The walls come alive

When it comes to decorating a home, we seldom think beyond painting the walls. But, applying paper on to the four dimensions of a room breathes life into any dull and boring space. Brightly coloured wallpaper changes the mood of a home and lends it a cheerful look. Textured wall coverings add personality to a room and help accentuate monochrome furniture.

There are many ways to use wallpaper. Cover one wall with a retro design, a modern pattern or even a mural and the blank space speaks up. For a stylised look, paste wallpaper on to the ceiling. This draws the eye to a forgotten space and gives the light fixture some added attention.

Whether for the entire room or to introduce a point of difference, wallcoverings can be used innovatively to create a sense of spaciousness.

"To increase size of a room, we suggest customers use wallpaper on one feature wall. The paper should have a pattern or design, then they should use plain paper on the other three walls in colours that complement the feature wallpaper," says Taher Haider Shaikh, sales advisor for Danube Buildmart.

For a wider look

Applying striped wallpaper along a wall and extending it across the floor gives a narrow passage the appearance of looking wider. Wallpaper with fantastic bold designs work best in a child's bedroom, while neutral or earthy tones help ground an otherwise busy room, such the kitchen or bathroom.

Wallcoverings are being used in novel ways to decorate homes. They are applied to benches, bookshelves and even areas that guests do not visit, such as the closet. "Today's customers are more adventurous and see possibilities rather than obstacles and are willing to move beyond the straightforward one-feature wall or traditional room set-up," says Sue Flower, general manager for Kollektion General Trading.

Wallpaper comes in everything from geometric patterns to modern, contemporary and classic designs. According to Marie Frampton, retail store manager for Laura Ashley, the market for wallpaper follows no particular trend, as "everyone has different taste and requirements and the rooms vary in size." Taher's experience is similar too. "Locals usually look for geometrical or symmetrical designs to match their furniture. Western clients look for modern wallpaper such as stripes or abstract designs, while Asians look for contemporary wallpaper with flowers or in plain colours."

In vogue

One of the latest trends in home decor is flocked wallpaper, with a velvety texture and soft feel. Accessorised wallcoverings with glass beads and crystals are used on feature walls to achieve a dramatic effect of subtle shimmer. Whiteboard and magnetic wallpaper are also gaining popularity, especially in office boardrooms and for decorating children's rooms. And with the advent of digital technology, homeowners are transforming their favourite photos into wallpaper.

Compared to paint, the demand for wallcoverings is definitely on the rise. Sue Flower says: "Wallpaper is price-compatible to paint, as it is easier and cleaner to install." Wallpaper is also a good option as it lasts 10-15 years longer, whereas paint starts showing signs of wear within three years.

Easy to clean

Wallpaper has certainly come a long way since 200BC, when the Chinese first began gluing paper, made from rice, on to their walls. Almost all varieties today are ecofriendly and easy to maintain. Just clean with soap and water.

DIY

If you would like professionals to install wallpaper, Laura Ashley and Mr Perswall have a directory of names.

Danube Buildmart offers free installation on a minimum purchase of five rolls, whereas FantaSee Wall has priced its wallpaper inclusive of installation.

However, Syed Habib, business development manager, home furnishings, at Danube Buildmart, offers tips if you fancy a go at the walls yourself.

It is important to prepare walls before applying wallcoverings.

Poor wall conditions usually show through wallpaper and can ruin its appearance.

Uneven surfaces cause tearing and bubbling of wallpaper. So before you decide to DIY, here is a step-by-step guide to applying wallpaper.

Just for kids

Wallpaper isn't just stripes and flowers — there are looks for children too.

FantaSee Wall creates exclusive made-to-order wallpaper especially for kids after exploring their imaginations.

Nishant Jaiswal of FantaSee Wall says: "Our team sits with the kids (parents only watch) and explores their imagination. This information is put together to create an exclusive wallpaper. Unique and visually alluring, the end product is a room where life-sized dinosaurs, pirates and butterflies, along with Aladdin, Barbie, Dora and Diego play with your child, in his or her space."

Where to get it

Mr Perswall

Note: Prices are exclusive of installation.

Laura A shley

Note: Prices are exclusive of installation.

Danube Buildmart

Note: Free installation on minimum purchase of five rolls.
Labour charges: Approximately Dh30 per roll.

Shahana Raza is a UAE-based freelance writer