The History of Wallpaper

Wallpaper and wall coverings can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations, notably China and Egypt. In ancient China, artisans used rice paper to craft luxury wallpaper adorned with intricate hand-painted designs depicting mesmerizing landscapes and captivating scenes from mythology. Meanwhile, in Egypt, decorative wall coverings were created using papyrus, a versatile material known for its strength and flexibility.

These early wall coverings served both functional and aesthetic purposes, adding beauty and personality to interior spaces while providing a protective layer for the walls. They showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of ancient civilizations, setting the foundation for the development of wallpaper and wall coverings as an essential element of interior design.

From these ancient beginnings, the art of wallpaper and wall coverings evolved over time, incorporating new materials, techniques, and design styles. The introduction of printing methods, such as block printing and surface printing, during the Renaissance period in Europe revolutionized wallpaper production, making it more accessible and affordable.

Throughout the centuries modern technology has revolutionized modern wallpaper and wall coverings, expanding the possibilities in design and customization. Digital printing can enable intricate and realistic designs, while CAD software allows for tailored patterns and bespoke wallpaper fitting, with virtual renderings offering to visualize designs before purchase. Diverse materials like linen, silk, foil, bamboo and jute can now be found in fabric wallpaper as well as textured options which offer durability, versatility and interest. Embellished and embroidered wallpaper give an optimal level of sophistication if you are looking for a luxury wallpaper. Overall, technology has transformed wallpaper into a dynamic medium for self-expression and interior transformation.

What are the benefits of wallpaper and wall coverings?

Adding luxury wallpaper to a room can bring numerous benefits, enhancing both the visual appeal and functionality of your interior space. Here are some key advantages of incorporating wallpaper:

Aesthetics: Modern wallpaper offers an extensive range of patterns, colors, and textures that can transform a room’s ambiance. It allows you to personalize and create a unique atmosphere, whether you prefer a bold statement with colourful wallpaper or a more subtle backdrop. From classic to contemporary designs, a luxury wallpaper provides endless options to suit various interior styles.

Visual Interest: Designer wallpaper adds depth and visual interest to a room, making it more visually captivating compared to plain painted walls. Patterns, textures, and even metallic or embossed finishes can create focal points or accentuate specific architectural features, elevating the overall design scheme.

Versatility: Contemporary wallpaper is versatile and can be used in any room, from bedrooms and living areas to kitchens and bathrooms. With advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques, there are modern wallpapers available that are specifically designed for high-moisture environments, ensuring durability and longevity.

Concealing Imperfections: Luxury wallpaper can effectively conceal minor wall imperfections such as small cracks, dents, or uneven surfaces, providing a smooth and flawless appearance. It serves as an excellent solution for refreshing the look of older walls without the need for extensive repairs.

Durability: High-quality designer wallpaper is durable and designed to withstand wear and tear, making them a long-lasting investment. They are resistant to fading, staining, and scrubbing, ensuring their beauty remains intact for years.

Acoustic Benefits: Contemporary wallpaper can have acoustic properties, helping to reduce noise and improve the acoustic environment within a room. This can be particularly beneficial in spaces where noise control is essential, such as home offices, media rooms, or commercial settings.

Easy Maintenance: Many wallpapers are easy to clean and maintain, allowing you to keep your walls looking fresh with simple dusting or gentle wiping. Certain types of modern wallpapers, such as washable or scrubbable varieties, are designed to withstand more rigorous cleaning, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to dirt or stains.

Adding luxury wallpaper to a room offers a myriad of benefits, from enhancing aesthetics and visual interest to providing practical solutions for concealing imperfections and improving durability. It is a versatile and impactful design element that can significantly elevate the overall look and feel of your space.

Our top 6 Wallpaper Designers for 2023:

Now that you know the many benefits of adding luxury wallpaper to your interior space, you might be wondering where to start with finding the right designer wallpaper for you. You may have come across Mathew Williamson’s meadow wallpaper or House of Hackney’s Artemis but with so many modern wallpaper brands available on the market, we delve into our top 6 favourite contemporary wallpaper designers for 2023 who offer something a little different.

 

Graham & Brown

Graham and Brown is a renowned wallpaper brand with a rich history since 1946. They offer a diverse range of high-quality options, spanning from classic wallpaper to contemporary wallpaper designs. Known for attention to detail and craftsmanship, Graham and Brown collaborates with designers and artists to stay on-trend. They also provide bespoke options for custom wallpaper. With exceptional customer service, Graham and Brown is a trusted choice for homeowners, designers, and architects seeking top-notch products to elevate an interior space.

Phillip Jeffries

One notable wallpaper designer that uses fabric in their designs is Phillip Jeffries. Phillip Jeffries offers a range of luxury wallpaper and wall coverings that incorporate various fabric elements. With a focus on natural and textured materials, such as linen, silk, grasscloth, and jute, Phillip Jeffries creates fabric wallpapers that add depth and visual interest to walls. These designer wallpapers come in a variety of styles, from subtle weaves to bold designs, and provide a tactile and luxurious feel to an interior space. The combination of fabric and wallpaper creates a dynamic visual effect, enhancing the overall aesthetic and adding an element of sophistication. Phillip Jeffries wallpaper offers unique textures, subtle color variations, and intricate detailing that cannot be replicated with traditional printed wallpapers. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative design sets them apart in the wallpaper industry.

Fromental

Fromental is a prestigious wallpaper brand known for hand-painted and embroidered wallpaper. Founded in 2005, Fromental combines traditional techniques with modern styles to offer contemporary wallpaper products and services. Their collections feature intricate motifs and use high-quality materials like silk and metallic threads. Fromental offers customization options for bespoke wallpaper and is favored by discerning homeowners and designers seeking to add a luxurious touch to their interior space.

Tecnografica

Tecnografica is an innovative contemporary wallpaper company known for its high-quality designs. They offer a wide range of custom wallpaper options for residential and commercial spaces. With cutting-edge digital printing technology, Tecnografica creates intricate and visually stunning patterns. Their diverse pre-designed collections cater to various styles yet they also provide personalized solutions, collaborating closely with clients to bring their vision to life. Tecnografica wallpaper prioritizes quality and sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes. With their commitment to innovation, customization, and environmental responsibility, Tecnografica has become a leading name in the wallpaper industry, trusted by designers and homeowners alike.

Glamora

Glamora, founded in 2010, is renowned for its innovative and artistic approach to modern wallpaper. They combine design, technology, and sustainability to create visually stunning collections. With a wide range of styles, from contemporary to intricate patterns, Glamora wallpapers are meticulously crafted using advanced digital printing techniques for precise detailing and vibrancy making them a go to for colourful wallpaper. Sustainability is a key focus, using eco-friendly materials and water-based inks while maintaining quality and aesthetics. Versatile for residential and commercial spaces, Glamora adds character and depth. Personalized solutions are also available, allowing for custom wallpapers.

Sonya Winner

As well as award winning vibrant contemporary rugs, Sonya Winner also offers a range of high-quality modern wallpaper designs. Sonya Winner wallpapers are characterized by a combination of bold and vibrant color combinations with geometric patterns to create a striking visual effect. Sonya’s love of experimenting with colour, transparency, and overlapping shapes incorporates a sense of movement and depth within a luxury wallpaper that creates an engaging and dynamic presence on your walls.

 

How to choose a luxury rug to match your wallpaper

Similarly to luxury wallpaper a vibrant and contemporary rug can have the power to transform a space. As well as adding visual interest, a designer rug can also have acoustic benefits on your room. Read more about this in our article Sound Absorption – How rugs can improve Acoustics.

Coordinating your luxury rug with your wallpaper can create a harmonious and visually appealing interior space. A well-matched rug and wallpaper combination can tie your room together, add depth, and enhance the overall aesthetic. Here are our top tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect coordination between your contemporary rug and modern wallpaper.

1.Consider the color palette: Start by examining the color palette of your wallpaper. Look for dominant and accent colors that you can incorporate into your luxury rug If your wallpaper has a busy pattern or vibrant hues, opt for a more solid-colored rug in a complementary shade. Conversely, if your wallpaper is more subdued, you can choose a patterned or textured rug to add visual interest. Remember, your designer rug should either blend in with your luxury wallpaper or provide a striking contrast to create a balanced look.

2. Balance pattern and texture: If your modern wallpaper boasts a bold pattern, it’s generally advisable to select a contemporary rug with a simpler pattern or solid color. This prevents overwhelming the space and allows each element to shine independently. On the other hand, if your wallpaper has a subtle pattern or texture, you can experiment with bolder rug Just ensure that the patterns complement each other and maintain a cohesive aesthetic. Consider the scale of the patterns as well, ensuring they are not competing for attention but rather working together harmoniously.

3. Size and placement: The size and placement of you luxury rug plays a crucial role in achieving a well-coordinated look. For smaller rooms, consider a rug that doesn’t cover the entire floor space, allowing the wallpaper to remain the focal point. In larger rooms, a larger rug can anchor the space and create a cohesive design. Pay attention to the scale of the patterns and motifs on both the rug and wallpaper, ensuring they complement each other in terms of size and proportion.

4. Seek inspiration and assistance: If you’re uncertain about which rug will best match your wallpaper, let us help! With our free visualisation service we can digitally drop designs from our contemporary rug collection into a photo of your space so you can see how the two elements will work together. See below the visuals we created for our lovely client Alex and the After Albers Cornflower rug she chose in its new home! Just contact us directly or use the easy to follow ‘Visualize’ button along the banner at the top of the page.

If you’re feeling inspired by our these colourful wallpaper designs and want to find a rug to match, explore our Vibrant Contemporary Rug Collection today and re-imagine your space to be eye-catching and bold.