Wallpapers never go out of fashion, while some designs or patterns and even materials keep trending every year. SURFACES REPORTER spoke to few experts from the design and wallpaper industry to spot the trends that are hot this season.
Wallpapers were never meant to be created only from paper! In fact, centuries ago wallpapers were created out of everything but paper since there was no production of paper at that time. It was only later that the definition of wallpapers restricted itself to paper.
Vinyl based PVC wallpapers were a popular statement, but of late, other materials and non PVC based wallpapers are in trend since they carry elegance and are much more preferred in the luxury set up.
Normally, in the luxury segment, people look for more of non woven and paper products (they avoid Vinyl Wallpapers). Firstly, due to the exclusive nature of material which gives richness and secondly it is also environmentally friendly. “In the luxury segment, natural wall coverings are in trend such as product made by mica chips, paperweaves, linen, beads, flock, etc” confirmed Mr Tamim Mandsaurwala, Director, Excel Wall Interiors, Kolkata.
Talking about the varying trends depending upon the requirements, Mr. Chandresh Parikh, Director. Wall King said, “The demand for Swarovski wallpapers, aluminium, steel finish papers, pop-art wallpapers and 3D wallpapers is more.” Treating 3D in wallpaper is beneficial in terms of cost, installation and maintanence as opposed to other 3D materials for walls, hence more preferred by people, he added.
Adding another dimension to the discussion, Raseel Gujral, Creative Director, Casa Paradox opines ‘Neo India’ as the major trend that continues to allure. It encapsulates boldness in design – transcending the obvious and transforming the echoes of the past – be it traditional motifs or neo classical details that are inherently lavish and intrinsically appealing.
She closes with the statement “Luxury by definition cannot be seasonal. The concept suggests long term relationship and not a temperature induced interlude.”
Wallpaper has been popular, reflecting designs and patterns that change to suit the trends of the times. With the advancement in technology, LED Wallpaper is the latest wallpapers coming up. According to Interior Designer Lipika Sud, Lipika Sud Pvt Ltd, a lot of innovation is required to make the wallpaper even more versatile. “ It could be based on the fact that it need not only be made out of paper but also alternate materials like fabric, jute, bamboo and stone to bring depth and dimension to an area” she says.
(This article is an extract from a comprehensive cover story on published in SURFACES REPORTER Jan 2015 issue – WALLPAPER – The Lasting Impression. To request and read the complete story, please email to press@surfaces.in. Title – WALLPAPER STORY)