These days wallpaper is on a roll (pun intended). Look for wall coverings that range in design from the dynamic to the demure, from the natural to the photo-realistic. In part, this craze can be chalked up to fashion; prints are hot. And as we so often see, runway trends quickly make their way into the interior design world.  

 

But there is another reason wallpaper is experiencing a renaissance: technology.

Advances in digital imaging have made it possible to create complicated designs that were, until recently, impossible to achieve.  With digital imaging, design houses can print hundreds  of colors and textures that you could not do with traditional screen or block printing methods. Take, for example, Schumacher's new marble prints  which were inspired by trompe l'oeil techniques from the legendary decorator Renzo Mongiardino as well as from classic Venetian marbled paper.  

 

Such complex patterns that capture every vein and gradation of color could not have been achieved without digital processing; to the naked eye, these lapis, Carrara and topaz designs look like the real thing. Capitalizing on this new technology, watch for new papers that replicate malachite, snakeskin and even quilted fabric.

 

Wallpaper can be transformative, particularly in rooms that have little or no architectural detail. The fabulous authentic mother-of-pearl wallcovering pictured below offers a glamorous surface that's at once reflective and iridescent.   

 

Interior Reflections likes to use graphic or textural organic papers in entry ways to delineate the space and create visual interest. If you've fallen in love with a paper but are timid about using it in a big space, we recommend using it in a powder room or bathroom.   

 

Haven't found the perfect wallpaper yet? Call on us!  We have a wonderful selection that ranges from colorfully eclectic to the absolute sublime.

Leather is popping up on all kinds of home accessories.  It lets you add a luxe touch to almost any room.  It isn't just for the family room anymore.  And it's not just for sofas and armchairs, either.  There's virtually no limit to how leather can be used. How about wrapping a wood stair railing with this versatile material for a upscale feel?  Other unconventional places to use it:  laser cut into delicate designs and applied to lamps shades, draperies and even a ceiling hung room divider. To bring a touch or two of leather  into your home, look for pretty leather accents on pillows, cabinet pulls, throw rugs and more.

for what is called "knocking the color down".

 

When a small amount of a hue's complementary (opposite on the color wheel) pigment is added, it will reduce the intensity of the hue without making it darker. 

Some examples are:

Green that is too bright - add a touch of red.

 

Beige that is too pink - add a tiny amount of green.

 

Blue that is too electric - add some orange (or the earth color burnt sienna).

 

Yellow that is too bright - add a small amount of violet (or the earth color raw umber).

 

"In the beginning, we really didn't have a total concept. I had collected volumes of pictures and ideas - but couldn't visualize how it would all come together for us. I must admit I never would have been brave enough to select the color combinations and the mix of patterns and textures on my own. And yet the result is breathtaking! We entertain often and wanted a 'wow' look. Beth quickly brought the design elements and details together. We now enjoy our own signature style that reflects who we are and the way we live."