Paint and wallpaper trends inspired by nature and travel
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos
A staged home showing an on-trend accent wall with dimensional wood
Trends in interior paint colors are moving away from grays to nature-inspired colors, and wallpaper is back in style. While the brave might go for a panoramic mural on a wall, more homeowners are creating texture and dimension on walls by using materials such as grasscloth, cork, straw and wicker wallpaper as well as wood trim and paint in creative ways.
“A trend for this year is a grid batten board accent wall painted with Sherwin Williams Cyberspace. This trending look is dramatic with the contrast from the dark wall with the rest of the light-colored painted walls,” said resident Kathy Welhaf, an interior design and staging specialist. In addition to an accent wall, this method of using dimensional wood and paint works well as a painted headboard on a bedroom wall or to create sectionsa of color in a kid’s room or an office.
In line with the trend toward organic, nature-inspired themes, Welhaf said paint colors are moving to “a mushroom hue palette” and greens. The Sherwin Williams 2022 color of the year is Evergreen Fog which is a calming green/gray with just a bit of blue. Behr’s 2022 color of the year is Breezeway, a silvery green with cool undertones inspired by sea glass. Both colors pair well with creamy white, beige, terracotta, bronze and gold. “Greens are fitting for Colorado and any gray/green with the right hue goes well with natural wood,” Welhaf added. Kitchens are being painted in taupes and greens, while some homeowners are blending white cabinets with darker colors on an island or one wall to create tonal contrast.
Paint ideas like this ombré circle incorporating shelves can create a dramatic focal point without painting an entire room or wall (photo courtesy of Domino; design by Laura Lane Creative.)
Neutral textured wallpaper is more interesting than white walls but still calming, thus a safe bet. To instantly add art and a vibe to a room though, consider the trend of wallpaper with woodsy, forest designs, tropical and botanical patterns, animal motifs, architectural designs and those that are adventure-inspired. Wishing for exposed brick, or an embossed metallic geometric design? There’s a wallpaper for that. Wallpaper that looks like tile is trending for kitchens and bathrooms.
If a new paint color or safari wallpaper sounds too dramatic for a room or even an accent wall, Welhaf suggests painting or wallpapering the back of a bookcase or cabinet. Or, create a focal point on a wall by painting a circle, a stripe or a wave and adding shelves. Powder rooms and closets are other spaces to try something interesting or dramatic.
