I’ve been wanting to cover something — anything really — in wallpaper for quite some time, but I’ve been too chicken to try it, afraid I’ll make a mess of everything. But there’s always something that puts a light under your butt to make you face your fears. In this case, that catalyst is the new Delight Wallpaper from Mod Green Pod. To be honest, I love all their wallpapers, but this new design is just ME.  It feels like exactly the type of pattern I’d spend months hunting for to complete a room. It comes in three fabulous color combos, shown in order above: water/peppercorn, butter/coffee and caramel/licorice.

And since vinyl is not welcome in my home, I’m ecstatic that all their wallpapers are hand-printed on FSC-certified paper. Seriously, I think I’ll start small with my adventures in wallpapering — like maybe on the drawers of an old dresser that needs refinishing, or for the top of a table that needs some TLC. The paper is too beautiful to put inside dresser drawers, but that would be a great use for it too.

I’m a repeat fabric customer with MGP, and something tells me I’ll be placing another order pretty soon. Now to find a coupon code…

Why It’s Green:

• Printed on FSC-certified paper (unlike most wallpapers that are printed on toxic vinyl)
• Printed by hand with water based inks and finished with a water-based glaze

Price: $75/roll

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Wow! New Delight Wallpaper from Mod Green Pod

I’m not afraid to admit that I’m an absolute sucker for beautiful wallpaper. Make it one-color wallpaper in a modern or abstract pattern and I’m easily sold. I haven’t gotten around to actually buying any of this wallpaper yet, mostly because of a fear I’ll completely ruin it when trying to install it. That, and as much as I like the concept, I haven’t been able to select a wall that I’d want to see completely covered in wallpaper. Nonetheless, this Shadows of the Paranormal Wallpaper by Pottok Prints is going on the short list of wallpapers I’d eventually love to try. Specifically, the black and white version. I love the abstract print, and the name gives you a clue into the whimsical nature of the pattern. From the product description:

The Paranormal Wallpaper follows a day in the life a friendly neighborhood creature. Sasquatch? Yeti? Who knows? He’s just going about his business, maybe looking for a friend to talk to, and reflecting on his humble life.

I think I’d probably start small, maybe using the wallpaper on a small section of the wall framed by painted black molding. Think a large-scale abstract art installation. Or if I ever get around to finding another beautiful piece of storage furniture to refurbish, perhaps I’d use it on the doors. I’d have to let my creative juices stew on that last idea for a long while before I’d actually try it.

There are still a few questions about the wallpaper though, like whether the price is per roll, double-roll or sheet, and what the dimensions of the paper are. And it is on the pricey side, particularly if you plan to wallpaper a large area. Still, it is stylish enough to make these questions totally worth asking.

Why It’s Green:

• Hand-silkscreened on untreated recycled paper
• Uses with water-based inks

Price: $140

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Is it a Yeti or a Ghost? Shadows of the Paranormal Wallpaper

I love versatile, artsy products, particularly those that can be mounted on a wall. Aside from the fact that bare walls are boring, wall art can be used to hide imperfections in your walls and create drama where there was none. If you’re lacking for a headboard and need to make one fairly inexpensively, wall art is a good place to start. Wall flats are Inhabit’s three-dimensional “wallpaper” panels that can be painted and positioned any way you see fit.

They recently introduced the Chrysalis and Architect series, and I love the abstract patterns. In particular, I love the way they look once the patterns are repeated, as shown in the photos. What’s great about these wall flats is that they are sold in sets of ten 18″ x 18″ panels. You can easily turn those panels into a headboard, or split them up and create multiple pieces of wall art for a room. $86 isn’t a bad price if you use them in these ways. If you want to cover a whole wall, Inhabit offers a convenient tile calculator to help you figure out how many you’ll need. And again, you can paint them, so if you don’t love the standard off-white color, you can literally make them look however you want them to look.

According to the installation instructions, they can be attached to the wall with foam or carpet tape. This is for temporary installations, but it gives you the flexibility to move them, or remove them altogether, when you see fit. For more permanent installations, you can also use contact cement or finishing nails. Add to all of that the fact that Inhabit’s wall flats were voted the Eco-friendly Product of the Year by Interior Design Magazine, and you’ve got some great green decor.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of 100% bamboo pulp
• Biodegradable
• No chemical fillers or additives

Price: $86 for a set of 10 (aff)

How I’ve Used it Myself:

My husband and I used the Seesaw wall flats to create a headboard in our master bedroom.

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Instant Headboard: Chrysalis & Architect Wall Flats by Inhabit

It’s been a while since I’ve found a new, awesome wallpaper. Wallpaper is on its way back, believe it or not, and there’s no reason eco-savvy home decorators have to be left out of the wallpaper wave.  If your memories of wallpaper involve hours spent with a sponge and a bucket filled with fabric softener and water, you may not be as quick to jump on the trend, but this pattern is so gorgeous, it just might change your mind.

Thanks to one of my favorite online eco-boutiques, Green with Glamour, I didn’t have to look far to find something green and…well…glamorous.  I am attracted to all things black and white, and this pretty paisley makes me love the color scheme even more.  Paisley is one of those patterns that you typically love or hate.  I love it in (very) small doses, like used to reface an old chest of drawers, but the idea of seeing it covering all the walls in a room makes me a bit claustrophobic. After all, too much of anything, no matter how beautiful, will change your mind, and fast.

But if you room is in need of a bit of depth or pattern to mix it up, consider adding a little bit of wallpaper. If you’re not feeling very adventurous, try using a square or rectangle of wallpaper hung centered behind a picture frame.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of recycled paper with vegetable dyes

Price: $80/roll

How do you feel about wallpaper? Green or not, is it a trend you’d want to try (or revisit) in your home?  If so, how and where would you use it? Leave a comment and let me know!

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Patterned Perfection: Black & White Paisley Wallpaper

I know, I know — I’m back on my wallpaper fetish again. But let’s be honest…isn’t this delicious?  Brown is by far my favorite color, with gray as a close second, and when paired with bright colors like orange and green, I just can’t resist.  Who makes this beautiful wallpaper, you ask.  Olli & Lime, in their own words:

Olli & Lime is about great design, without compromise. We produce children’s bedroom furnishings, yet we don’t let them conform to the ‘fluffy’ stereotype. We believe in high-quality manufacturing, while respecting the environment. We take all the usual steps; using recycled materials and recycling what we use, wherever possible.

I love designers who have an eye on the future, and I have to thank Tiny Décor for my discovery of this line. Although their line is technically for kids, I’d be happy to have an accent wall covered in their Carrie wallpaper (shoe print shown above) in a grown-up space as well. The wallpaper is printed in the UK, with heavy-duty paper from sustainable and certified sources.

Oh, and if you want those awesome matching pillows, get the carrie pillow and the billie pillow, both made of organic cotton.

Why It’s Green:

• Printed on heavy-duty paper from sustainable and certified sources
• Softgoods made of organic cotton
• Company as a whole is forward-thinking with green practices used throughout

Price: £40, or about $79

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For Kids, but Envied by Adults: Ollie & Lime Wallpaper

I’ve been really into wallpaper lately. In fact, a beautiful damask inspired the background of the GYD header and the gray page background. It has a way of creating drama in a space that can’t be matched by many other products or treatments. A lot of people think it went out with the 70’s — and they’re right. That gaudy, floral, monstrosity covering the walls of your grandmother’s bathroom has long been out of style. But when you have manufacturers like Graham & Brown creating beauties like this Alice Wallpaper, you have to stop and take notice.

This wallpaper was designed by Marcel Wanders, a man who is known for “rescuing design from itself.”  He has a knack for turning ordinary objects into extraordinary feats of design. The Alice Wallpaper is a great example of that. It has intricate, yet delicate detail that makes it practically irresistible. At least that’s what your walls are saying

Why It’s Green:

• Approximately 50% of this wallpaper is sourced from recycled material or from FSC-certified (Forestry Stewardship Council) managed forests. It’s not as green as we would like, but the beauty of this wallpaper prompted me to post it and recognize the effort by Graham & Brown to tread more lightly on the Earth.

Price: $75 (aff)

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Wonderful Walls: Alice Wallpaper by Graham & Brown

I like to think of my walls as a blank canvas on which to express my personality. And sometimes, personality can mean more than gorgeous shade of zero-VOC paint or non-toxic wallpaper. Sometimes personality needs to be expressed in a much bigger, bolder, in-your-face way. MyDigitalPrints has created an avenue to let you do that.

Give your kids’ rooms a whimsical makeover, or put your favorite scene from the tropics behind your bed. MyDigitalPrints can create a mural of any image in any size — and they’re green, too. Their products are printed using eco-solvent inks on non-woven wallpaper material made up of synthetic fibers, paper pulp and latex resin binder. As an added bonus, the paper blend is washable and breathable, so it prevents mold and mildew. Sizes start as small as 4’x’6’ to a panel as large as 12’x’11’.

I know that an afternoon spent putting up a giant wall mural doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun, but MyDigitalPrints assures you that they are easy to install, and easy to remove. That said, wouldn’t you love to wake up with a view of a beach in the Virgin Islands or a serene mountaintop?

And for those of you would would like to get a mural, but don’t have an idea what to do, I’m a graphic designer by trade, and I’d be happy to work with you on your custom mural design. Just check out my portfolio and contact me. 

Why It’s Green: 

• Products printed using eco-solvent inks.
• Use non-woven wallpaper material made up of synthetic fibers, paper pulp and latex resin binder. The paper blend is washable and breathable, so it prevents mold and mildew.
• Each product is custom printed, so there is no wasted inventory
• Company as a whole committed to being more environmentally friendly

Price: $185-665

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Larger than Life: Wall Murals by MyDigitalPrints

I posted a few weeks ago about going green in your home using vintage products and elements instead of buying new. Inke Heiland has taken that concept to a new, dynamic level. INKE vintage wallpaper kits are made from unique vintage wallpapers that are cut into wildlife silhouettes, leafy trees, chairs, lamps and other household objects. Put a lion or a giraffe on the wall of your child’s room for a touch of whimsy and imagination. Or if you’re like me and love graphic silhouettes, use it to give the walls in your own bedroom or your main living area a bold focal point. I personally love the tree silhouette, with several wallpaper patterns used for the leaves that create beautiful depth.

The age of the paper alone (many come from the 60s and 70s) give this product a stylish nostalgia that is hard to find in many products for the modern home. Because the papers are vintage, some are in limited supply, but there are lots of patterns to choose from. And all of the silhouettes are hand-crafted in INKE’s workshop, with care taken to cut your chosen silhouette masterfully. The ‘do-it-yourself wallpaper kit’ includes the silhouette you selected, wallpaper paste, a brush, and simple installation instructions. It may very well be the easiest wallpapering job you’ll ever do.

Why It’s Green:

• Uses vintage wallpapers
• Each piece is handcrafted

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Retro Stylish: INKE Vintage Wallpaper Kits

Talk about a way to spice up your boring walls!  Adding texture and dimension to your room is a great way to make it interesting, and this innovative product from Inhabit makes doing that quick and easy. The Shangri La Wall Flats essentially are embossed panels that you attach to your walls for instant texture. Leave it white if you love a clean look, or paint it to match the rest of your room.

They are designed to expand in any direction with an automatic pattern repeat, so you can put several of them together for a seamless look. If you have a wall that isn’t as smooth as you would like, or if you have outdated wood paneling or holes, this is a gorgeous way to glam it up. Rotate every other panel to make the look unique, or paint the panels in different colors. Use a single panel as a standalone piece of artwork, or group them to cover an entire wall. You can truly have fun customizing them to suit your taste, your mood, or your favorite designer room.

It’s an easy task that will have huge payoffs. Designers say all the time that paint is an easy way to change the look of a room. So can you imagine the difference these wall flats would make? And because they are made from bamboo pulp, they are easy on the environment.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of 100% molded bamboo paper pulp
• No chemical fillers or additives

Price: $86 (aff)

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Instant Interest: Shangri La Wall Flats by Inhabit

Wallpaper has definitely made a comeback in recent years, helped along by beautiful patterns like the one in this Rainforest Eco Wallpaper from Eco Centric. It is one in a series of wallpaper designs that are designed to highlight environmental issues. This design features a vibrant pattern in rich colors that are meant to “capture the essence of the Latin rainforest and emphasize the endangered agriculture.”

Why It’s Green:

• - A portion of the sale of these wallpapers will go to Friends of the Earth.
• - Printed on paper from 100% FSC timber sources using water-based inks, with no harmful VOCs or solvents.
• - Each roll is packaged in compostible materials made from corn.

Price: £29.95/roll, or about $58.50

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Rainforest Eco Wallpaper

Give your walls a little texture and character with this beautiful grasscloth wallpaper by Twenty2 Neptune. The paper reflects light, so it will give your flat walls a little dimension. Create your own island getaway, or use it as a natural complement to your ultra-modern decor. The grasscloth is made of hand-woven jute, a renewable resource, and the color is created with natural, nontoxic vegetable dye. It is available in seven colors clearly inspired by nature: blanche, natural, cacao, chanterelle, grenadine, neptune (shown above with chair) and chlorophyll (also shown above).

Price: $32/yard

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Grasscloth Wallpaper by Twenty2

It can be tough finding wallpaper that holds up to the scrutiny of the most environmentally-friendly decorator: there is production of the paper itself and the backing to consider, as well as the paintstaking and sometimes toxic task of putting it up. The “Eco-Wallpaper” collection from Charles Rupert does a good job of answering that challenge. These wallpapers are all printed on 100% paper base (not vinyl) and use water-based inks. The formaldehyde-free paper is produced from sustainable, managed forests, and the production process creates mostly benign byproducts such as water. Additionally, the inks and coatings are water-based with very low VOC levels. And for the final part of the wallpapering process, all wallpapers are installed with traditional wheat paste or cellulose paste, which are made from powder and mixed with water and produce no VOCs.

Since damask is so hot right now (and even inspired the Green Your Decor header), Charles Rupert’s St. James’s Damask in Terra Cotta and Bronze Green is shown above.

Price of the pattern shown above: $135 per 33′ (double) roll

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Charles Rupert Designs “Eco-Wallpaper”