Pattern power: New Zealand and Australia’s wallpaper renaissance

24 Jan 2022

 From large-scale floral patterns to mid-century geometric designs to family photos transformed into custom murals, wallpapers are on the up and up in interiors. New Zealanders and Australians are increasingly using wallpaper in home, work and retail spaces, enjoying the mood they create as well as the effect that colour, pattern and texture has on their home says Resene Colour Expert Carolyn Atkinson.

“It’s definitely an upward trend, especially during these Covid-affected times,” says Carolyn.

“Wallpaper adds interest, fun or glamour, it adds a specialness to interiors and it makes spaces seem more interesting, intimate and unique. One wall or one room wallpapered makes the whole house memorable.”

Resene Wallpaper Collection 409345 is a Japanese inspired design featuring a red-crowned crane, a symbol of happiness long life. Pair with trims in a cool crisp white such as Resene Alabaster.

Unlike the wallpapers of yesteryear, today’s designs are rich, colourful and interesting, the latest trends being botanic prints such as Resene Wallpaper Collection E384601, florals, metallic finishes, graphic prints, oversized designs and murals, the classics, fun looks and even personalised art prints.

Pink and green oversized banana print design Resene Wallpaper Collection E384601 adds a fun burst of colour to powder rooms and hallways.

Exotic wallpapers and murals that feature very definite colours and patterns are popular, says Carolyn. The Resene Kaleidoscope Wallpaper Collection, for example, contains a mix of styles and themes with sophisticated fashion-led designs featuring tropical, botanical and conversational elements.

The peacock design in Resene Wallpaper Collection 90670 from the Resene Kaleidoscope Wallpaper Collection adds a touch of whimsy to this sitting room. Pair will deep charcoal greys such as Resene Scarpa Flow or Resene Silver Chalice and flooring in Resene Colorwood Natural for a touch of glam.

“That range is quite quirky and unique - there are chameleons, monkeys and purple peacocks!”

In fact Carolyn says fun and whimsical is still very much on the wallpaper radar.

“It is often all about joy and laughter, it lifts the mood.”

Use a wallpaper in place of a neutral to create texture and interest. Pair the leafy beige of Resene Wallpaper Collection 832174 with Resene Felix and Resene Colorwood Whitewash

Meanwhile, brave and bold best describes the wallpaper being used in hallways, says Carolyn.

“Hallways were often neglected previously as it was considered not as important as specific rooms, but now they receive a lot more attention.”

Specifiers and decorators are also opting for wallpaper in bathrooms and smaller spaces to achieve maximum impact.

The bold blue in Resene Wallpaper Collection HAN100396822 is ideal for master bedrooms or rooms where a cocooning feeling is desired.

In master bedrooms wallpaper is a good option for a headboard wall. Resene HAN100396822, a Japanese-styled ocean blue with delicate golden edged flying fish inspired by the Great Wave off Kanagawa by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, pairs well with Scandi furniture for a touch of the Japandi trend.

Wallpaper is also being used in unexpected ways, as art, on shelving and to upcycle furniture.

“I’ve seen wallpaper as art box framed or with very ornate gilded frames, and I’ve seen wallpapering on the sides of drawers so the fronts and carcasses were no longer the more important part of the furniture and where opening the drawers made a statement.”

Whatever the purpose, Carolyn says getting it right comes down to each individual using wallpaper in their own unique way.

“We want to be different; we want to feel our home is unique and special.”

View the latest Resene Wallpaper releases at your local Resene ColorShop or online www.resene.com/wallpaper.

Published: 24 Jan 2022