Trend Revival: Tiles and Wallpaper
- Vanessa Sorbello
- Apr 18, 2020
- 5 min read
Just like fashion trends, design trends come back into fashion. Whether its mainstream or a niche trend, we can see it everywhere. From 1940's fashion to the trends coming back from the 90's, interior design trends come back, get updated and tweaked, and look great in a contemporary setting.
I'm sure at one point or another you've seen wallpaper in a bathroom. Mentioning a trend of tile and wallpaper in a bathroom, people's first reactions are mostly 'I think my grandma had that!", and you might be right. Does the image on the right look familiar?
Looking at the example, you can see why people would be afraid to try and update this trend. But, this was a trend back in the day and at the time it was beautiful and innovative. People do tend to shy away from this style because of fear it could look outdated, but it can be done in ways where it looks fresh and modern.
If you want to try and create an update style of this trend, there are so many options, so what can you do?
1. Think about your colour palette. Of course you're not going to be having pink tiles, a pink toilet, and pink wallpaper. Think about it the way you would when redesigning any bathroom. You can keep it fresh with white tiles, and having a wallpaper with a white background to have it look a bit more seamless. With this idea, you can add a bit of colour into the wallpaper without overwhelming the senses. Lets compare these two photos.
The image with the palm print over the entire wall can be quite overwhelming. Because it is such a strong pattern, using so much of it in a small space almost feel claustrophobic. This is why some people shy away from this kind of design.
Of course, for the right client, that room is suited to what they wanted, but for the everyday person it might be too much to take in, especially when most people just have white walls!
This is where this trend of tiles & wallpaper can be good to work with. It can let you be adventurous and try something a bit different, but still look fresh, contemporary and is less of a 'risk'.
A quick mock up in Photoshop helps to see what it might look like with just a simple subway tile. It takes away the bulk and creates a space that is just a bit easier on the eyes while still being different and impressive. Adding a white tile can make other pieces stand out more, like the gorgeous timber shelving. This could give you the option to use more striking accessories, if you were wanting to use black tapware it would make a great contrast to the white tiles while not taking away from the interest of the wallpaper.
Using a patterned or colourful wallpaper can create a whole new feel to your space; it can tie a room together and give it a completely different atmosphere.
2. Keep it simple. If you're the kind of person who just wants a subtle change, then this might be for you. Using wallpaper opens up so many doors of opportunity in the sense of different designs. Keeping with the theme of white tiles, using a soft wallpaper can give you a point of difference. Instead of just white tiles, or grey tiles, you can mix it up. Take this photo for instance.
Although this image is panelled, the same effect can be achieved with tiles, and will comply with Australian waterproofing laws. Using the same tones in the tiles & the wallpaper, there is more of a cohesive flow, its calming to the senses and isn't just a plain wall or plain tiles. Using similar tones can make this trend not seem as such an 'out there' choice, and is the option out of all 4 for a person who likes traditional design, and who doesn't like to go too far out of the box.
There are so many subtle wallpapers to enhance a space without leaving the comfort zone of neutrals. There is so much you can achieve with wallpaper, there are so many designs available, from pattern to texture, the options are endless.
The detail in this type of design is a classic one, if you choose to use similar toned, neutral colours; a simple glance and you could miss it!
3. Striking black and white. Black and white doesn't just have to be white tiles and black tap ware! Mixing things up with wallpaper can create a unique interest. In powder rooms and small bathrooms, you don't need to be afraid to do something quirky and distinct.
A classic combination of black and white can be made more impressive with wallpaper options, as you can see in the image on the left. The design here has kept below the line quite simple, plain whites and neutral with brass tapware, matching the brass mirror. The balance here is fantastic, using an odd shaped mirror brings in interest, and having softness in the arches against the sharp lines of the wallpaper brings contrast in a less obvious way. The use of the wallpaper as the feature and keeping the tiles neutral is a great way of keeping the design simple while still having an interesting design.
Using black and white in different ways is a great way to change up a space while still keeping a popular combination.
4. Creating something that people won't forget. This design is not for the faint of heart! As mentioned in number 3, using small spaces such as powder rooms is a place to really do something different, and really show your personality!
In this image, the room has feature tiles as well as a feature wallpaper, creating a unique interest in the space.
If we break it down we see the tiles are still a basic tone of grey, but will the gloss and texture they excite the eye and have something varied from what you would normally see. Using tiles with different textures or finishes can really help create a different feel in a room while sticking to a colour scheme.
The wallpaper here is such an uncommon choice. The tone of the grey tile and green background match, they are both darker and with the same undertone it almost blends it together, so although it is a loud wall, it has balance and coherence. This has not just been thrown together and magically worked. Having that tonal balance means the colours of the flora and fauna in the wallpaper, and the gorgeous tapware really catch your eye and stand out.
This type of design really shows your identity, and when done right can be an innovation in design and making a point of difference in your home.
Using an interior designer can help ease the worry of getting it 'wrong'. A designer will take your ideas and mould them into a cohesive design. If you aren't sure how far out of the box you want to go, or if you want something unique, an interior designer will work alongside you to create something you will adore for years to come.
So many people are afraid to try new things in their houses or do something a little bit extra. Revamping old styles in a contemporary way is so exciting, and finding a new way to do it to make your house your own.
Homes should be exciting and full of life and personality, just like the people in them!
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