Wallpaper Trends in Home Decor

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 4 MIN.

Randolph, MA - Targeted to the designer market, Kenneth James is the premium brand from Brewster Home Fashions, one of the oldest independent, family-owned wallpaper companies in the U.S. that now spans five generations. Introduced in 2002, the Kenneth James brand is on the leading edge of new designs and techniques in wallpaper and a barometer of what's happening in the high-end marketplace.

"The styles we showcase in Kenneth James range from traditional with a twist, to transitional and modern, including non-woven metallic papers," says Paula Berberian, Brewster Creative Services Manager and a member of the prestigious Color Marketing Group. Orange on gold foil and other brilliant colors abound in the offerings as well as an array of on-trend indigos and navies. There are large-scale patterns, but small and mid-scale designs are also present and enjoying a resurgence. Perhaps the most prevalent trend in wallpaper today is special effects and the Kenneth James Brand is no exception. Many of the Kenneth James collections sport special effects, such beads, sand finishes, glitter, compact metallic inks, velvet flocking, suedes, gels and varying substrates like Mylar.

"Special effects are a making their way to wallpaper more than ever thanks to quality substrates and innovative printing techniques," said Paula Berberian, Brewster Creative Services Manager. "These effects and embellishments are making wallpapers more than just a printed service, but something that is dimensional and intriguing. We've moving away from minimalism, especially in the younger demographic where consumers are looking to pattern and sparkle to make a bold statement."

Some of the latest collections of the Kenneth James Brand include:
Gracia by Eijffinger� features European-styled wallpapers that bedazzle with accents of acrylic beads, luminous metallics, foils and Mylar. There are large-scale classic designs that are full of modern expression in color palettes that are bold and super trendy to subtle and sophisticated. These papers are printed on a high-quality non-woven substrate called Smart Paper for easy application and even easier removal.

Belle du Jour by Eijffinger� literally blooms with floral motifs from a variety of perspectives featuring both mid- and large-scale designs in palettes of color that are bold and full of inspiration. Leaves and florals are presented in fresh and unique interpretations with a decidedly European flair. These papers are also printed on Smart Paper for easy application and even easier removal.

Verve with large-scale scrolls, contemporary-inspired florals, modern damasks, paisleys, dogwood blossoms and a starburst design. Special effects include suede, gels, pearlescence and metallic inks. Verve also features a selection of complementing textures that blend with all the design groups in Verve or can be used alone to create a textured landscape.

The Salon Collection features large-scale damasks, floral trails, medallions, leaf silhouettes, Jacobeans and florals in a palette of violets, indigo, peacock blues, warm neutrals and yellow-inspired greens. Gels, suedes, raised inks and a subtle sparkle effect along with gold, silver, copper and pearl effects are all evident in this collection. Like Verve, the Salon Collection also features a selection of textures that coordinate with any of the designs within the collection or can be used alone when a simple yet elegant texture is called for.

A blend between traditional and transitional, the Serene Collection offers damasks in both mid- and large-scale designs, florals, Jacobeans, modern interpretations of a traditional paisley and whimsical scrolls along with an arrangement of textures that blend with any of the designs within the collection. Raised inks, silver and gold metallics, pearlescence and suede techniques create harmonious effects with the specially chosen color palette of soft to mid-tone pastels and warm neutrals.

While traditional in nature, the Hawthorne Collection features a Bohemian/ethnic flair. Large-scale scrolls, damasks, Jacobeans, stripes, sophisticated textures and marble motifs are infused with hints of gold, silver, raised inks and ombr� effects that add a subtle dimension and an understated elegance. Earthen neutrals, from the expected to the more nature-inspired deep tones are carried throughout all the design groups. Chic and eco-friendly, Hawthorne Collection papers are printed on a high-quality non-woven substrate with water-based inks.

Domaine offers a selection of large-scale damasks, damask panels, Jacobeans, classic stripes, stri�s and floral motifs, all of which are infused with a shimmer of metallic silver or gold for beautiful effects. Soft grays, warm taupes, regal purples and earthen browns are used throughout the collection. Like Hawthorne, all of the papers in the Domaine collection are printed on a high-quality non-woven substrate with sustainable water-based inks making the entire ideal for sustainable design.

Headquartered in Randolph, Mass., Brewster Home Fashions is one of the oldest independent, family-owned wallpaper companies in the U.S. that now spans five generations. Since 1954, Brewster Home Fashions has been a prominent manufacturer and distributor of fine wallpapers and home decor products for residential and commercial markets globally. For more information, visit brewsterwallcovering.com or call Brewster Home Fashions at 1-800-366-1700.


by Robert Doyle

Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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