Wallpaper of the Week : Multi Stem, Orla Kiely for Harlequin

Two weeks on the run for a Wallpaper of the Week post ! So on this dull summer morning here is a bit of bright vibrantness that added to a dose of Berroca might hopefully kick start your day !

This week's wallpaper is from one of my favourite designers, Orla Kiely, who last year joined forces with Harlequin to launch a fantastic range of wallpapers and fabrics in some of her classic patterns.

The range showcases her simplified style and approach to design with linear patterns and geometric shapes alongside retro flowers that really pack a punch ! Designs ranging from Multi Stem (shown above), Giant Rhododendron, Scribble and Flower Tile all complement each other fantastically to either work as standalone features or alongside each other within the same scheme.

The colourways are reminiscent of my childhood back in the 80s, when the chintz was on its way in but the remains of the orange and browns from the 70s were still looming large (blimey I'm getting on aren't I ?) The tones of colour are soft and muted with names such as Mole, Seagreen, Tea Rose and Poppy, they will really give life to any neutral area.

Wallpaper of the Week : Arkona Iola by Harlequin

I have had several not so subtle hints dropped about how I should be doing Wallpaper of the Weeks again ...so after over a year away from the blog and inspired by a Dining Room project that I have recently been involved in, here is my latest Wallpaper of the Week ....

From my long term favourites Harlequin, its Iola wallpaper from their Arkona range. Its described as ‘An archive inspired vintage design reminiscent of the Art Deco movement’, I would personally use the word ‘lush’.

There is a gorgeous delicate texture to the paper giving it a rich parchment feel, that is then overlaid with a stunning shimmer from the main background colour. Layer on top of this the delicate blossoms or grapes, whichever is your personal take on it and you get a striking wall of design. The dining room in question has beautiful dark wood furniture that complements the design perfectly.

The paper is available in eight colour ways that range from the flamboyant 'Cranberry, Charcoal and Pale Gold’ to the more subtle ‘Cappuccino, Pale Gold and Neutral’. The paper shown above is ‘Grape, Charcoal, Lime and Neutral’ although I would suggest that ‘Gold’ would be a clearer description.

As always, any comments, feedback or questions are more than welcome
Sarah

Wallpaper of the Week - Dragonfly by Scion

A statement wallpaper with a delicate feel to it for this weeks Wallpaper of the Week, its called Dragonfly and comes from the first wallpaper collection from Scion, Melinki.

The simple shape and large scale highlights the delicate single brushstroke of the Dragonfly’s body, adding a stunning feature and colour to the room.

Its available in seven different colour-ways, various combinations of earthy tones with blues and greens and as I am now proud to be a stockist of Scion, if you would like a sample or to see more from the range please get in touch and I will arrange it for you as soon as possible.

Wallpaper of the Week - Lacarno by Harlequin

An example this week of what a bit of marketing photography and room styling can do to influence your decision on selecting a wallpaper.

I recently had a meeting with my Harlequin rep and was flicking through the very lovely, very Harlequinny Folia Collection, when I came across the sheet showing the above wallpaper 'Uh, I'm not sure on that' was my initial response. I then turned the page and saw this image of it 'in real life' and my opinion was very quickly changed.

I think the way that the white background in the paper lightens the room, which could have felt quite dark with the stone flooring is fantastic. The liberal use of white paint obviously helps this matter, but if the paint had been slapped on everywhere then this lovely character and feel wouldn't come across.

The clever blend of colours within the wallpaper still gives scope for numerous complementary colours and doesn't limit you - something to be avoided in a busy area such as a hallway as there are always items left there that aren't part of the 'plan'.

If anyone would like a sample then please feel free to get in touch

Wallpaper of the Week - Persephone by Clarissa Hulse for Harlequin

Another week and another wallpaper... from the same Kallianthi Collection as last week but a gorgeous duck egg and silver paper called Persephone. The subtle but effective vertical stripes in the background colour are enhanced by a two tone silvery overlay of leaf patterns combining to give a stunning overall impact.

Its available in six different colour ways ranging from a quite heavy dark grey with mustardy lime leaves through a striking sage with shocking pink leaves to a gentle beige with silver and matt white. The extent of the variations adapt the paper from an 'in-your-face-wallpaper-wall' to a beautifully calm scene as the image shows above.

Wallpaper of the Week - Nettles by Clarissa Hulse for Harlequin

UPDATE - My new Harlequin Disk has arrived (thank you) new image but in different colour-way)

Happy New Year !! ...yeah I know its February already and another year is flying by, so I thought it was about time that I pulled my finger out and shared with you some of my current favourites and you can ponder along with me as to where I can squeeze in this gorgeous paper ??

Now the image isn't showing it off to its best - I have applied to Harlequin for the room shot as believe me it really is stunning. The background has a subtle glimmer to it with a delicate matt texture added in the coloured print.....I *need* it !!

That said the whole collection is bloomin' gorgeous ! Its called Kallianthi and there are wallpapers and co-ordinating fabrics ranging from printed cottons to silks. The colours are so striking its just what you need to cheer everyone up on a freezing February day. I'll try and remember to add a few more over the next few weeks.

In the meantime if anyone would like a sample to see it for themselves please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Wallpaper of the Week - Mimi by Harlequin

http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=69&P=7&C=

Hmm how lush is this ? The delicate white flowers against the soft grey background, just so pretty yet classic all the same.

Its another one from the Boutique collection by Harlequin, yes I'm still loving it ! The imagery here with the white sofa and silver and glass accessories works so well, I'm desperate to give it a try in real life !

The subtle pattern makes this design easy to use in any situation, it would be ideal in a reception room or a bedroom.

One thing to consider is that in some positions it could make the room appear to be a little cold. I would suggest that it would work best along with natural daylight that is coming from a South or Westerly direction (with naturally red or orangey light).

Image courtesy of Harlequin Harris 2010

Wallpaper of the Week - Iola Rose by Harlequin

http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=69&P=9&C=

My Harlequin love continues this week, with what is my favourite new collection of the season 'Boutique' - I can't wait for my sample book to arrive (Sad admission of morning !)

There are nine designs within the collection, ranging from florals, both bright and stunningly subtle, to abstract motifs and stripes. The colours are exquisite, so clean and crisp and incorporating a shimmer effect in places to provide an additional lift.

The paper shown today is called Iola Rose and is also available in a light pink rose with a pale green background. I have chosen this particular paper as the warmth from the colour brightened up my desk on this cold autumnal morning. Its so rich and vibrant that it would add a dash of luxury to any room.

Wallpaper of the Week - Gardenia by Harlequin

http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=67&P=1&C=

I have to admit that the reduced number of Wallpaper of the Week posts hasn't been purely down to the fact that the work load is going off the Richter Scale (yaay !) but down to the fact that I was getting a little low on ideas of wallpapers to share....then there was Focus and Decorex ....

Oh how things can change in the course of a week.

For those of you who don't know last week was officially London Trade Fair week when even us Northerners are allowed to taste the Chelsea air and view all of the new launches ready for 2011. I've got so many new got-to-have papers I didn't really know where to start ...

This gorgeous delicate wallpaper is from one of Harlequin's new collections entitled Juniper. The paper shown is Gardenia, depicting soft lilac and pale green alliums. The lilac and green was a popular colour combination seen around the shows. The Juniper Collection includes some gorgeous co-ordinating fabrics some of which can be seen on the bed cushions in the image.

I am going to be suggesting the wallpaper to clients for both bedroom schemes and living room schemes. The muted colours allow it to blend easily into existing schemes adding a freshness, brightening up a room against this dull wet weather !

Wallpaper of the Week - Wow ! This years best selling wallpaper *

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/brewers/wow-from-albany/73710

What would you think would be Britain's most popular wallpaper design ? I would have said something subtle, something classic and something quite neutral in colour....How wrong was I ?? The bold, vivid, geometric design above is the best selling wallpaper for Wallpaper Direct in 2010. What a courageous old bunch we are !!

The paper is from the Albany WOW ! range and reasonably priced at £19.99 / roll. A perfect statement pattern, I would expect more often than not is being used on a feature wall rather than an entire room. I would add a light, silvery dove grey to the other walls to add a neutral base and really set off the wallpaper.

Geometric designs are great for using in any reception room or hall-way. The bright vibrant colours will add a lovely warm feel to any surroundings (although I'd keep away from bedrooms and go for a calmer colourway).

Thanks Aaron at Wallpaper Direct for his help - follow them on twitter at @lovedecorating

* Source : Wallpaper Direct 2010 YTD

Wallpaper of the Week - Songbird by Anna French

http://www.annafrench.co.uk/collections/wild-flora/songbirds/index.shtml

As part of 'Big Plan' (more details to follow) I have been researching a few new trade accounts to set up. To my delight I stumbled across a beautiful range of wallpapers that has such amazing finishes from flocked to a tarnished foil that actually gives a mirrored look !! (Wallpaper does have an odd effect on me, its quite bizarre, when I discover a new range I'm like a kid in a toy shop - I found them on Tuesday morning and have been trying to grab a second ever since to look into them further !)

The range is from Anna French (a division of Thibaut) and is called 'Wild Flora'. If you're not a floral fan don't be put off by the name - its not all flowers ! Anyway, I'm going to stretch this one out and stick to delivering what the title states - 'A' Wallpaper of the Week.

The first one that I have chosen (that's a lie Small1 chose it as I was torn between two) is called Songbirds. I have to admit that it was the finish rather than the design that initially caught my eye. The image above shows it in 'Gold on Tarnished Foil' however, there are seven versions available ranging from 'Grey Pencil on White' to 'Gold on Purple'. Just flicking through the different colours shows how a completely different effect can be achieved by changing the base colours and textures, if you didn't know that they had the same pattern, you probably wouldn't link them together.

This range of finishes also has a range of price tags - ranging from around £60 up to £80 a roll - its not cheap but its very beautiful and doesn't deserve to be hidden away - if you are going to spend on what could be a considered a work of art it needs to be hung where it can be admired. I'd love to see it in an entrance hall sitting behind a classic console table.

Be warned, this range has really got to me, and its so diverse due to the range of patterns and effects that you're going to be seeing a lot more of it over coming weeks !

Wallpaper of the Week - Scribble by Flame Interiors

Isn't this fab ? You've seen it somewhere before haven't you ? You just can't quite put your finger on where it was right ?... Wrong !

This is a very special one off design created by Fiona Flame of Flame Interiors to meet the brief of a client who knew exactly what he was after.

Fiona met with her client, a jeweller, who was looking for assistance with the interior design of his new store. The brief was for "a feature wall with a scribble on it, just like when someone is doodling". After various findings didn't quite meet with her expectations, Fiona decided it was time to jump to the other side of the fence and exchange the "Interior Designer Hat" for the "Wallpaper Designer Hat" et voila...Scribble by Fiona Flame.

In real life the paper has a shiny silver background and the feature wall is going to be 2.8 metres high by 1.8metres tall ! Imagine this supported by a colour scheme of dark blue, white and platinum in silk wall coverings and light catching wallpapers - lush. I can't wait to see the final results !

I suppose the moral of this mornings rambling is that communication is key. If you have a clear idea in mind and can communicate that idea then it 'can' be achieved, I'm not saying its going to be cheap, but there are ways of making things happen.

With thanks to Flame Interiors (www.flame-interiors.com)

Wallpaper of the Week - Mood by Camengo

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/new-collections.php?page=2

A lovely delicate yet distinct wallpaper for this week. The collection by Camengo is called Mood and this paper features pretty cherry blossoms giving a non-flowery-floral pattern if there could be such a contradiction ! I have chosen it as its light and airy despite its deeper background taupe colour. There are various colour-ways available, I think my personal favourite has a duck egg flower head.

Rather than a standard flat image, this design has great depth due to the shadowing effects and variations of the colours used.

The collection also has a range of plain coloured wallpapers, however, I would recommend that you consider a paint mix to complement the rest of your scheme. From a practical point of view this allows you to touch up and marks and makes your feature wall all the more special.

Wallpaper of the Week - Bindi by Eijffinger

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/eijffinger/bindi/76490

A nice bright start to the week. The football may well be over for another four years (Guilty pleasure : the sneaky shots of David on the bench - enough said) but its still summer and believe it or not the sun is 'still' shining ! So this lovely cheery paper is hopefully a good match for your mood.

Eijffinger (please don't ask me to pronounce it - Dutch is not a strength of mine) have lots of lovely bold floral collections, but their Bindi Collection is inspired by traditional Indian designs, luxurious and rich in both in colour and texture. The striking patterns range from trailing florals to large bold paisley. With colourways as diverse as turquoise, lime, purple and silver enhanced by metallic finishes it is certainly a head turner.

Its not cheap, starting at £52 per roll and rising up to £75 for the metallic finishes, but boy is it going to look amazing ! Don't be scared of this range, it is bold but its beautiful and will enhance any room - simply add lots of neutrals and I would advise not accessorising just let the paper do the talking.