can work in virtually any interior

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date December 5, 2017
No Comments on 6 feature walls that can work in virtually any interior

By Cherie Barber

In any interior, lashings of colour can be overpowering, but a striking feature wall can add real va va voom. The trick is to choose a highlight that blends into whatever interior style you have chosen, whether it’s retro chic or highly contemporary. Here are six feature walls that stand out for all the right reasons and can be easily used in virtually any interior.

Timber feature walls

The warm tones of timber have a calming effect on any interior, and not just as flooring. They’re perfect as cladding for walls, whether it’s rugged or smooth – or a combination of both, as I’ve used below. The same ironbark floorboards have been used for the fireplace, which I’ve then contrasted with red-toned timber panels. The modular panels are made from reclaimed Australian hardwoods fixed to a ply backing board.

Pressed metal wallpaper

For this apartment in an old converted Sydney warehouse I chose wallpaper that mimics the look of an old pressed metal ceiling; it blends perfectly with the exposed timber ceiling.

Panelled wall

This panelled wall, the standout feature of the master bedroom, was fashioned out of slats of MDF architrave, painted white and then glued onto the wall. It was done for under $200!

Blue wallpaper

This is one of my rental properties in Sydney’s west. It’s really light and bright and open plan, so can cope with a good smack of personality. This Lines wallpaper from Annandale Wallpapers was just the ticket!

Painted brick wall

Before you go rushing to clad or render an old internal brick wall, why not make a feature of it instead? In this sunroom I’ve used Taubmans Coalmine paint, framed by a crisp white.

Retro wallpaper

In this retro themed apartment I was looking for a wallpaper that would pay homage to the seventies – but not lairy 70s! I wanted a subtle backdrop for the furnishings and pendant lights, so opted for the vintage highlights of Orla Kiely Scribble wallpaper.

— Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Our top 10 names in Australian wallpaper

Tags cherie barber, design, diy, feature wall, interiors, paint, wallpaper

House Tours Jen's reno

Jen’s home office reveal

Photography: Jacqui Turk

I’m excited to reveal my new home office; once a very dull and boxy little room, otherwise known as ‘bedroom 4’ on the floorplan! It did have a few great things going for it though: the best light in the house and a window and glass doors looking out onto the garden. Our house is very long and the office is right at the back, away from any noise and distraction.

It needed help though. And as this is a long term home, I really wanted to make an effort with this workspace and make it somewhere I really wanted to hang out and felt inspired and happy to work in. There’s nothing that transforms a small and featureless room more, in my opinion, than wallpaper. I’d wanted to use one of Anna Spiro’s designs for Porters Paints for years. Damian wasn’t sure about the pink so I compromised on the blue version. But when I found they were out of stock, I somehow managed to persuade him it was a good idea to revert to pink. At the end of the day, I’m the one who works from home so it’s really my domain. That and the fact the garage has been earmarked as his man cave and I’ll happily have nothing to do with what goes on in there!

Before the wallpaper, I’d already had a plantation shutter put on the window. Since these photos were taken I’ve also had sheer curtains put on the sliding door. They filter the light really well because the sun can sometimes be a bit too much and soften the room nicely.

I don’t need much furniture, being someone whose work is largely online and stored in the cloud. Laptop, printer, paper diary and a few notebooks and pens aside, I don’t need much physical stuff. Which keeps things tidy! I already had the two grey home office storage units from Pottery Barn. I love them because they’re grey and don’t look too corporate or officey. The one with the doors neatly hides the printer (never a good look!) and even if you don’t need storage, you’ve got to have somewhere to display pretty things, right?!

Speaking of pretty things, it was love at first sight for that cut glass lamp. Amazing. I’m still on the lookout for a more interesting shade to swap out for the white one it came with, just to mix things up a little. The rattan lampshade on the pendant light is the same one we’ve used in all the bedrooms. It’s a nice textured neutral.

The magazine rack is actually a bathroom ladder. I think I saw it used this way in a magazine and stole the idea, but I can’t remember which, sorry!

I’m having a major floral moment and these two prints by Kimmy Hogan (right) and Lamai Anne (left) seem to work well together and with the wallpaper.

It took a long time to work out where the desk should go (the doors make this room a tricky one to work with) but Damian finally cracked it and as soon as I realised the chair should be looking towards the door, that was it! I also have a thing about having my back to the door and not knowing who might creep up behind me, so this this works well! I imported that chair from Jonathan Adler years ago and while it is made of resin and thus super heavy and not ergonomically sound at all, I just love it so there. The desk itself is solid timber. I love its generous size, simplicity and the fact it has a small drawer where I store pens (not a fan of pen pots!).

The round blush pink rug helps balance the room a little as most of the action is happening at the far end.

This room is definitely polarising but I’m unapologetic! This is my space where I get work done and earn money so it’s important too. It doesn’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea! That said, I find most women love it and men just shudder and say the wallpaper would give them a headache! Each to their own!

It’s actually really fun and refreshing to have a room which can be so self indulgent (when you’re in a couple you do have to be at least a little conscious of your other half’s tastes!). And the fact that this room feels so good and is a pleasure to work in makes me happy every day. All in all, I’m glad I had the guts to go bold in this room.

The floors in here will be replaced with an oak laminate next month, and the sliding doors will eventually be replaced with French double doors.

What do you think?

Where’s it from?

Wallpaper: Rosey Posey Trellis by Anna Spiro for Porter’s Paints

Installation by AKRA Wallpapering

Grey storage units: Windsor range from Pottery Barn

Table lamp: Zoya table lamp from Lighting Lighting Lighting

Pendant light: Shore pendant in tan rattan from Beacon Lighting

Desk: Altar desk in natural ash from Contents International Design

Chair: Jonathan Adler Chippendale Armchair, available in Australia through Coco Republic

Plantation shutter and sheer curtains: DIY Online Blinds

Art: Kimmy Hogan and Lamai Anne.

Rug: Cochin blush hand stitched rug from Early Settler

Bathroom ladder (used for magazines): Home Republic Bath Storage Ladder from Adairs

Terrazzo MacBook Skin: Uniqfind

Gold stapler: Kate Spade (available at David Jones)

Bluetooth speaker: Bang & Olufsen (available at Myer)

Gold wall clock: Target

See my master bedroom

Tags anna spiro, desk, home office, interiors addict at home, interiors addict reno, jen bishop at home, jen bishop office, jen's home office, pink wallpaper, porters paints, rosey posey trellis, wallpaper, work from home

Art Designers RENO ADDICT Styling

Our top 10 names in Australian wallpaper

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 21, 2017
8 Comments on Our top 10 names in Australian wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to revamp your room for less. Often all you need is a feature wall and in a matter of hours your room will go from bleak to chic! But like everything there are a lot of of options, so it’s important to find wallpaper that doesn’t just look good but also has longevity… because there’s really nothing worse than wallpaper with air pockets and rips. Below is a range of Australian labels we give the Interiors Addict stamp of approval to!

Bethany Linz: Bethany trained in fine arts before moving to textile and wallpaper design, and boy can you tell. How intricate and beautiful is this botanical print? Available through Sparkk, the hand painted wallpaper is available in eight colour ways and the background can even be custom coloured to match your interior.

Quercus & Co.: A wallpaper and fabric label based in Sydney, Quercus & Co. love pattern and colour. More ‘art-paper’ than wallpaper, their latest collection, Suketchi, pays homage to Japanese art. Featuring symbols of the natural world — clouds, rivers, the sea and mountains — the designs are created via Ukiyo-e, a style of woodblock printing and painting that flourished in Japan from the 17th to 19th century.

Anna Spiro: Designed by the Brisbane based interior designer for Porter’s Paints, Anna has applied her flair for layering fabrics with diverse pattern and colour to wallpaper. Bright, quirky and fun, Jen herself is a fan, having the below wallpaper in her home office.

Collette Dinnigan: Another collaboration with Porter’s Paints, wallpaper was a natural progression for the acclaimed fashion designer. Worldly taste is Colette’s signature… can’t you just imagine this wallpaper up against European antiques and artisan textiles? Refined and beautiful, her designs won’t go out of fashion any time soon.

Native Swinson: Quintessentially Australian, the prints of founder Kate Swinson are inspired by her memories of a rural childhood; think climbing up trees and floating down rivers. The detailed line drawings (you have to see them up close to believe them!) are screen printed by hand using non-toxic inks on eco-friendly papers.

Native Swinson. Photo Credit: Denise Braki for Temple & Webster

Signature Prints: The proud custodians of Florence Broadhurst’s design library, Signature Prints bring the design legend’s unique patterns from the ’60s to now. From the classic colour ways she made famous to some original new editions, the collections encompass the perfect blend of bright and neutral, graphic and simple.

Signature Prints. Photo credit: Emma Hack Artist

Luxe Walls: Options galore! Luxe Walls have partnered with Alamy, Australia’s biggest imagery supplier, so you literally have a million images to choose from. Oh my! They also have their signature collections if looking through a million images is a bit too overwhelming! Best yet, much of their collection is removable (including the concrete design below), which means you and your home can stay on top of the trends at an affordable price.

Annandale Wallpapers: This family owned business has been supplying wallpaper for over 60 years! Home to one of Sydney’s widest selections — they have over 400 design sample books in store — Annandale Wallpapers offer something for everyone, from the more sensible geometrics to the free-spirited (dog-approved!) wallpaper below.

Patricia Braune: After 20 years in advertising as a graphic designer, Sydneysider Patricia embarked on a new career in surface design. Very much at home with a pen in hand, her intricately drawn prints are rich in texture and layers, just like the flowers she draws.

Publisher Textiles: A favourite of Jen’s (she’s used them twice), Publisher Textiles are all about creating wallpaper the hard way, by hand! Using traditional hand screen printed techniques and small-scale production, everything is designed, printed and cut in their Sydney studio. Arguably the brand’s most iconic design is the Hibernian print (below), inspired by the heritage listed building in Surry Hills.

We hope you enjoyed this list. Let us know what you would add.

More home inspo

Thanks to fellow wallpaper fan Lynne Bradley Interiors for sharing her favourites, some of which made it onto this list.

Tags anna spiro, Annandale Wallpapers, bethany linz, Collette Dinnigan, design, florence broadhurst, interiors, Luxe Walls, Native Swinson, Patricia Braune, porters paints, publisher textiles, quercus & co, removable wallpaper, signature prints, sparkk, styling, wallpaper

Art Bedrooms Furniture Homewares Styling The Block

10 of the best pieces seen on The Block (so far)

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 14, 2017
No Comments on 10 of the best pieces seen on The Block (so far)

From luxurious gold cushions, coffee tables and mirrors, to breathtaking artworks and beautiful timber, this year’s The Block is full of wonderful furniture pieces and homewares.

As hard as it is to hone in on just a few pieces, here are my top picks.

Small Bone Inlay Bedside from Fenton & Fenton

Exuding charm and unique character, the two drawer wooden bedside table features a floral pattern of camel bone and resin. From Jason and Sarah’s guest bedroom ($890).

Marble-Topped Pedestal Coffee Table from west elm

Calling all luxe marble lovers! Featuring a white marble top with a spun metal base, does it get any more luxurious than this coffee table? From Hannah and Clint’s sitting room ($899).

Copper Toilet Roll/Hand Towel Holder from Pier Plumbing

Who said copper was dead? Custom made, this vintage-inspired number is a classy way to show off your designer hand towels and toilet paper – just be sure to buy two! From Sticks and Wombat’s main bathroom ($88).

Eden Bed from Incy Interiors

Featuring simple yet timeless rose gold curves made of sturdy metal, the Eden Bed is a perfectly whimsical addition to your kid’s bedroom. From Georgia and Ronnie’s kids bedroom ($699).

Lobby Fabric Chair from Freedom

Navy and gold are a match made in heaven. With curves in all the right places, this velvet cushioned seat will have you lounging around luxuriously for hours. From Josh and Clint’s sitting room ($999).

‘The Catcher’ Canvas from Steve Cross

Rightfully named “the BEST artwork on The Block – Ever!”, ‘The Catcher’ is a moody print on canvas, capturing the feel and texture of the original oil painting by Melbourne street artist Steve Cross. From Georgia and Ronnie’s dining room ($570).

Agate Bookend from west elm

Dyed and polished to reveal naturally occurring patterned rings, each bookend is a one of a kind keepsake to add to your bookshelves, desks and consoles From Hannah and Clint’s living room ($39 each).

Easy Leather Long Cushion from Life Interiors

Add a hint of raw, kinfolk aesthetic to your living room with this tan leather cushion. From Josh and Elyse’s living room ($119).

Alessia – Grey Wallpaper from Grafico

Add a hint of soft Scandi with this wallpaper, featuring warm grey lines on a white background. Digitally printed on a self-adhesive vinyl means there is no need for any glue – just apply direct to your walls. From Sticks and Wombat’s kids’ bedroom ($618).

LEDlux Circa Ring Dimmable Pendant from Beacon Lighting

With clean lines and an ultra sleek minimalist design, this is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill pendant. Understatedly elegant, the LEDlux Circa Ring Dimmable Pendant is perfect for a modern scandi interior. From Jason and Sarah’s dining room ($795).

Want more on The Block?

Tags art, furniture, homewares, interiors, the block, wallpaper

Homewares Smart Home

Iconic Designers Guild homewares now available in Australia

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 11, 2017
No Comments on Iconic Designers Guild homewares now available in Australia

The Block series 13 week 3 room reveals: kids’ bedrooms

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 21, 2017
No Comments on The Block series 13 week 3 room reveals: kids’ bedrooms

Last night’s kids’ room reveals were more enjoyable than I expected. Much as I personally, as a mum, enjoy the fun of decorating a children’s room, they don’t always make the best TV. You can’t really showcase the luxury, glam and gadgets you can with, say, a master bedroom. But I was pleasantly surprised with all the great ideas the contestants came up with, as well as how sophisticated most of them looked. And I have to 100% agree with Ronnie and Georgia winning (second week in a row) as there was really nothing to criticise in their gorgeous space. I absolutely loved Sticks and Wombat’s though (what a shame about the wallpaper) and Jason and Sarah did a great job too. Without further a do, here are more photos, judges’ comments and our picks to buy, from first place to last.

FIRST: Ronnie and Georgia

Well, that wallpaper on the ceiling was a fantastic idea, beautifully executed and the judges loved it. Darren said everything about the room was wow and Shaynna said it was a bedroom memories are made of. Neale said they’d gone all out to reflect childhood; 100% whimsy. Shaynna thought the styling was perfect. Darren loved the storage and said the room would suit a child from two to 11 and could be easily reorientated to a teenager room with minor tweaks. Shaynna added it was one of the very best kids’ rooms she’d ever seen. “They’ve thought of everything.” Not surprisingly with comments like these, the couple scored the first perfect 10 of the season.

Our pick to buy: Incy Interiors Eden bed, Pottery Barn Kids tea sandwich set, cotton candy print.

SECOND: Jason and Sarah

Shaynna said it was good they hadn’t pigeon-holed the room to a certain age. Darren thought it was very sophisticated and loved the wallpaper. Neale said it was very child friendly but not childish; really beautiful. And Shyanna said their wallpaperer was a magician (someone introduce him to Sticks and Wombat!). Neale loved the level of restraint without sacrificing the sense of fun. Darren said the Jack and Jill en suite (shared by two bedrooms) was a master stroke of planning.

Our pick to buy: Eurowalls gold zebra wallpaper, giant rhino, Heatherly Design Bailey Bedhead.

THIRD: Sticks and Wombat

This room was all about the fun, but great craftmanship too. Darren was truly like a big kid, and said “this is mad!” and the stuff of many kids’ dreams. Neale said it was like their own private tower. Shaynna was first to notice the wallpapering disaster, although she loved the actual design. Darren said it was a real downer when everything else was “up up up”. Neale said no-one was going to forget the house with the climbing wall though. Too right!

Our pick to buy: Winston the Wombat print, Alessia wallpaper, Kylie the Kangaroo cushion, Sticks Photography wave print.

FOURTH: Josh and Elyse

These guys didn’t have a great week, with Keith and Dan shutting down their site for a time due to their unsafe demolition. Their mezzanine idea paid off though. The judges all agreed they were going for more of a teenager room and Neale said kids would be excited that it feels like a mini apartment. Shaynna and Darren loved the wardrobe too. But that’s where the positives ended. Shaynna hated that the room had been stripped bare of any heritage elements and Neale agreed it could easily be a room in a new build. The judges found the styling a bit underwhelming too. Darren said there was no great contrast and Neale would have liked to have seen a bit of romance or escapism; something to get excited about.

Our pick to buy: Leather bedhead by Heatherly Design Bedheads, west elm rug, Luca linen rectangle cushion.

LAST: Hannah and Clint

The floorplan change and having a sliding glass door to the outside in a children’s room did them no favours in the end. It wasn’t all bad though. Darren immediately loved the playfulness and Shaynna said all the styling choices were very gorgeous. Neale liked that it was very obviously a child’s room but without being sugary sweet. “It’s kind of modern and cool.” Darren said it was well finished and loved the wardrobe (even if the door knob came off in his hand! Oops!). He and Shaynna agreed the room was small and felt a bit squashed. Shaynna said you wouldn’t want a sliding door to a courtyard with kids because it was unsafe. The judges agreed their planning had brought them undone.

Our pick to buy: The Family Love tree bedhead.

The Block latest

Tags children's room, darren plmer, hannah and clint, josh and elyse, judges, judging, kids room, mezzanine, neale whitaker, ronnie and georgia, shaynna blaze, sticks and wombat, the block, wallpaper

Art Interviews

The joyful art of Jessica Watts, inspired by vintage finds

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 15, 2017
No Comments on The joyful art of Jessica Watts, inspired by vintage finds

Since her days working as an art director in New York City, Jessica Watts has been collecting discarded graphic ephemera. From vintage bingo cards and antique storybooks to old typeface compendiums and retro seed packets, the list is endless. However, it was an unexpected find in the early ’90s that inspired her to leave a career in advertising and become a full-time painter.

“I’ve been collecting wallpaper ever since I came across a couple of beautiful vintage rolls from the ’40s and ’50s at the 26th Street Markets in New York,” explains Jessica. “The pile grew over the years until it became obvious they needed to be revived in some way.” So came the idea for her Wallflower series.

“My work generally addresses stereotypes and attempts to reimagine fixed ideas,” says Jessica. “So I started to think about the era of wallpaper, when women were sirens, china dolls and wallflowers. The series is an exploration into beauty and the nature of feminine identity. In particular how appearances relate to the inner self and how beauty is more about the hidden than the revealed.”

The art making process begins with Jessica building timber boards, which are then wallpapered. Once dry, she beings painting, layer upon layer, with oils and sometimes a bit of house paint. The end result is feminine, joyful and original, something Jessica accredits to having no formal training.

“When I finished high school, I was leaning towards Fine Arts but my parents felt I should do something a bit more ‘practical’ with my creativity, so I completed a Bachelor of Design majoring in Visual Communications. As a result, I think I’ve been able to develop a painting style that is quite individual. It mixes influences from my background in graphics with techniques I’ve discovered through trial and error.”

Now based in Sydney, her days are spent working in a studio in the beachside suburb of Manly. And the days are long and busy at the moment, with Jessica preparing for two shows opening this September. “I have a solo show opening at Sogo Gallery in Yokohama City, Japan and I am also exhibiting in a duo show locally at Sydney Road Gallery (September 7-to-24) with fellow painter Fiona Chandler. It’s going to be bursting with springtime florals.”

Jessica’s artworks are available as originals and prints. She also does commissions.

For more on Jessica Watts | Affordable art

Tags art, artist, design, homewares, interview, jessica watts, painting, vintage, wallflower, wallpaper

Homewares

Jen’s Lust List 23.05.17

How beautiful are these pieces by small Melbourne studio Felix Furniture? Cork and plywood never looked so good. The young couple behind the brand make everything by hand themselves and are big on sustainability. It’s no wondered they’ve amassed a large following in just three years.

I’ve been getting a bit wallpaper obsessed lately as I really want some in the office. I love what’s on offer at Quercus & Co. as well as Greg Natale and Anna Spiro’s ranges (both really different!) from Porter’s Paints. And you may remember I’ve used the gorgeous Publisher Textiles’ Bugsey design in my last two homes, I loved it so much! But I think it’s time for something different. Any other great Aussie wallpaper brands out there I don’t know about? Please share with me in the comments!

Anna Spiro for Porter’s Paints wallpaper

Also, speaking of home offices, I’ve just bought this storage combo from Pottery Barn. I hate when office furniture looks too, well, officey! There’s nothing corporate about these lovely grey pieces and I think the price point is really good too. Windsor door cabinet, Windsor bookshelf and Windsor storage unit (at the time of writing, these are all on sale). There’s a matching desk too but I already have a timber one.

We featured these yesterday, but I’m really loving Mr Jason Grant’s new tile range with Di Lorenzo. So much so I’m reconsidering my stone splashback in my future kitchen in favour of the mini bricks in deep sea. Yes, we’re talking navy, you got me!

I’m so pleased with these pendants we recently installed in our living room. They were a brave choice and they definitely make a statement but they’re working so well in the big space. Everyone has loved them and even better, they take LED bulbs so they’re really energy efficient as well as beautiful! I’ll be sharing some more photos of the full room soon. Lancette 9 Light CTC in Brushed Brass, $299 from Beacon Lighting

I’m also loving these cool, all-natural handmade baskets from new brand J’Jute. From $149. Many other designs available. Toys, shoes, towels: I see endless potential uses!

And last but not least, I’m loving Georgia MacMillan’s third textile range, especially this gingham-look Farglioni Blue Check. Isn’t it divine?! Available in Australia via Nicola Lawrence Textiles and Papers, $189 per metre.

I’ll be back with more favourite finds next Tuesday!

Tags anna spiro, beacon lighting, cork, di lorenzo, energy efficient, felix furniture, home office, jason grant, lancette pendant, LED, lust list, pendants, plywood, porters paints, pottery barn, tiles, wallpaper

RENO ADDICT Styling

4 reasons why you should consider wallpaper for your reno

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date April 27, 2017
No Comments on 4 reasons why you should consider wallpaper for your reno

When you think of wallpaper, the first word that springs to mind may not be ‘stylish’. In fact, it may be the exact opposite. Plenty of us have memories of the very ‘retro’ stylings of wallpaper in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Fortunately, the world of wallpaper has come full circle and the modern day interpretations offer plenty to consider for the would be renovator.

We’ve rounded up our top 4 reasons as to why you should consider wallpaper for your reno as well as plenty of colour and texture inspiration for your Pinterest board!

4 reasons why you should consider wallpaper for your reno

1. It’s incredibly durable – Wallpaper could also be known as the bulletproof wall covering. Vinyl wallpaper is made with a vinyl layer to provide additional protection from bumps, belts and blows from furniture, kids and children. Fabric backed vinyl is the most durable of the bunch, thanks to its dense backing. It’s also completely washable and will often outlast your design scheme (meaning that it may need to be replaced at some stage down the track). Fabric backed vinyl is usually best suited to living areas as its composition means that it doesn’t breathe and can hence trap water and moisture leading to mould and mildew.

Image source: Brewster Wallcovering

2. It allows you to play around with colour, patterns and texture – While paint offers a huge variety of colours and finishes, it hasn’t yet mastered the technology to offer patterns and textures. Wallpaper on the other hand offers a huge range of patterns and textures which can be customised to fit your space. ‘Mixing and matching’ paint with wallpaper is the ideal way to get the best of both worlds while including an eye catching feature wall or special space.

Image source: Ideal home

3. It’s on trend – Whether it’s the Pantone colour of the year (Greenery) or the latest and greatest in texture, wallpaper offers the opportunity to embrace a trend relatively quickly and easily. Take for example, cork. Cork was named as one of the ‘trends to watch’ for the cooler months (and a great way to ‘warm up your interiors‘). Integrating cork into your decor is straight forward with the new breed of cork wallpapers which are not only functional (they can be ‘pinned’ onto) but can also improve the acoustics in your home. Genius!

Image source: Houzz

4. Longevity – While good quality paint will last, comparison studies have shown that wallpaper will outlast paint, with some estimates finding that it can last five times longer than paint under normal conditions. This not only means you’ll be able to ‘decorate and forget about’ but also impacts your long term budget which can be impacted by the cost of repainting every couple of years.

Image source: Graham Brown

Tags design, diy, home reno, interiors, wallpaper

Designers Styling

Style inspo: Take a peek at Amy’s whimsical new wallpaper

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 7, 2017
6 Comments on Style inspo: Take a peek at Amy’s whimsical new wallpaper

When I moved house almost a year ago, I was excited for many reasons (more space for one), but I was very much looking forward to having a plethora of new styling opportunities to sink my creative teeth into. As a bit of background, the front of my home is a century-old cottage while the rear extension is a modernist, much more masculine space. Consequently, I felt the front of the home, with its beautiful original skirtings, architraves and other period details, was the perfect spot for me to indulge my softer, more whimsical tastes.

Before: A plain wall in Dulux ‘Ghosting’ accessorised by Mia, the resident Russian Blue

Cue a wallpaper journey that took nine months as I do like to ruminate! Firstly, when it came to the pattern I didn’t want an obvious ‘repeat’ – I definitely wanted some sort of mural but soon found that while there are plenty of those around, there are plenty of tacky ones too. Secondly, I wanted the design to have a natural element – for while I’m the world’s least enthusiastic camper, I’m a big fan of bringing the outside in. Thirdly, I wanted the wall to have impact and I love how wallpaper, often relatively inexpensively, can completely transform a space.

The hunt lasted several months, eventually leading me to the wonderfully talented Dutch artist Ellie Cashman who turns her paintings into giant wallpaper murals. She paints in the style of the Dutch masters, whom I’ve long been a fan of, but it’s the customisable colours and ability to play with scale that gives her wallpaper a contemporary edge too. Her work is feminine without being girly which is a tough balance to strike.

And while I’d decided on a floral, to really channel that gothic-inspired, dark woodsy vibe I decided to go with Ellie’s ‘Dark Floral II’ in the ‘desaturated’ colourway – I preferred the cooler tones and wanted to drench the wall with as much colour as possible. While I am a big lover of colour, I mostly favour a neutral approach to walls so that I can get carried away with soft furnishings (my husband is constantly bemoaning my cushion addiction for one).

I decided to go with the design in the XL scale – the largest flower is almost one metre in size to give you an idea. I’m a big believer in making a design statement and in my years of hands-on interior design and styling, I’ve noticed that most people are too scared to take risks in their homes. But, in my view, given wallpaper isn’t a hard structure, if you really loathe your decision you can always change it. Wallpaper certainly doesn’t come with the responsibility that, say, choosing a tile does.

Needless to say, I love the wall and I’d even go so far as to say that it’s transportive. During these hot summer days there’s nothing like retreating to my bedroom and dreaming I’m in a majestic European garden enjoying spring’s first flourish.

For more of Amy’s styling work | Follow Amy on Instagram. | Shop Ellie Cashman

Tags amy collins walker, bedroom, design, ellie cashman, interior design, interior designer, styling, wallpaper

Designers Renting Styling

We adore: Quercus & Co’s unique and versatile wallpaper tiles

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 17, 2016
No Comments on We adore: Quercus & Co’s unique and versatile wallpaper tiles

Do you remember Quercus & Co. and their giant, self-adhesive vintage-inspired Australiana stamps from last year? Well, in great news for us, they’re back with another wonderful range!

Inspired by the majestic Alhambra palace in Spain’s Granada, the company’s new wallpaper tiles are not only pretty gorgeous, they’re super simple to use too. “Our wallpaper tiles could not be easier to install – you simply peel off the paper backing and stick it to the wall. If you don’t get it right the first time you can always remove them and rearrange,” says Quercus & Co. director Adam Jones. The self-adhesive, re-positional square decals are available in myriad prints and colour ways and are a triumph of pattern and colour.

Originally hand-painted in watercolour before digitally printed onto fabric, we love the painterly, handmade feel of the collection and its durability too. “Although the tiles look and feel like paper, they’re actually made from strong, wipe-able fabric with a self-adhesive backing,” says Adam.

“The elaborate palaces of Spain and North Africa, the most famous of which is the Alhambra in Granada, have inspired the first collection and the range features eight designs – four Spanish and four Moorish – available in four colours. Included in the range are border tiles and smaller corner tiles meaning many different pattern combinations are possible,” says Adam.

Available in four sizes (from 10cm to 40cm squares) we’re pretty excited about the endless decorating possibilities this range presents. From a large feature wall to framed mosaic panels, friezes, staircase risers (you can custom order as per your step’s specific dimensions) or even just embellishment for wardrobe doors or cupboards, there is no end to the decorating options.

Furthermore, they’re perfect for renters (provided they are installed correctly, they won’t damage walls) AND you can take them with you and reuse them when you move. Ah-mazing!

Shop online

Tags colour, design, interior, interior design, quercus & co, styling, wall stickers, wallpaper

Designers

We’re loving: these wallpapers by RMIT students

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 2, 2016
No Comments on We’re loving: these wallpapers by RMIT students

Various coffee makers on commercial kitchen counter

Custom wallpaper company Design To Print has collaborated with RMIT textile students again this year with some pretty fabulous results. The partnership (which began in 2015) gives RMIT students studying the Bachelor of Arts in Textile Design, the opportunity to work on a live brief and sell their designs to the public. Obviously, this sort of commercial exposure is invaluable for any budding designer.

“It goes without saying that it is of primary importance that emerging textile designers have every opportunity to work with the industry on live projects. The Design To Print custom wallpaper project engages students with the wider market comprising home renovators, decorators and designers, enabling them to bring their highly creative design ideas to a myriad of applications,” says Claire Beale, RMIT program manager. The collection has certainly piqued our interest and we’re particularly taken with Stephanie Cannalonga’s striking designs.

Studio shot of teddy bear sitting on red chair — Design by RMIT student Alice Rooney

“From the perspective of the program, projects that showcase the skills of textile designers to a broad customer base are a great way to inform the public about just what it is we can do to enhance your life and demonstrate to the design profession the potential for collaboration and innovation in a commercial sector,” says Claire.

Design To Print - Maddy North_3 — Design by RMIT student Maddy North

“It was a totally invigorating experience to be among such enthusiastic and talented young people with a passion to create, and who are not afraid to explore their imagination,” says Gianni Favaro, managing director of Design To Print.

Design To Print - Qing Lin_03 — Design by RMIT student Qing Lin

Available to purchase on the Design to Print custom wallpaper shop, all of the new student designs are available for $120 per square metre and a commission is paid to each student when their work is purchased.

Design To Print - Stephanie Cannalonga_02 — Design by RMIT student Stephanie Cannalonga

Shop online.

Tags custom wallpaper, design students, design to print, rmit, students, wallpaper

Designers Styling

Collette Dinnigan creates wallpaper range for Porter’s Paints

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 19, 2016
No Comments on Collette Dinnigan creates wallpaper range for Porter’s Paints

Given that wallpaper could be considered fashion for the walls, it is rather fitting that the celebrated Australian fashion designer Collette Dinnigan has collaborated with Porter’s Paints to produce a feminine, sophisticated range of them. Bringing her signature Paris-meets-boho-meets world traveller vibe to interior spaces, the range mixes baroque and exotic motifs in colour ways including ‘Midnight in Paris’ and ‘Antique Rose’ that will no doubt appeal to the Francophiles among us.

porterspaints_cd_paisley_nufushcia — ‘Paisley Botanique’ in Nu Fuchsia

“Since travelling the globe, I have always been inspired by the beautiful and exotic. When Porter’s Paints approached me to design an exclusive wallpaper collection, I was excited to develop a range of signature Collette Dinnigan prints that combine my love of colour and artisanship, exquisite block prints and European detail, so that Porter’s clients and customers can enjoy them in their home,” says Collette Dinnigan. The designer’s love of intricate craftsmanship, Parisian flea markets and artisanal wares have most definitely underscored her creative output over the years. It’s also a signature that has been enjoyed by fashion lovers for a long time now so it’s fabulous for the interior lovers to get a taste of it too.

porterspaints_cd_fleurdiamant_midnightinparis — ‘Fleur Diamant’ in Midnight in Paris

The signature design from the range ‘Paisley Botanique’ looks as sumptuous as it sounds. The designer has been continuously inspired by the traditional craft of Indian wood block printing on fabric and, with this design, it’s easy to understand the obsession. We love it in the pink colour way but aqua and gold combination is equally beguiling. Another design, ‘Fleur Diamond,’ is inspired by French royal emblems and subtle ornamentation while ‘Le Napoleon’ has a French neo-classic vibe and the design can be laid in several different ways – on its own or in combination with the other two designs.

Shop the range online.

Tags Collette Dinnigan, design, interior design, porters paints, wallpaper

Designers Expert Tips

The top 10 interior design trends for 2016/17

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date July 14, 2016
1 Comment on The top 10 interior design trends for 2016/17

By Kerena Berry

When it comes to self-expression, interior design has become every bit as important as the outfit you’re wearing right now (hopefully you’re not reading this while wearing an ancient pair of trackie dacks). Like fashion, design trends change with the seasons, but here are 10 movements in interior design that will be making waves for the next 12 months.

1. Two-tone kitchens

Stark and bold, the two-tone kitchen purposely limits colour range to create diversity in other ways, most notably finishes. From afar, the simple palette is deceptive because on closer scrutiny, brave combinations of textures reveal the complexity of the design. Rustic finishes on cabinets may not marry well with marble benches in your imagination, but in reality can work beautifully, creating a dramatic textural statement brought to life by the two-tone approach.

2. Wall tiles outside the kitchen and bathroom

Wall tiles are on the move, no longer trapped in their traditional domains. They’re migrating from kitchens and bathrooms to become features in common areas, and the effect is stunning. Now that they’re making their mark as ornamental bling in living areas, the humble tile is now enjoying a rapid evolution as designers compete to think outside the box and produce work that is aesthetically and practically superior. Tile designers are pushing the boundaries of shape, colour and functionality.

3. Mirrors as decor

They’ve always been a handy way to trick the eye into believing a room has greater dimensions (or simply to make sure we’re gorgeous), but mirrors are now being used much more creatively. With an increasingly diverse range of shapes and colours, you can throw out your old notions of where a mirror belongs, and start considering them as a feature that will add vibrance to any room. As with the more unorthodox use of tiles, consider using mirrors as decorative elements rather than functional items.

4. Wallpaper becoming more a part of the room

Finally shedding the yolk of tradition, wallpaper is making a comeback by becoming a more active element in a room’s styling. Rather than a backdrop, it becomes a partner for furniture by matching wallpaper pattern with fabrics. This brave combination generates a striking effect on the eye that is currently inspiring a wallpaper renaissance.

5. High-gloss cabinetry

Always preferred for its durability, high-gloss is now producing startling results in modern designs. Rich and vibrant, high-gloss is a finish that continues to surprise, using its relationship with light and reflections to offer a range of bold and unpredictable effects.

6. Pendant lights

Initially used to produce clean lines and hidden sources of light, pendants have evolved and are refusing to be concealed. With rising popularity, they’re being used more creatively and can now be seen creeping into design plans as decorative elements. No longer limited to select spaces, we’re seeing pendant lights as a general preference, even in powder rooms. With the right planning, it’s easy to use these lights more artistically by creating interesting sequences and patterns.

7. Moody colours

Expect deep and moody colours contrasted with two-tone walls. This is the trend of the year and although it may seem brave, this stark juxtaposition seldom fails when designed well. The same combination can also create a lighter, upbeat atmosphere but there’s no doubt that the use of deeper colours creates a sense of comfort. For added impact within the darker tones, a feature mirror can add spark.

8. Sustainability

The customer is always right and more clients are insisting on materials that satisfy their ecological standards. Although designers don’t usually embrace limitations, we certainly welcome sustainability. The preference for organic, recyclable and upcycling materials is now a mainstream trend. Aesthetics and textures are no longer enough. Rather than a hurdle for designers, embracing this trend can lead to the use of materials with greater character.

-Kerena Berry is an interior designer and co-founder of Designbx, Australia’s online interior design solution.

Tags 2016, 2017, design trends, designbx, edesign, interior design, interiors, kerena berry, mirrors, moody colours, online interior design, two tone kitchens, wall tiles, wallpaper

Furniture Homewares Kids Rooms The Block

Block twins Alisa and Lysandra’s new kids’ wallpaper range

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 27, 2015
No Comments on Block twins Alisa and Lysandra’s new kids’ wallpaper range

They were on The Block, twice. Then they started an interior design firm and an online shop. Then (gosh, I’m getting tired just listing it!) they designed a bedroom suite and an artwork range. And now, twins Alisa and Lysandra, in collaboration with Grafico, are launching a collection of children’s wallpaper.

Their new wallpaper collection evokes happiness and excitement through vivacious hues and patterns that are playful yet understated. Deviating from conventional children’s colour palettes, the collection introduces both soft and bold colours. It’s truly a case of: “Move over baby blue, and see you later baby pink!”

“Our new collection embraces fresh, contemporary hues and patterns that both children and parents will love,” explains Alisa. “We choose our design partners carefully based on the quality of their work and their ability to co- create with our vision. Grafico have been great to work with, helping us bring our design ideas to life.”

Set for release in January, the sisters and Grafico have pre-launched the range with a design that premiered on their renovation special Alisa and Lysandra to the Rescue last night. The design featured in the show is also making an appearance in Alisa’s new nursery. Her second child is due in January.

To shop Alisa and Lysandra’s first children’s wallpaper design head to their website.

Tags alisa and lysandra, children's wallpaper, design, furniture, Grafico, homewares, interiors, kids rooms, kids wallpaper, the block, wallpaper, walls

Art Interviews Styling

Wallpaper designed for Australians with a Scandinavian twist

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 29, 2015
2 Comments on Wallpaper designed for Australians with a Scandinavian twist

Born and raised in Sweden, Ann-Louise Jansson is a true devotee of Scandinavian design. Spending her years in Australia on the hunt for Scandinavian wallpapers and bespoke murals, she soon found there was a gap in the market. So, eight years ago, she started Scandinavian Wallpaper and Décor, as a means of introducing Australia to Nordic design.

Sourcing products for their unique style and exceptional quality, Ann-Louise specialises in high-end digital wallpapers and wallpaper murals that are printed on durable non-woven wallpaper using cutting edge digital technology. “Our digital printed wallpapers are so versatile to work with and suitable for so many kind of spaces. They are easy to hang and to remove and can easily be hung over.”

With a large array of products including my favourite — magnetic wallpaper (below) — all designs can be customised to the client’s needs. “Our expertise is wallpaper, how to best use it and how to tailor the designs to best suit a space. All our murals can be printed to custom sizes and most of them can be altered in colours to truly personalise an interior.”

A favourite among stylists and magazines alike, Scandinavian Wallpaper and Décor is always in the midst of an exciting collaboration. “We frequently collaborate with high end stylists and designers, like Steve Cordony, Glen Proebstel and Vanessa Colyer Tay, to inspire people with beautiful interiors. We also frequently have our backdrops featured in high-end magazines and were recently apart of Designweek in Melbourne.”

Soon to be releasing their own collection of wallpaper designs, “designed and tailored to the Australian market and always with a Scandinavian twist,” the future looks bright! “We have some interesting ventures lined up. We are looking at designing our own range, sourcing a collection made especially for ceilings and also introducing fabrics.”

Shop online.

Tags design, glen proebstel, interiors, magnetic wallpaper, murals, scandinavian, scandinavian design, Scandinavian Wallpaper and Décor, Steve Cordony and Vanessa Color Tay, wallpaper

Bedrooms House Tours Kids Rooms

Real rooms: Sebastian’s nursery reveal

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 23, 2015
13 Comments on Real rooms: Sebastian’s nursery reveal

Being that Sebastian moved out of our room and into his own room at the weekend, it seemed a good time to finally share the nursery with you!

I never took much interest in children’s rooms until I fell pregnant last year, yet when I started to plan Sebastian’s nursery (and before I even knew if we were having a boy or a girl), I was surprised how quickly I knew what I wanted and how that didn’t really change!

I’m exposed to the latest and greatest in children’s homewares and we have featured so many achingly cool and trendy baby rooms on Interiors Addict but I knew my baby’s nursery wasn’t going to be one of them. Not only am I not hip and trendy, but I knew I wanted something classic, timeless, simple and serene. And I suppose, being English, that influenced my idea of what a nursery should look like.

Navy, my favourite colour, was always going to feature, whether we had a boy or a girl, and I just love it paired with mint. If we had a girl I was simply going to add touches of coral or pink. This is how I justified my choice of the navy Emerson cot from Pottery Barn Kids. The design is solid, timeless and practical in that it can convert to a toddler bed later. I didn’t fancy timber and white just didn’t seem special enough when I knew I was keeping everything quite simple.

I always wanted a few key, quality pieces in this room and they are the cot, the rocker chair (otherwise known as the most comfortable rocking, swivelling, back-supporting chair in the world ever!) from Pottery Barn Kids and the beautiful Lucy change table from Incy Interiors. When it came to picking my colour for the table (they give you many options or you can even go completely custom) it just had to be this gorgeous green. It’s another piece which met my requirements of solid (painted timber) and timeless. The change table top is easily removed later for it to become a chest of drawers. Who knows, I may steal it for my own room later down the track…

To tie it all together I needed a rug for the timber floorboards. Again, I wanted it simple but not too boring and I think I found the perfect thing is this jute rug (hardwearing and neutral) with a navy (just enough navy!) border. Bingo! I have to say that if ever a shop embodied my idea of gorgeous nursery style, it has to be Pottery Barn Kids. Spot on!

I wanted a few pops of gold to add interest and I bought the Dandymoon wall flag after seeing it on Instagram. I chose the wording ‘then there were three’ and remember looking at it a lot while I was pregnant, trying to get my head around the fact there would actually be three of us soon! I absolutely love this room. It is the calmest most lovely sunny spot with its big window onto the front garden. Damian and I both spent a lot of time in that chair while we waited for the big day, contemplating the life-changing event ahead! And now our son is here and 4.5 months old and it’s like we were never without him! I bought the Fromage La Rue (love everything they do!) heart light for myself way before I was pregnant but could never find quite the right place for it. It’s the perfect night light!

I’ve so far neglected to mention the wallpaper which everyone comments on. Being a renter does limit what you can do to an extent but removable wallpaper was just the thing and I was keen to try it once and for all. This is the (large) trellis design from The Wallsticker Company in grey. It’s worth mentioning that it is more blue than grey in reality, but luckily we had a boy and it works well anyway! Most interior projects in our home fall to me (it’s my department) but being heavily pregnant, Damian had to take care of the application. While it took plenty of patience (and maybe some swearing), it wasn’t that hard to put up. That said, we had very varied results depending on the walls. Some look great, one is very bubbled and those bubbles aren’t going anywhere no matter how many times we pop them. Ah well…

We’re lucky that this room had built-in open shelving perfect for storing and displaying children’s toys and bits and pieces! I’m not going to pretend to be a stylist but it has been fun arranging it all. I deliberately haven’t made it too ‘done’. They’re toys after all, not ornaments! It’s a bit like a toy shop in there as you can see, and some of mine and Damian’s favourite childhood toys and books are in there too.

Anyone who knows me knows I love a bit of bunting and this custom string was a gift from small business Bunting By Design. The Winnie the Pooh painting was a gift from my talented mother-in-law who says she always knew her little boy was going to have his own little boy! I would love to add more art and shelving to the walls but being a renter and with removable wallpaper to boot, it isn’t really advisable!

The curtains are a ready to hang pair from Freedom. If I wasn’t renting I would have done something fancier with a blind and sheers over the top. And while I claim not to be a trendy monochrome nursery kind of girl, I couldn’t resist the Sac en Papier (and it’s great for storage) as seen in the most stylish kids’ rooms! I bought mine from Norsu Interiors. The fab gold painted tree trunk side table is from Two Girls and a Container and was stolen from the living room.

It’s so nice that Sebastian is finally in here (after outgrowing his bassinet in our room faster than we anticipated!) and perhaps now my husband will stop referring to it as “Sebby’s toilet” seeing as nappy-changing has been its main purpose up until now!

Decorating a nursery is so different and so much more fun than any other room in the house! You could very easily go overboard because there is so much great/cute product out there! I did try very hard to restrain myself myself and keep this a calm and uncluttered space though and I feel like I’ve achieved that. I hope you like it!

Disclosure: The cot, rug, chair, cot mobile, navy and white striped buckets and silver nappy caddy were gifted by Pottery Barn Kids in return for coverage on the blog. The following items were also gifts: change table from Incy Interiors, ‘We Made a Wish and You Came True’ print from My Sweet Prints, belly basket from Olli Ella, Sebastian wire sign on shelves from Planet Joy, wallpaper from The Wallsticker company, blanket from Gather Kids, hippo in cot from Nana Huchy, round cushion from I Love Linen, cushion on chair from Madras Link, cot sheet from Goosebumps Boutique Bedding.

If you’d like to know where I bought anything else, please ask in the comments!

Thank you to Melissa Webster from The Gather Collective for being a sounding board for my ideas and selections and to my husband for ‘hanging’ the wallpaper! I’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone (there are too many to mention) for their kind words, messages and gifts for Sebastian, which we genuinely appreciate.

Planning a nursery?

This Saturday 26 September, Pottery Barn Kids stores are holding nursery style events from 3 to 5pm. Join them for the ultimate event for new and expecting parents! Enjoy refreshments, complimentary nursery design advice and 10% off your purchases. RSVP to your local store today!

Tags change table, cot, incy interiors, interiors addict baby, interiors addict nursery, kids room, nursery, pottery barn kids, real rooms, room reveal, sebastian, wallpaper