Wallpaper of the Week - Calm, relaxed and a little bit of prettiness

http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Garden/Home+Decorating/Wallpapers/SubCategory.aspx

Its very delicate so I have had to temporarily change the background to the blog to ensure that you can see this week's paper.

I was flicking through one of the multitude of interiors magazines that appear on every surface of our house (usually accompanied by a Cbeebies version) and I came across a lovely pretty 'Rosa' wallpaper from John Lewis. I knew that they had increased their range of wallpapers but wasn't aware that they were also now selling their own range.

I've had a quick look and I am really impressed. Its subtle in design and the range of colourways are gentle and although there are some stronger colours the majority is light and fresh rather than strong and heavy.

The design above is Butterfly Blossom, £20 a roll and one of their more expensive patterns. I would recommend taking a look at the range if you are after a modern take on a traditional idea, something that is unobtrusive, light and pretty.

Wallpaper of the Week - Love a bit of Disney (with taste)

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/collections/kids-home/disney-kids-home/573

It could be said (as we pack our bags to set sail (volcanic ash permitting) on Disney Magic around the Med) that the Barnes' are a bit partial to Disney. I was a sceptic but they just know how to 'do things' and they generally tend to do things with bells on. I came across the new launch of wallpapers and my initial thought was 'Urghh how cheesey is this going to be', followed by 'I must remember not to let Small1 see this or he'll be desperate for it'. I was very pleasantly surprised.

Yes, they have character and colour overload, but alongside the bright imagery above (most of which are one off stickers rather than very busy pattern repeats) they have a great range of co-ordinating paints and more interestingly wallpapers. I have been searching for a blue based stripe for weeks and faster than you can type Miska Mouska Mickey Mouse ...there is it - with no indication what so ever that its linked to the Mouse Man himself. Alongside the traditional character wallpaper each 'brand' has its own plain, stripe, maxi sticker and then a variation on the original wallpaper that is a bit more subtle and stylised. Yes, its aimed at the children but there has been some consideration for the parents that also have to live with it.

My advice would be don't be put off by the fact that its Disney, give it a chance and it may be that there is something that would fit every one's plans. (Just for the record, I wouldn't recommend it for the living room)

Wallpaper of the Week - Black and White

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/collections/brewers/black-white-vol-ii/589

A whole range this week, from Brewers its their Black and White Vol II range. They have their usual marketing blurb to describe the mix of patterns and styles that have been put together, I personally think its a bit of a random mix of black and white papers, but I like it all the same.

The official line is "Oscar Wilde quotes in flock finish, cityscapes, bold florals and stylised contemporary road maps. A little different, very special" Its quirky and unfortunately the detail can't be seen from a tiny internet image. Things like the road map is actually printed on high gloss black paper with the matt grey blocks layered on top, finished with pale grey road names ...yet again I need to invent a touchy feely blog page to get across why they are rightly using the word special to describe them - its in the finish daarrrhling !

Due to the complete cross section of designs that they have selected there is pretty much something for everyone from a masculine tartan (which I actually think is my favourite because of all of the silvery bits) to the girly spotty print.

Unfortunately the paper also has a 'special' price to match with prices ranging from £41.50 a roll up to ...wait for it ....£117.50 !...ouch

Wallpaper of the Week - Diva by Barbara Hulanicki

http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/18103/Diva/15?show=

We've got a day with sunshine ! A first for 2010, so I set about trying to find you a nice light spring wallpaper. This cream and silver (vague I know, remember to follow the rules and ALWAYS get a sample and a big one at that - you need to see at least one pattern repeat..I digress..) geometric paper is from Barbara Hulanicki, founder of Biba the fashion retailer back in the 60's and 70's. She's designed a couple of ranges now for Graham and Brown and I think this one has to be my favourite.

The colour was the first thing to catch my attention, so fresh and light just what is needed to finally drag us out of what has seemed to have been the winter that went on forever ! Then the pattern, on reflection I would say its actually quite complex but you only really discover that given time and a bit of daydreaming in its general direction. First impact, for me anyway, was that its clean and got enough going on but doesn't take over everything. I think you could happily put another patterned item alongside it without it dominating.

Another 'safe' wallpaper that would be suitable for using in pretty much any room and a £30 a roll its not too pricey for a designer paper.

....As a slight aside this week if anyone has a particular room that they would like me to try and help out with a wallpaper for please just get in touch and any comments are always gratefully received ....