Modern Wall Coverings Feature Custom Papers and 3D Tiles
Sometimes a piece of art or a painted wall is not enough, but wall coverings and textiles can make a statement in any room, filling a space with color or texture. Wall murals, graphic pieces and three dimensional tiles transform a space, adding interest.
Photo murals have become very popular lately and Fliepaper offers some very unique designs. This line of photo-based designs is by celebrity photographer Don Flood, featuring large scale images of textures, colors and motifs. One of his collections features images from Palm Springs, California, his hometown.
Colorful geologic patterning makes for a dramatic wall.
Flowers in greyscale are just as gorgeous as full color. A far fry from mass-produced wallpapers are the works of art from Deborah Bowness. The English artist hand prints all her works in a small factory in Yorkshire. The colors are mixed by hand and the papers are also cut by hand. Bowness's is trompe I'oeil with twist - a true work of art for the wall. Her website notes that she “intends her designs to interact with the spaces in which they are placed. The illusionary effect can be enhanced by adding real objects on top of or next to the paper.�
These are a bold, graphic choice.
Even with muted colors, papers by Deborah Bowness are striking. Perhaps you want an artful wall covering with a specific theme or design. Designer Emily Dupen of Dupenny is an illustrator who can create a bespoke design for your wall covering, installation or fabric. In her studio by the sea in Brighton, England, Dupen “spends her days doodling lovely pictures for clients and projects all over the world.� Dupenny encompasses playful and sophisticated boutique wall coverings, fabrics and gifts.
Just black and white, or with pops of color, the designs are engaging.
Fashion, whimsy and graphics are all possibilities. If you can't commit to graphic design on an entire wall, textiles are a great option for drapes and accessories. Established in 2013, Flock works with an eclectic mix of artists and designers to create a bold textiles for interiors. British creative director Jenny Winfield, lets the effort, producing designs for upholstery and soft furnishings that are printed digitally in Lancashire, England.
Flock focuses on geometric patterns. Mixing bold wall coverings and textiles is another option. London-based Witch and Watchman, founded in 2014 by Helen Wilson, creates designs that are a modern take on Chinoiserie. The elaborate prints have a dark, and mysterious vibe. Her collection of textiles, wall coverings cushions and fabrics is great fodder for your imagination when designing a room.
Flora and fauna are common in Witch & Watchman's designs.
Even the lighter patterns are dramatic. Of course, a wall covering does not need to be boldly colored or of large-scale design to transform a space. Grow House Grow creates “narrative-inspired pattern work” that consist of smaller patterns. The company hand silk screens its papers in Brooklyn, New York. Designer Katie Deedy starts each design with a story that drives the finished work. An example is the green paper below, which is the “eye of knowledge” pattern that is drawn from the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria and is an “ode to Alexandria's library, and all beloved libraries throughout the ages, in reverence for their pursuit of truth.”
In ancient Alexandria, all papyri that passed through the port had to be copied and added to the library.
Small, delicate designs still make a big impact. Beautiful geometric patterns are just some of the designs offered by Hygge and West, a female duo that works with talented team of artists id designing and producing hand-screened wallpapers. The company is founded on the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) that loosely translates to cozy. The founders say that life's small but wonderful moments can be described as higgle, from curling up by the fireplace with a great book, dinners with close friends, or hugs with your children. “We hope that our products help bring more hygge into our customers' homes – creating a cozy, beautiful environment where small, everyday moments can be enjoyed,” they explain. The company also carries fabrics and 24″ x 24″ removable wallpaper tiles, which are perfect this who are renting a home or apartment.
Have a fear of commitment to a large or expensive project in your home? Tyles may be just the ticket. Made from cut vinyl, these squares peel and stick onto the wall, and are just as easy to remove. Creator Nicole Block says that they are not a replacement for real tile and are not a faux finish. Their ease of removal makes them perfect for offices or apartments, where permanent change isn't possible or desirable. Even better, you can easily switch out the design in a room to change it up.
Tyles come in modern, exotic or traditional style patterns.
Just like a decal, Tyles peel off and adhere to the wall. Speaking of tiles, real tile options have come a long way from just the flat, shiny squares that most people think of. Now, in addition to various textures and colors, three-dimensional designs are now coming to the fore. This is a selection from High Style Stone and Tile, that incorporates a variety of 3D designs. High Style imports porcelain, ceramic tile, glass, metal, mosaic and natural stone from Italy and across the globe.
Hexagons are even more dramatic when they are raised and partially textured.
An unusual graphic relief casts unique shadows.
Small honeycomb-style rimmed tiles add incredible dimension to any wall.
These large wall slabs come in various colors and surface veining, inspired by precious stones, onyx, crystals and minerals.
You can't go more 3D than round stone ball tiles.
Highstyly's Pietra tile is geometric and comes in many colors.
Highly textured marble is a very unique finish. Tiles have been the specialty of Walker Zanger for more than 60 years. The company sources stone and marble from round the world that they turn into their stunning tile designs. Their newer collections feature concrete designs, 3D tiles and retro graphics, all of which are eye-catching and design-forward, as well as appropriate for many spaces in your home - not just the bathroom and kitchen. Concrete styles allow for all sorts of 3D designs like this “Seed� tile, which from a collaboration between Kaza, a European tile studio and Walker Zanger. It is good for indoor as well as outdoor applications.
Smooth or angular, concrete makes for dramatic tile textures.
“Lantern� is another example of a concrete tile design.
Edgy tile from the Kaza Collection. Walker Zanger's Knit collection includes the Quilt, Twill and Corduroy designs, which mimic each fabric's look. Placed like shingles, the flat tiles take on a 3D appearance.
Honeycomb-shaped Montclair Relief tiles get the 3D treatment as well. In a combination of mosaic and retro graphic, this design is slightly texture and very modern.
The brown design is far from boring. “Sketchbook� is another tile line that is fun and has a retro appeal. It features organic and geometric designs in black, blue grey and yellow. The delicate black lines are hand painted, making each piece truly unique.