I love that people are getting so clever with wallpaper design. I have always been a huge fan of Cole & Son’s “Woods” wallpaper, which has been around for a while now (6 rolls of it have been sitting in my office for about 4 months… I just can’t decide which room to commit to- I want it everywhere! Just like I’m living in a little forest wonderland…). At an open house a couple years ago, I saw this green, sort of modern twist on a toile, called “Lady of the Manor”, and I began searching. It didn’t take me too long- Anthropologie carries it. I bought it immediately for my powder room, since I think it’s best to use big impact elements like that in smaller spaces- it keeps things from getting too busy or overwhelming. Now, the powder room is sort of like this fanciful, little jewel box and the horse theme is perfect for Saratoga without being too cliche. Anthropologie also carries the “Woods” wallpaper, but it’s much cheaper to get it from this UK- based company, Wallpaper Direct, even with the exchange.
I also love photo-realist wallpapers, like the one featured in the March 2012 Country Living, shown in singer Neko Case’s Vermont home (shown below). It’s sort of cozy, yet sophisticated. There are some very cool realist designs at Tracykendall.com too, one of which is also available at, yup, Anthropologie! (Jeez- they get all the good prints!)
All of these wallpapers may be a bit trendy, but why not add a little fun and whimsy to your home, even if you may grow out of it in a few years? My “Lady of the Manor” certainly perks me up a bit every time I glance at my powder room walls.