I have been thinking about wallpaper for a long, long, long, time. Most of my life probably. I’ve had a confused relationship with it – at times declaring its the worst thing that could happen to a home but at the same time sneakily archiving a list of my favourite designs – its a commitment thing of course.
I’ve convinced myself over the years that I enjoy blank wall, clean spaces with no fuss or undue adornment. Our first home which we still reside in is painted in a muted colour palette devoid of any ornamentation on the walls (you can view it here) the most daring update being an ochre yellow wall in our bedroom.
However, as we have grown as a family I gravitate towards homes in magazine muddled with cosiness mostly found in the presence of that charming tumble of family accruements and walls filled with pattern. I think back on the spaces I have visited in my life, the homes of family members, my favourite bars and restaurants, hotels that have left me with that intangible feeling of belonging – they have all been enveloped in pattern and layers of narrative built through print.
These intricately patterned wallpapers by Sweden’s oldest wallpaper brand Borastapeter give me that same feeling. The result of continuous collaborations with popular Scandinavian illustrators, the patterns burst with flora and fauna, delicate ditzy prints, dense rambling forests and bold trellis designs are all balanced perfectly with contemporary motifs and striking colour-ways from the muted to the eye-popping.
Author: Rohini Wahi
Rohini is a London based freelance journalist and trend forecaster for the design industries. She has worked for Elle Decoration, Living Etc, Houzz and Design Sponge amongst others.
She loves a period drama and keeps a tidy home. Launched in 2007 The Beat That My Heart Skipped focuses on home inspirations, design trends, lifestyle and food – coupled with an insight into Rohini’s work and home life – from key picks at trade shows to styled weekend soirees. To contact Rohini for queries, work for hire or just to say hi drop her a line at mail@rohiniwahi.com
Mark
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 09:18 at 9:18 am (6 years ago)The wallpaper in the last picture is amazing, I can’t stop looking at it. There is more to see the more you look at it, I can see this working with so many different decors and looks.
Emma
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 22:07 at 10:07 pm (6 years ago)I love those wallpapers. I think a wallpaper can really add warmth and such personality to a home. I am thinking about introducing some into our home although I am slightly scared and worry about the children managing to rip bits off.
Rohini:TheBeatThatMyHeartSkipped
Thursday, February 11th, 2016 14:44 at 2:44 pm (6 years ago)Emma – I think you should go for it! The children will soon get bored… Haha!
Bene
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 18:44 at 6:44 pm (6 years ago)Hello from Lyon, France !
I’m glad I found this blog for inspiration.. my current project is a kitchen redo… Do you think wallpaper could work? Maybe in cupboard ‘niches'(not sure of the English word)
https://eugeniestreet.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/brainstorming-a-kitchen/
Kerstin Iraheta
Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 07:18 at 7:18 am (5 years ago)Among different wallpapers, I love the patterns burst with flora and fauna. I was thinking to buy it for my room. Thanks you Rohini for tips.
Anna Tonkin
Saturday, July 15th, 2017 21:34 at 9:34 pm (5 years ago)These are beautiful! So detailed and elegant. Definitely going to be looking into Borastapeter for our blog!