Wall Covering Can Create Special Decorating Effects : Home Improvement

An illusory library. Marble looks. Decorators always have been able to achieve special effects--at decorators’ prices.

Now these effects can be achieved through wall coverings, in Mary Gilliatt’s Faux Finish Background and Borders, a collection cooperatively produced by the British interior designer and writer and Sandpiper Studios.

“The ‘90s will be a period of rich decoration, ornamentation, opulence and fine detail. Faux finishes and trompe l’oeil are lovely techniques that have moved out of the magazines into people’s homes,” Gilliatt said.

One of the trompe l’oeil (“fool the eye”) wallpapers looks like a classical library with leather-bound books. The faux finishes also emulate marble and other textures.

“Although many people have become adept at creating painted faux finishes on their walls--such as marbleizing, rag rolling or sponging--for most, achieving professional results is beyond their time or abilities,” says Richard Felber, who heads Sandpiper. The new wallpapers make it possible to achieve the same effect with ease and affordability, he says.

Other trends noted by Felber are pattern mixes and inspirational themes, both covered in his company’s collections. Victorian-style stripes intertwined with flowers, paisleys and damasks feature in the Camden Passage collection.

“The more-is-more look is here to stay, be it with Victoriana, English Country or Old European looks.”

Sandpiper’s Bless This House collection includes papers that have borders with Biblical quotations and other messages of love and friendship, incorporated in traditional designs.