Wallcoverings!

Wall coverings have undergone a revolution. Standard wallpaper is a thing of the past. New wall coverings are fresh and exciting.  Those chintzy flower patterns or tiny polka dots from grandma's living room? Gone... In their place are textured papers and big, bold designs in strong colors that can add depth, warmth and more than a little personality to a room.

The patterns are not the only change. These days, wallpaper is easier to put up and take down and it is often used more sparingly than in the past.

Think of it as akin to a piece of artwork or a new throw pillow: an adventurous accessory that can pull a room's elements together and give it some zing. No one is quite sure why the wallpaper trend caught fire. It could be the Mad Men phenomenon - the sudden rush for all things reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s. More likely, though, it is part of an overall increased interest in home decorating and the effort to find something to distinguish one's home.

Many of the new patterns are designed to pack a graphic punch. Imagine tight geometric shapes in contrasting colors, blown-up damask prints in hot pink or orange, or stark black-and-white trellis designs. Equally popular are textured papers, which may be lined with grass or other natural fibers, beads or raised patterns, and may or may not be printed with a design.The other upside is that wallpaper does not have to cover all four walls of a room. It can be used as an accent - as backing for bookshelves, on a single wall in the bedroom, bathroom or even on the dining room ceiling. It's a great way to customize a space and the wallpaper won't bust the bank.

Some products that I love:

Wallteriors  Custom or ready-made, these hand crafted papers are fabulous.

Philip Jeffries For gorgeous grass cloths, subtle silks, and terrific textured wall coverings, they're the best!