Home decor tips: Install gorgeous wallpapers to transform your home with a personal touch

Interior design tips: When choosing the best wallpaper for your home, consider factors like the room’s purpose and environmental conditions (Image: Dialogues by Nirmals)

In recent years, wallpaper has resurged in popularity, offering a dynamic way to infuse character and style into any home. Here’s a quick guide to understand the current trends, materials, and best practices for installing and maintaining wallpapers for an aesthetically pleasing and functional home.

Designed for modern homes:

Botanical and nature-inspired patterns like florals, leaves, and jungle themes are in vogue, bringing a touch of nature indoors. For more design-oriented themes, bold geometric designs, including hexagons, chevrons, and abstract shapes, add a modern and stylish touch. You can also go for nostalgic designs featuring classic motifs and colour palettes from past decades. Custom wall murals that transform a wall into a piece of art are also becoming increasingly popular.

Modern wallpapers offer a wide array of materials and designs tailored to diverse tastes and practical needs. Common materials include vinyl, known for its durability and ease of cleaning, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and environments prone to moisture. Says Sachin Chauhan, director at Maison by Nirmals, “When choosing the best wallpaper for your home, consider factors like the room’s purpose and environmental conditions. Vinyl may be preferable for kitchens and bathrooms due to its moisture resistance, while non-woven or textured wallpapers can add a luxurious touch to living spaces or bedrooms. Non-woven wallpapers are popular for their ease of installation and removal, breathable nature, and resistance to tearing, ideal for all indoor uses. Textured wallpapers, such as those made from wood veneers, raffia or with embossed patterns, add depth and tactile interest to walls, enhancing visual appeal.”

Before installing new wallpapers, thorough preparation is essential to ensure a successful outcome. “Begin by assessing the condition of your walls, ensuring they are clean, smooth, and free from any existing wallpaper or debris. Properly measure the walls to determine how much wallpaper you’ll need and to ensure patterns align correctly during installation. Consider the layout of your room and the pattern of the wallpaper; some designs may require additional rolls to match patterns seamlessly,” Chauhan adds.

Repair and care:

To maintain wallpapers and preserve their beauty over time, regular care and attention are crucial. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive moisture, as these can damage delicate wallpaper surfaces. Instead, lightly dust the wallpaper with a soft cloth or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove debris, suggests Chauhan. He recommends, “Address stains promptly by dabbing with a clean, damp cloth and a mild detergent, testing in an inconspicuous area first to avoid discoloration. Inspect the wallpaper periodically for any signs of wear, such as peeling edges or tears, and repair using appropriate adhesive as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Finally, minimise prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading, particularly for wallpapers with vibrant colours or delicate materials. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your wallpapers remain a stylish and enduring feature of your home decor," suggests Chauhan.