A Look at the Newest Wallcoverings

The Wallcoverings Association is a nonprofit trade group that represents manufacturers, designers, and distributors of wallcoverings. The association fosters dialogue between members in various segments of the industry, while promoting the use of  wallcoverings in residential and commercial environments. “When end-users are considering interior products, we want them to not only think about the beauty of wallcoverings, but also their performance,” said Matthew Jones, the group’s executive director.

In a recent meeting, four members discussed design trends and presented new products that will be decorating interior walls this year.

Mindful Luxury

“Mindful luxury is not about a price tag or a status symbol. It’s more about looking at — and enjoying — the uniqueness of your surroundings,” said Sharon Becker, director of business development, York Wallcoverings. This modern interpretation of elegance includes wallcoverings with soft hands or flecks of Mylar for a touch of shine.

Becker also noted that because people have been cocooning at home, they want the same comfort in corporate settings. Textured materials and layered palettes create a sense of warmth. Examples of these trends can be found in Designer Gallery, offerings produced for the company’s commercial division, York Contract. The portfolio features the work of three noted creatives, Carol Benson-Cobb, Barclay Butera, and Aviva Stanoff.

The trio found inspiration everywhere, from nature to faraway locales. Gradient, a design by artist Carol Benson-Cobb, showcases fluid lines of color that evoke shifting mists. Interior designer Barclay Butera’s Bristol wallcovering combines layered threads and subtle texture to create a timeless look. Designer Aviva Stanoff’s Naturalist captures the organic essence of crystalline agate and gold, a modern twist on semi-precious stone.

Wallcovering | Acoustic Solution

With employees working from both the home and office, they need products and spaces that perform multiple functions. “Architects are designing spaces that can serve many purposes and improve our productivity,” noted Moneah Ronaghi, marketing manager at National Solutions. Zoom calls are a part of everyday life, yet not all rooms are suitable for video-conferencing.

Mozart, a new product from National Solutions, is a non-woven, sound-absorbing wallcovering.  It reduces echo and distractions from ambient noise. This acoustic solution is also an eco-friendly option for specifiers. Made from 100% post-industrial, BPA-free recycled plastic, 80 bottles are transformed into one yard of material.

Mozart features Fosshield®, an antimicrobial technology that incorporates silver and copper ions into the fiber, unlike a coating that just sits on top. Ions naturally attach to microbes, which delivers surface protection while also providing resistance to odor, mold, and bacteria.

Geography Lesson

After the travel restrictions and lockdowns of the past two years, people are yearning for new journeys. There is a renewed interest in locations and landscapes in every corner of the globe. “We have been reconsidering our connection to space and geography. Our in-house designers were encouraged to really dive into the psychology and look at how geography influences our emotional selves,” said Rachel Brand, design and media manager, Astek.

The result is Geographia, a stunning collection of wall murals. The line highlights the map medium as a tool for visual and conceptual exploration. Unlike traditional maps, these designs  are unexpected and artful interpretations of cartography. The final murals were created using digital and analog techniques, such as collage, painting, and weaving.

Megalopolis is an experimental rendition of a city map, collaged from different urban spaces and juxtaposed with photographic textures. The Cartogram pattern is less structured, hinting at a city grid with loose washes of color and gestural forms. With references to sky and sea,  Astrography features linework that calls to mind constellations or ocean tides.

Word Play

Vibrancy is key for all types of commercial interiors. “Our clients are asking for products with pops of color, and positive words or messages. They want something fun to add to their spaces,” noted Gretchen Roll, art director at 4walls. The company’s Level brand of digital wall murals are fully customizable, ideal for users who want to change color, graphics, or scale for each project.

From script styles to stamped-ink effects, it’s no surprise that designers are selecting options that include phrases or taglines. Communication and connection have become more important in the post-pandemic world, and the latest patterns reflect that. Depending on the substrate used, letters look sleek or textural — and one-of-a-kind.

Roll explained that street art designs are popular because specifiers want to bring that energy to every room. The Graffiti Brick pattern echoes urban scrawl, with spray paint-like drips and symbols. The Word Walls pattern in Sharpie has motivational lines, perfect for conference rooms or an education setting. Letterpress recalls the typesetter’s trade, with block characters and a patinated surface.