Design Inspiration For 2020

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

With the New Year approaching let's talk about a New Year's resolution that includes a fresh updated design for your home!  Design trends for 2020 will consist of brighter, bolder color with a shift from grey tones to warmer earth tones paired with lively greens.  Wallpaper trends for 2020 will include an array of botanical and floral designs moving in a direction that makes a statement instead of the past muted tones that fade into the background.

Geometric and metallic wallpapers have been increasing in popularity and will continue throughout the New Year.  And let's not forget about the fifth wall in your home.  A papered ceiling can add a fantastic appearance to your interior design scheme that can pull a room together creating amazing balance and harmony.

And as I always say folks, "Don't be afraid to decorate!"

Nouveaux Mondes Collection by Christian Lacroix

Ardennes Collection by Pacific Designs

                                             

Ardennes collection by Pacific Designs

                                             

From all of us at The Four Walls, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year!

Best Always,

Robin

Things Are What They "Seam"

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

We have recently completed an exciting textural wallpaper project in downtown Boston with a designer collection grasscloth, and a hand painted linen/grass cloth called Sandia by Thibaut.  Our client was looking for a contemporary textural wallpaper that would not be too overwhelming, and would open up the space.  These papers were installed in both the living room, dinning room, hallways and lastly the master bedroom.  Our goal was to create versatility for our client, so that she may finish decorating her home using her own personal touches.  These textile wallcoverings have no design restrictions because they will accommodate busy fabrics, heavily printed rugs and intense artwork. 

An important feature to consider when using an organic textile wallcovering, is the fact that, because it is a natural fiber there will be seams,  creating a paneling effect adding to the beauty that is inherent in these wallcoverings.  In order to appreciate the look of grasscloth, one needs to embrace its natural imperfections, and savor the unique beauty it creates as it compliments your home.

And as I always say folks, "Don't be afraid to decorate!"


Best Always,

Robin

Wallpaper Update... Simple Yet Stunning!

Welcome back Blog Readers,

My design associate Diana and I have been noticing lately that our industry has been producing an abundance of stunning textural wallcoverings.  Vinyl coated simple tonal textures as well as layered geometrics with texture overlays will compliment almost any room decor.  We have received many requests from our Four Walls clients for textural wall papers.

With numerous new residential construction in downtown Boston, where clients have not yet chosen their furniture and window decor, these textural wall coverings make putting a room together totally seamless!  They are plain, simple and elegant and just add, as I like to refer to "the appearance of two steps above a painted wall!"  "A something ... but a nothing!"

So as I always say folks, "Don't be afraid to decorate"

Best always,

Robin

Design Inspiration for kids

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

September is a time for getting back into a comfortable routine, especially for those with children.  Starting the new school year is a great time to transform your children's spaces to evolve along with them.  Maybe your son or daughter is transitioning to a new school or has simply made a lot of growth over the summer and is ready for a new look that reflects new tastes and interests.

Whether it is a specific color, pattern or imagery they desire or a more sophisticated look, we can help you put the perfect touches on any room in your home to meet your child's needs. Lets give new life to that bedroom, playroom, or game room and while you're at it maybe something new and interesting for yourself.  So stop by the Four Walls to explore our new collections!

 As I always say folks "Don't be afraid to decorate"

Best,

Robin

Designing With Nature

Welcome back blog readers, 

We hope you all have been enjoying your summer, whether you have been traveling, have thoughts of future travel, or have just enjoyed the outdoors close to home.  Exterior environments can inspire design that can create an escape from life's stresses, and can bring you to a place of  joy.  Whether it be tranquil, whimsical, or simply elegant, there are many ways to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. 

Maybe you have a favorite spot to watch a sunset, walk in the park, enjoy an ocean view, spend a day on a sailboat or take a walk in the woods.  Whatever your interest, there is a way to transform your outdoor experience into your indoor space!  At The Four Walls we have a collection of wallpapers that will evoke a mood that will transport you to that special place within your mind.

As I always say folks, "Don't be afraid to decorate!"

Best,

Robin

Robin's July 2019 Wallpaper Spotlight

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Summer is well underway and I hope you all are enjoying the fantastic weather. On a design note, The Four Walls has just received an amazing collection from one of my favorite designers, Carl Robinson. Carl Robinson has worked in the wallpaper and interior design industry for over 30 years, side by side with his father and grandfather in the UK. His collections represent the legacy of his family.

His new collection, Volume 16 Raffles, incorporates older patterns with unique color palettes. This new collection has various designs, screen printed over textile strings, with a very forward-thinking concept. The collection includes damasks and soft geometrics that blends very well with any style choice, and utilizes color palettes including soft blues, seafoam green, plum, greys, and terracotta.

Get a jumpstart on your home redesign and stop by and view Carl Robinson’s newest collection that will give your home a classic and timeless feel. And, as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

Carl Robinson, Volume 16 Raffles, Distributed by Wallquest

Carl Robinson, Volume 16 Raffles, Distributed by Wallquest

Carl Robinson, Volume 16 Raffles, Distributed by Wallquest

Carl Robinson, Volume 16 Raffles, Distributed by Wallquest

LET'S MOVE ON!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Moving into a new home is a chaotic and stressful situation at the best of times. Going through this experience myself right now, I’ve developed some useful tips to ease the transition that will help make your new house feel like home right away.

First, if you can’t get into your new home purchase right away, use the limited time that you’re allowed to measure the space of each room. This will give you a sense of what furniture you can bring with you and what you will need to purchase. Obtaining the room measurements will also help you decide which rooms you’re going to paint and which you’re to wallpaper. This will allow you to better focus on which rooms will be plain and which ones will make use of color and print.

Another important element is flooring. You want a uniform look, so if much of the new home is hardwood and there is carpeting over the hardwood, naturally you want to tear it up! Also keep in mind the overall look of the flooring, jumping from tile to hardwood to carpeting; this will make the house look smaller and more divided.

In relation to my forte, which as you all know is wallpaper, do not forget that the use of wallpaper can make, for example, an ugly tiled or marbled powder room more enhanced, because the correct choice of wallpaper can take your eye away from a previous owner’s bad design decision. This concept also holds true in any area of the home.

In summary, these three simple tips will help keep you focused on the important aspects of what design decisions will follow. So stay tuned folks for more moving advice!

And, as I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best always,

Robin

SPRING WALLCOVERINGS WITH JACLYN SMITH AND VERN YIP

 Welcome Back Blog Readers,

I’d like to announce that The Four Walls just received two new exciting spring collections. One from Vern Yip, a very talented and highly regarded interior designer. His new collection for Trend encompasses both traditional panels along with very contemporary florals and geometrics. The wide scope of this collection in one volume impresses me because of its vast color range, and can be incorporated in a wide variety of design styles, and at the same time cater to a vast range of people.

The second collection for Trend is ‘Home’ by Jaclyn Smith; best known as an American actress and business woman. This collection starts with a tropical overtone with large palm fronds and then heads into soft geometrics and textures. This collection has very quiet and tasteful hues. It is very versatile without being overwhelming.

With these new additions to my array of wallpaper selections, you will no doubt find something new. Stop by to take a peek in person and start reimagining your home.

And, as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

Hit the Ceiling!

Let’s Hit the Ceiling

Welcome back blog readers,

Interior designers know the ceiling is the fifth wall of a room. When painting a room a neutral color is generally used on the ceiling.  However, wallpaper is a better option.  Let’s make your home a contemporary Sistine Chapel.  Nothing is more exciting than a wall papered ceiling.

One example of this design concept is a geometric pattern which gives the ceiling interest without making the room too busy.  Another example is a trompe l’oeil of clouds, or stars on the ceiling. 

Talk about finishing a room! Take a new approach and hit the ceiling - the only way is up!

And as I always say folks, "don't be afraid to decorate."

Best always,

Robin

 Picture courtesy of MyDomaine

Picture courtesy of The Four Walls

Picture courtesy of arch-and-home.fr

FLOWERS FOR SPRING - FLEURS POUR LE PRINTEMPS

Hello Blog readers,

The Four Walls just received the new wallpaper collection from  Designer’s Guild, “Flowers 1, The Edit…”  This fantastic collection could not have come at a more opportune time.  Winter you are over!  Your home is your sanctuary, and flowers have always had the immediate effect of lifting our spirits.  They bring the blossoming spring exterior into our homes.  Flowers symbolize beauty and positivity. 

This collection of beautiful painterly florals and simple stencil designs enhance our romantic side.  There are impressionistic style floral wallpapers within this collection worthy of a museum!


So, as I always say folks, "don't be afraid to
decorate" and lastly don't be afraid of large
scale flowers!  Stop by The Four Walls and let us help create your new spring makeover.

Best always, 

Robin

All photos courtesy of Designer’s Guild

GETTING READY FOR SPRING!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

It’s that time of year again for the annual “Spring Clean.” The idea sounds so wonderful, but once we get started it becomes more of a chore. And if we haven’t done it in several years, it can become so overwhelming that we stop even before we get started with the best intentions. In the words of the esteemed Marie Kwando of the Netflix series Tidying Up, keep only what “brings you joy.”

When decorating your home, we often find ourselves making space for things to display just because we have them. Start by taking your decorative items off the shelves. Put them on a big table and shop through them as if you are in a store.

One thing that sparks joy for a new look is wallpaper and fabric; it brings a smile to our faces! Select something timeless, but that doesn’t mean it has to be traditional. One of our favorite things to do at The Four Walls is to select a Spring/Summer and a Fall/Winter wallpapers and fabrics for our clients. We reupholster furniture and select assorted fabrics that can easily be changed to suit both cold and warm seasons. Of course, we ensure they will coordinate with your decor! This small design 'tweak' will create such excitement as we change seasons.

Spring is almost upon us – Come in! We are happy to explore these options with you. And, as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin and Jeralyn, my design associate

Photo provided by The Four Walls

Photo provided by Designers Guild

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

The Four Walls is currently receiving numerous collections of wallcoverings for the Spring 2019 launch. It’s very exciting to see that 2019 brings with it bold wallcovering patterns. While I’m not putting down stunning texture, it’s nice to see this new introduction into the wallpaper industry. This concept is fantastic for accent walls when you want to make a room sing. There’s no need to worry about fabrics or artwork, when the wallpaper has it all rolled into one.

One of my favorites so far is Pierre Frey’s Double-Jeux collection; it is all vinyl with the most fabulous collaborations of colors and prints. There’s also Christian Lacroix’s Nouveaux Mondes wallcovering collection, from Designers Guild, which features large scale florals, exotic butterfly prints, and various specialty wallpaper.

Lastly, there’s Romo. The collection is part of the Black Edition, titled Herbaria Wallcoverings. It showcases a wallcovering that will be installed in one of my clients’ homes in Boston in a master bedroom as an accent wall.

So go Bold and Beautiful! And as I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

The Softer Side of Winter

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and an exciting New Years!

This is the time in the wallcovering industry when new collections for the upcoming year are previewed. The colors for this winter season I have noticed are more subtle than ever before. Not only with the coloration of the wallpapers, but in their prints as well. There’s been a huge emphasis on taupe, gray-blue, off-white, and pearl grey. Not only has this color scheme evolved in the wallcovering industry, I’ve noticed it as well in the coordination of fabrics.

Everywhere I look in commercial spaces, I notice this color palette being used. I find it very sophisticated and easy to live with. I’ve noticed this color change evolved after the use of grey and white in wallcoverings and fabrics. Because, it might seem, in my professional opinion, that wallcovering and fabric designers have looked for a softer and more sophisticated style. There’s been a big increase in the use of soft velvets, chenille fabric, and light linens for window treatments. This specific use of color, I personally feel, is very restful and soothing.

My favorite example of this new color palette trend is with one of my favorite designers, Antonina Vella, who just came out with a collection called Natural Opalescence, represented by York Wallcovering. Another favorite is Makato from the Floris collection by Romo Wallcovering.

So stop by to start off 2019 to express your softer side of winter for your home.

And, as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin