How to Choose the Perfect Wallpaper
When it comes to choosing the perfect wallpaper for your interior design project, the options can be overwhelming. To give you some pointers on how to end up with the perfect wallpaper, we’ve enlisted the help of someone in the know: Sarah Hartman, the director of interior design at Sandals Resorts. In her role at Sandals, where she’s worked for almost three decades, Sarah is responsible for designing and furnishing luxurious rooms, suites, restaurants, spas and other public spaces. She directs the design team and makes decisions about styling each space, including its color, furniture, artwork, soft furnishings and wall, window and floor coverings. Her goal is to create the most luxurious, romantic and authentic Caribbean experience for the chain’s guests.
Here are Sarah’s responses to our questions about choosing the perfect wallpaper for a project.
Bijou: In what settings are you inclined to suggest using wallpaper instead of paint or another option?
Sarah: I love the effect of wall covering, particularly with art layered on it. Wallpaper brings another dimension to a space, and can be used just about anywhere. I particularly love using it in tricky spaces, such as the interiors of closets, bathrooms, accent walls and ceilings. I recommend it above basic paint most of the time.
Bijou: Why does wallpaper work so well in a hospitality project?
Sarah: In hospitality design, we always have to keep an eye on the budget. Wallpaper is a great way to create a layered effect while still maintaining a hospitality budget.
Bijou: When deciding to work with wallpaper, do your clients typically say they would like to use it or is it your suggestion?
Sarah: My team and I always recommend wallpaper. Particularly when we do sample rooms, our clients fully understand the difference between basic paint and the dimensions of wallpaper design.
Bijou: Once you decide to use wallpaper, describe the process of making the selection.
Sarah: We start with the feeling of the country the property is located in, as well as the style and size of the room, and its color scheme. We suggest the pattern and texture, and then add Pantone colors. We always ask for samples, because sometimes the supplier will suggest a larger or smaller repeat, or a different ground color. Large samples really help us make a decision. I feel wallpaper is a fundamental art form for any space, really to be used as a basis of a design.
Bijou: Do you have “rules” about what type and size pattern should be used?
Sarah: We really ignore all formal rules. Small spaces sometimes look more exciting with a large pattern and vice versa. Theme is just part of the overall scheme, so it varies depending on the project. Color plays a huge role: sometimes wallpaper instead of traditional art constitutes the artwork of the space, in which case we would go very bold. Sometimes a large volume space just needs some warmth, so wallpaper would just be a neutral texture.
What’s your take on murals?
Sarah: I love murals but they can be problematic in the hotel industry, especially in an existing space, where the dimensions have to be just so. I personally prefer a mural if the space has wainscotting, so the pattern doesn’t go all the way down to skirting board level.
Thinking of wallpaper for your next project? Keep an eye out for our next blog, “The Best and Worst Places to Use Wallpaper.” Or call our customer service number to find out more about how Bijou can make your next project truly stand out.
