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Patterned Wallpaper: Then and Now

June 28, 2016 by Kate Leave a Comment

Tropical wallpaper in fuchsia and black from Graham & Brown

Remember when design lovers couldn’t wait to take a scraper to the walls after moving to a new home marked by patterned wallpaper? My, how things have changed! With a wallpaper revival in full effect, there’s never been a better time to surround yourself with an array of colors and patterns. This summer I’m partnering with Graham & Brown for a big dose of design goodness. First up: a discount… [photo above features Honolulu Black/Fuchsia from Graham & Brown]

Through August 28th, Graham & Brown is offering Mirror80 readers a 15% discount with the code mirror15. Whether you’re wallpapering the entire room, an accent wall, or you simply want to frame a big section of patterned paper to create an instant mural, this discount will come in handy. Read on as we explore a bit of ’70s and ’80s wallpaper history, then celerate a collection of modern Graham & Brown selections that exude retro flair! 

Then…

We begin with the wallpaper of yesteryear. One of my all-time favorite retro design resources is The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt. Not only is it packed with amazing interior design photos from the ’70s and ’80s, it includes a section called “The Sample Book,” which features examples of retro fabric, paint techniques, wallpaper and more. And speaking of wallpaper, here are some prime examples of ’70s and ’80s selections from The Decorating Book. Get ready for speckles, geometry, and a striking interplay of color and form…

Speckles and Texture

(L TO R: Pinky Apricot by J. Pallu and Lake Furnishings Ltd, Linen by Sanderson, Elephant Gray by J. Pallu and Lake Furnishings Ltd)

'80s wallpaper texture

Lines and Curves

(L to R: Fan and Square by South Bay at TT Designs, Grasses by David Ison, Chevrons by Groundworks at Homeworks)

'80s wallpaper lines and curves

Geo Flair

(L to R: Flash by Habitat, Geometric by Crown Decorative Products Ltd, Triangles by Paper Moon)

'80s wallpaper geometric

Now…

Today’s new wave of wallpaper is unapologetically fabulous, whether the look is intentionally understated or proudly patterned. Some retro motifs, such as speckles and visual textures, are back in full force, while bold geometrics continue to be popular. Regardless of the pattern, today’s wallpaper has a confidence that matches the selections of yesterday, but with a refreshing update. Here are some of Mirror80’s current favorites, all from Graham & Brown…

Alpine White/Glitter:

Speckled wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Finley Buttermilk:

Peach wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Twilight Black:

Black wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Melrose Grey:

Texture-style wallpaper from Graham & Brown

The Hypnotist Mono by Barbara Hulanicki:

Geo wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Cavern White/Mica:

Textured geo wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Linear Taupe:

Linear wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Honolulu Duck Egg by Julien MacDonald:

Tropical wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Stay tuned for an upcoming post in August, which will feature an original photo shoot with some of my favorite wallpaper selections above, as well as a giveaway from Graham & Brown. In the meantime, a big thank you to Graham & Brown for offering Mirror80 readers a discount with the code mirror15. Happy shopping!

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Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

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