JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Wallcoverings offer a stylish alternative to basic white, beige or painted walls.  Historically known as wallpaper, today’s wallcoverings are more than patterns printed on paper.  Many contain natural materials, such as cotton, grasses and other fibers that add depth and texture.  Wallcoverings are also available in durable vinyl, hand-screened embossed and expressive hand-painted artistic faux patterns. 

At one time wallcoverings were only used in limited areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms.

This belief no longer applies because today’s wallcoverings are appropriate for every space in the home.  They lend color, texture and dramatic accents to any room.

“Instead of large patterned designs, I usually recommend textural choices because the quality adds so much warmth to the home,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member.
                                                           
Starting with the foyer, Sisler Johnston will frequently add texture to the walls with the selection of a grass cloth, string cloth or other fibrous material wallcovering.  Sometimes she will select a wallcovering with an overall color blend that introduces the range of hues in the home.

In many new home floor plans, the kitchen, breakfast room and family room are the heart of the home and provide large, open spaces.  Adding wallcoverings with texture and color helps unite these areas and produce an appealing and amalgamated gathering place within the home.

“One of my favorite wallcoverings to use in home entertainment areas is a faux grass cloth pattern on paper that has been slightly computer enlarged,” Sisler Johnston said.  “It is so realistic in its appeal that most people entering homes where this wallcovering has been used immediately extend their hand to touch it.”

With advancements in technology, manufacturers are simulating finishes on wallcoverings including Venetian plaster, brick and natural stone along with stenciling, tile and a full array of artistic faux finishes.  According to Sisler Johnston, it is always wise to compare the cost of the wallcovering to hiring an artist to apply a similar finish.

Patterns printed on paper remain a popular choice among today’s wallcoverings.  Larger patterns add interest and impact.  They should be reserved for spaces like the dining room.  When selecting a pattern for the dining room, Sisler Johnston suggests coordinating the wallcovering with the paint color featured in adjacent rooms to lend continuity, particularly if the dining room can be viewed from other areas of the home.  If the dining room is a separate space, the contrast will add color and dramatic flair.
                                                           
Bedrooms are another great place to use wallcoverings.  When covering the entire room, choose a small pattern or minimal texture for an even flow.  If considering only one wall, then select the bed wall to cover and use a more dramatic color or pattern for impact.

There are many wallcovering choices for children’s bedrooms and play spaces.  They include practical options, such as durable, damage resistant vinyl finishes as well as murals and themed choices.  There are many wallcoverings that depict hobbies and activities children enjoy, including sports, cartoons, construction sites, the circus, outer space, zoos, safaris, camping, ballet, cheerleading and scrap-booking.

Bathrooms are an obvious choice for wallcoverings since they provide protection as well as design appeal.  A common misconception is that vinyl wallcoverings should be used in wet locations.  Vinyl is not always the best choice for damp spaces since many vinyl papers are backed with cloth.  If water gets in between the vinyl and the wall, the backing could mildew.
“Because of our extensive experience providing interior design services to the hospitality industry, we have discovered that non-vinyl, residential-type wallpapers printed with patterns or textures are more practical because they dry out faster if they come into contact with water,” Sisler Johnston said.

Sisler Johnston also recommends using a mix of wallcoverings and paint throughout the home, especially in theme-designed areas such as bonus rooms and dens.  One combination technique is to apply paint to chair height in a vivid color and add a paper border instead of a chair rail with a wallcovering above.
                                               
Today’s manufacturers are mindful of environmental concerns and offering wallcoverings that are produced using sustainable practices and with recycled materials.  Many are highlighting eco-friendly efforts in marketing materials and on company websites.

Sisler Johnston is frequently asked if it is possible to add wallcoverings to textured walls.  The best technique is to install a liner paper over the textured areas and applying the desired wallcovering to the liner.

Sisler Johnston recommends consulting with a licensed interior designer before beginning any home design project, including do-it-yourself projects.  It can be a valuable investment to have an expert review the plan and provide recommendations.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients.  The company designs private residences, builder model homes, community centers, hotel guest accommodations and office suites.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design also provides marketable designs for senior lifestyle communities.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients.  The company designs private residences, builder model homes, community centers, hotel guest accommodations and office suites.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design also provides marketable designs for senior lifestyle communities.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to classic contemporary style.  Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville’s leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

1. Family Room:  Instead of large patterned designs, Sisler Johnston usually recommends textural choices since texture adds so much warmth.

2. Den:  Wallcoverings are appropriate for virtually every area of the home and lend color, texture and dramatic accents to a room, as seen here in the office at Kargar’s model home at Plantation Bay.

3. Powder Room:  Bathrooms are an obvious choice for wallcoverings since they provide protection as well as design appeal.