On a roll

In the competitive retail environment, interior design and layout are key aspects of the shopping experience, so businesses need to regularly refurbish their premises to keep them looking chic and interesting. One effective, simple and speedy method is by refreshing the wall surfaces.

As a result, wallcoverings are increasingly being introduced into retail and office interior designs. Whether contemporary or classic, extravagantly patterned or neutral, they add a shot of personality and a point of difference to any interior. Colour, texture and pattern all feature in various forms, allowing design professionals to create a variety of original looks.

Colours can be monochromatic, providing a simple backdrop for displays of clothing or artworks. For a stronger statement, designers can select bold colours, sometimes combined with elements of pattern or texture.

Vision Wallcoverings design manager David Abbotts says many patterns found today are contemporary twists on traditional favourites. Classic florals, paisleys and baroque detailing have been restyled to create more graphic looks. Decorative effects such as glass beading and metallic highlights add a touch of glamour.

"Once-fussy florals can be morphed into modern botanical patterns with graphic outlines and semi-abstract or tracery designs. Computer graphics make it possible to take the vintage designs and recreate them so only a hint of the original is still there," he says.

Many of today's wallcoverings offer a tactile dimension, adding an element of softness and warmth to an otherwise sterile contemporary interior. Many of these textures emulate nature grass, bark or wood, or fabrics such as linen, cord and Hessian while others create special effects like pleats and folds. Embossing and beading are other examples of popular textures. Some of the textural effects create a padded or three-dimensional result, which is highly tactile.

David Abbotts says deftly fabricated faux finishes are popular, with the inspiration for them often drawn from nature. "Granite and marble are old favourites, while grass cloth creates a hand-made eco look," he says.

On a practical level, textured wallcoverings are a successful and effective way of concealing less than perfect wall surfaces that would otherwise require a lot of remedial work to bring them up to an acceptable standard. Additionally, new manufacturing technologies mean that wallcoverings are now much easier to install and to remove when it's time for a change. They are also easy to care for, and most are washable, durable and wear well.

For more information on the wallpapers shown, samples or for the address of your local stockist, phone 0800 Wallpaper (0800) 925 572. Website: www.visionwalls.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas