paperbacked

In place of a headboard in the master bedroom, we are thinking of creating a large wallpapered panel to go behind the bed. The color palette is totally neutral (so far at least) so we want to make a statement with the pattern. Here's what I am thinking...

this paper from Madison & Grow creates a really cool pattern from afar and is a bit quirky up close. What do you think? I'd love some feedback.

weekend project

As a continuation of Thursday's post {wall fancy}, here are a few project ideas if you want to play around with wallpaper but aren't quite ready to commit (this also goes for the apartment dwellers, like myself)

1. Use it to organize
this cool magnet board is fun and functional. Instructions here. You could also make it a marker board by covering it with laminating paper.


or cover a clipboard to use in the office

2. Use it on furniture
find or buy a piece of furniture that could use a little attention. This project uses a blown up photograph of a print, but you could wallpaper the insets of paneled doors, or use it as a drawer liner too.


or in a bookshelf. Instructions here.

3. Frame It

create a collection of scrap or vintage papers, or use one large piece to make a bold and textural statement. Image courtesy of gaita interiors

4. Make a fake wall. Cover a large panel (or several panels) of plywood with your paper of choice. You can mount these directly to the wall and patch holes later, or just lean them against the wall.

Happy Weekend!

wall fancy

I know I've said this before, but wallpaper is a great way to make a space feel entirely different with very little cost and effort (it's really not that big of a pain...). My suggestion is typically to use it in small doses to make the most impact.


such as a small and often forgotten space

or an entry wall, like this one with, classic Florence Broadhurst

and a little funky wallpaper can turn some simple lamps into unique sconces

On that note, I'd like to highlight a couple of my current favorites:
Adelphi Paper Hangings
These hand-blocked prints are historically accurate, but many of the patterns could fit right into a modern day home. What can I say? History does repeat itself.

Graham & Brown
With a new eco-line, this company now has it all: a mix of graphic prints, casual florals and textural neutrals

Madison & Grow
The prints here are classy and elegant, but very liveable. And the color palettes are beautiful

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on some great ways to start using wallpaper!

in the library 9.28.09

This week's focus is all about small things that make a big difference. Color is one of those elements: it can make or break a space, and a little can go a long way. So this week I'm suggesting that you add a great book on color to your library.

find it at Barnes & Noble or your favorite local retailer

wonderful walls

Inspired by yesterday's post, In the Library, I decided to pull together some wall treatments to put a little skip in your step (at least that's what it does for me...)

The first one comes from Farrow & Ball because, after all, they were the inspiration for the post. This print is called Lotus from the special edition collection. Visit Farrow & Ball to order a free sample.


This print, Arches from Phillip Jeffries, is printed on hemp paper which adds a textural element and makes a bold statement in blue.

This image, from the September issue of House Beautiful, features fabric covered panels from Lee Jofa used to create a textured crewel wall treatment (and the pitchers are vintage Wedgewood...love love love these!).

image courtesy of Signature Prints

I have long been a fan of Florence Broadhurst's - partly for her bold graphic designs and partly for her mysterious murder (I'm very intrigued by that sort of thing). This print, called Shadow Floral, is one of my favorites. Shown here in dusty turquoise.

Wall coverings are a great way to liven up a boring wall or bring focus to areas that sometimes gets overlooked (like an entryway, the interiors of open cabinets, even ceilings). The next time you're in the mood to shake things up, sit down with a book of wallpaper and see if you can't just find something that inspires you.