Wallpaper

If a patterned paper scares you, go with something that's much smaller, tighter or quieter in color. If you still have concerns, maybe a patterned paper isn't right so try textured wallpaper like woven raffia or rice paper instead. These papers merely create a background so the interest in a room is then based on other elements.

Contemporary artists are creating works-of-art wallpaper with bright geometric patterns, mammoth-sized ants, even thousands of big round eyes staring out at you.

With thousands of wallpaper patterns, it can be hard to pick the right one so Chuck Soldano gives tips on how to choose the perfect paper:

• The best way to pick wallpaper is to decide where it's going first, and then factor in the durability. A fragile paper could work in a master bedroom, but not in a kid's bathroom or a back hall.

• Wallpaper comes with a variety of price tags and ranges from about $12 up to $200 per roll depending on what the wallpaper is. More involved textures or natural products that have been backed with paper for hanging tend to be far more expensive and are best hung by a professional.

• If you like the natural look, but you're on a budget, check out the fabulous new vinyl papers available. They look like the real thing at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl is easier to hang and will last much longer than a natural product.

• The best way to know how much paper to order is to ask the sales representative. They know their product and how it measures. Also, it doesn't hurt to order extra just in case.

• Finally, if you love a wallpaper but aren't ready to redo a whole room, try buying a sheet and framing it for an easy way to get the look you love.

Guests
Chuck Soldano, Owner
Work in Progress
1135 Pine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-925-9675

Francine Tibbets
Atlas Wallpaper and Paint Company
1617 W. Route 70
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Phone: 856-665-4010

Doug Bohr
Director of Public Relations, The Fabric Workshop and Museum
1315 Cherry St 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-568-1111
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-312
•	Silk
•	Mattresses
•	Wallpaper
•	Favorite Fountains From the New York City Gift Show