Paint effects, such as sponging and ragging, are becoming commonplace so people want a different look to show off their personalities and match decor. Wallpaper injects life and texture into walls, transforming a blank canvas into a sea of colour.

 

Australian interior designer Greg Natale praises the virtues of the resurgence of wallpaper as an easy way to change the dynamics of a home while adding personality and style.

 

“Wallpaper your home,” says Greg. “It is quick, inexpensive and will make a major impact. There is plenty of wallpaper that can suit your mood or desired feel.”

 

“Be relaxed by using seagrass, glam the look by using black or create a warm look by using a print. Look at your current furniture and tie in the feel and colours with what you have. For example if you had green Persian rug you pick up the green in the wallpaper for an instant designer look!”

 

Natural earthy colours are popular especially green. Oranges and reds are a popular choice for those wanting to make a bold statement. And for those who love the 80s - electric blue is making a comeback. Black is always a stylish addition. Or if you want something different – go for one of the many patterns available.

 

Patterned wallpaper is popular and if people can't find the exact pattern and colour to suit their décor, they could opt to paint wallpaper. ‘Paintable’ wallpaper, which is generally white patterned paper, satisfies the desire for a particular pattern while teaming it with a favourite colour. You can wallpaper an entire room or put it onto a canvas and make it a picture to go on the wall – it’s the new canvas for your home. And, if you don’t like the results, it comes off easily, without the ripping and tearing that was synonymous with wallpaper in the past.

 

 

Some manufacturers are producing eco-friendly wallpaper that is made using sustainable wood products. If you can’t find eco-friendly wallpaper, you could consider using the plain textured wallpaper and painting it with low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint – which is friendly to the environment because of its low emissions.

 

There are a few tricky areas such as windows, doors and power points – not to mention matching the pattern on each drop – but we give you some tips to help you create a work of art for your walls.

 

 

 

Prepare the surface with a special wallpaper preparation solution

Don’t use a wallpaper preparation if applying wallpaper paste directly onto the wall

Wallpaper manufacturers will write preparation directions on the back of the paper.

 

Make sure wall is sealed

Even out/fill in extremely rough or uneven areas

Put a plain pre-pasted lining paper on before wallpaper.

 

Requires paste

Instead of pasting the back of the paper – apply paste onto the wall

After applying paper to wall allow to dry overnight

Only use acrylic paint as some enamel could dissolve pattern.

 

Already pasted (on back of paper)

Dip paper into water in a wallpaper trough (which you can buy at wallpaper store)

After wetting paper, allow it to rest for 15 minutes – just like a steak – as it softens the paper, making it easier to hang

Apply paper to wall

Butt wallpaper seams – don’t overlap

Smooth with wallpaper smoother

Don’t overwork paper or it could stretch which will separate seams and the original wall could show through.

 

Most patterned wallpapers are not pre-pasted

Make sure drop is well coated with paste

Apply to wall

Allow paper to rest with paste on it for up to 15 minutes – like a steak – it softens the paper, making it easier to hang.  

 

The effect certain colours can have on your mood

Suitable colours to paint different room types

The relationship between colours and character types

 

Colours can affect moods and emotions. We look at what colours are suitable for different room types. Colour can be created through both paint and furnishings.

 

The science of colour is nothing new. About 2000 years ago ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilisations used colour in healing, and looked to nature for cues on how to use it in their daily lives. Preference for certain colours is very personal, and there is a lot of psychological research into why certain colours appeal to certain character types. Studies show colours have different effects on our moods and emotions. Consider the nature and function of a room before you choose interior colours.

 

Black has countless emotional and cultural associations. Symbolically, it is the colour of mourning, black also implies mystery, power and sophistication. This colour can be depressing and cause fatigue. But on the flipside, it indicates inner strength. It can enhance interior colours if used in contrast with bold tones.

Room: use sparingly as accents

 

White figures prominently in interiors, on its own or as a base for other feature colours. And like other cool colours, it will make a space appear larger. Symbolically, the colour white stands for purity and innocence. Whether by demand or design, it inspires cleanliness and feelings of optimism and hope.

Room: any room

 

Red taps into our deepest emotions: courage, love, anger, passion and danger. This vibrant colour works well in dining rooms as a strong formal colour that can also stimulate appetite and aid digestion.

 

On the flipside, red will ramp up your blood pressure and heart rate, so beware if using it in the bedroom. Although it could stimulate passion, it may also induce restlessness and insomnia.

Room: formal dining room

 

This pretty candy-coloured hue awakens emotions. Often used for girls' bedrooms because of its association with femininity and baby girls.

Room: girl's bedroom

 

Yellow is the happiest colour in the spectrum. So happy in fact that solo around-the-world sailors have their living quarters below deck painted yellow to combat unhappiness. Yellow is fresh, warm and cheery. It sharpens the memory, encourages conversation and inspires ideas and communication. It can aid digestion and stimulate appetite and circulation.

 

Paired with its primary partners blue and red, it suggests childlike energy. With its complementary colour purple, opposite on the colour wheel, yellow suggests regal formality. It works well in studies or offices of casual family rooms that don't have a lot of natural light.

Room: living areas

 

This colour gives rooms a casual, natural feel. And like other earthy tones, it is warming. It works well as a feature wall, but will make a room look drab and dull if overdone.

Room: feature wall in living area

 

Part warm red, part cool blue, this rich colour exudes sophistication. Purple represents royalty, mystery and majesty. It promotes deep thinking, daydreaming, creativity and spirituality.

 

It is believed to lower blood pressure and soothe the digestive and other organs.

Like orange, shades of purple work well on feature walls. Go for lighter hues, such as mauve or lilac, in larger spaces.

Room: bedroom

 

Green is a clean, cool colour that works well with neutral and bright tones. Green represents nature, fertility and envy. It promotes creativity and peace. It is also believed to calm nerves and reduce stress.

 

As a cool colour, it's ideal for rooms that attract afternoon sun and heat. For its inspiration, it works well in kitchens. And for its soothing properties, bathrooms or bedrooms.

Room: bathroom or living room

 

Orange is the ideal colour for winter because it is warm and inviting. Orange suggests vigour and activity and, like yellow, it is a highly sociable colour that promotes a fun-loving atmosphere. Team with other citrus colours for contrast, or earthy rusty orange tones to set the mood and warm a room.

Room: living areas

 

Got the blues? Well you can't blame blue. Various shades figure prominently in interior colour schemes, because it is refreshing and tranquil. This cool classic also teams well with everything, from white to yellow to orange. You can even match blue with green.

 

Blue represents authority, loyalty and sincerity. It can prompt emotions of serenity, peace and sadness. It is thought to lower blood pressure and respiratory rate and is relaxing.

Room: bedroom

 

Which colour resonates strongly with you? A survey of your wardrobe might also reveal the prevalence of a particular colour in your life.

Red = aggressive, sensuous, extreme, athletic

Orange = gregarious, active, social, extroverted

Yellow = introspective, innovative, egotistical

Green = traditional, conventional, grounded

Brown = reliable, stable, shrewd, sturdy

Blue = responsible, pragmatic, manipulative, conservative

Violet = spiritual, philosophical, creative

Pink = gentle, friendly, protective

White = idealist, optimist, individual

Black = powerful, aloof, intimidating, worldly, mysterious