Wall of fame

While talking about the making of the recent super hit crime-thriller Andhadhun, director Sriram Raghavan explained how they wanted the home of a former actor to serve as evidence to his glamorous past. Along with photographs and movie posters adorning the wall, they planned to bring in vivid wallpapers, which, interestingly, blended well with the mood of the film. Instead of bringing in ostentatious décor and style, the floral wallpapers brought life to the home of a star.

Wallpapers have that power to magically transport one to the mood of the space. Considered vintage for long for its retro look, chic shades, and Boho style, wallpapers are back. Coming in matt, canvas and glitter-textured finishes, wallpapers come in various patterns and rich colours. The floral trails, contemporary geometrics and stylised damasks create shaded and subtle effects, adding boldness and style to the space – be it home, office or a coffee shop.

“Earlier, wallpapers were a luxury, something affordable only by the rich. But now, it comes in unimaginable styles and textures with its price ranging from '1500 to '40,000. The finish is much better than wall paint. Wall papers change the overall appearance of a home, adding to it a touch of elegance,” opines Sajumon V.G., a Kochi-based interior designer, who has been witnessing a surge in demand from his clients for wallpapers.

Wallpaper choices depend on the theme and personal preferences of the clients, he observes. “Most of them go for contrast shades. An accent wall with bright shade is complemented by contrast colours on adjacent walls. Playful patterns for the rooms of teens and kids are also in demand. Another preference is for natural textures of cracked earth, stone, bamboo, wood, etc.,” he says.

Abstract patterns, silhouttes, soft metallic sheen, tone-one-tone colour, classic prints, uniform geometrics like honeycomb, stripes and zig-zags, bold prints and colourful speckles are favoured by the most. There are takers for patterned wallpapers with opulent velvet and shimmering fabrics as well.

Sajumon adds, “The catchy part is that it’s easy to clean and redecorate. High-quality wallpapers come in waterproof material and can be wiped and cleaned. Another use of wallpapers is to hide imperfections. One needs to be careful of keeping the wall moisture-free. Therefore, wallpapers are preferred in bedrooms, office spaces and halls. If maintained well, wallpapers can last up to as many as 15 years!”

Wallpaper is an ideal choice for people who love to redecorate their space and feel anew. There are temporary peel-and-stick wallpapers and reusable ones available in the market. In a swish, you can spruce up your room into an artist’s den or a vintage space or a star-gazer’s paradise!