Understated Texture: Grasscloth in the Home
Amp Up a Room's Mood With the Organic Look of Woven Wallcoverings
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
If your space is feeling a little two-dimensional, it’s possible you’re lacking a key element: texture. Like color and variation, texture amps a room’s visual appeal; without it, spaces go flat. Graphic patterns, animal prints and layering techniques are great solves, but if those aren’t hitting the mark, consider a different path: grasscloth. Made of loosely woven fibers, it’s a natural product that will inject just the right dose of texture in an organic yet sophisticated fashion. Still not sure? The following shots may change your mind...
by Craig Denis
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Let’s kick this off with a bang. Simply because you already have sisal carpeting, zebra print upholstery and a wooden element doesn’t mean you can’t amplify the textural appeal with grasscloth wallpaper. The beauty of grasscloth is that it’s understated, so the look feels balanced, not overwhelming.
|
by betsy burnham
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Grasscloth may have a neutral look, but it doesn't mean the entire room has to follow suit. Bold accessories and bright colors will sing against the textured neutrality of grasscloth.
Design tip: When wallpapering with grasscloth, allow at least twice as much time than other papers. Because it’s a natural product, every panel of grasscloth is unique, meaning the seams are a little trickier to hide. Be sure to take your time! |
Always take into consideration everything the eye can see from each space. Though the stairs are in a separate room, they’re in clear sight when you’re relaxing in this seating area. By papering them in grasscloth, onlookers won’t feel bored with the view.
Design tip: In high traffic spaces such as entry or hallways, apply clear strips at the outside corners of the walls to keep grasscloth from fraying.
Design tip: In high traffic spaces such as entry or hallways, apply clear strips at the outside corners of the walls to keep grasscloth from fraying.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Have a dining set with an organic feel? Enhance its natural appeal and texture with grasscloth wallpaper to give the room a very indoor-outdoor vibe.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Starting to think that grasscloth is only available in neutrals? Think again: this coral shade pops against the organic nature of these furnishings.
Design tip: If you already have a neutral grasscloth on your walls and want a pop of color, feel free to paint it! Before doing so, simply be sure the wallpaper is securely adhered to the walls, is adequately cleaned and prepped, and that the surface dries completely between coats.
Design tip: If you already have a neutral grasscloth on your walls and want a pop of color, feel free to paint it! Before doing so, simply be sure the wallpaper is securely adhered to the walls, is adequately cleaned and prepped, and that the surface dries completely between coats.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| If grasscloth wallpaper feels like too much of a commitment, add it in panels. Frame them with molding to make them feel like standalone pieces. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
As if grasscloth isn’t texturized enough in its natural form, think grasscloth with a pattern. I love how this grasscloth is mixed with an elegant pattern – very unexpected.
Design tip: grasscloth is a great solution for walls that may be bumpy or in poor shape. The texture of the paper will likely disguise any distortion.
Design tip: grasscloth is a great solution for walls that may be bumpy or in poor shape. The texture of the paper will likely disguise any distortion.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Like headboards, closet doors are another spot to sneak in some visual interest. Paired with the sea green paint, this hallway feels very coastal to me.
by MW Interiors
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Add variation by papering only one wall in a room.
Design tip: When papering with grasscloth, always be sure to use a sharp blade when cutting panels or trimming edges. Dull blades may cause the individual fibers to pull out or tear, leaving a messy edge.
Design tip: When papering with grasscloth, always be sure to use a sharp blade when cutting panels or trimming edges. Dull blades may cause the individual fibers to pull out or tear, leaving a messy edge.
by Amy Lau Design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
I love the harmony of this room; natural wood table, grasscloth walls, driftwood lamp, contemporary banquette and great pops of color. With all the texture from the wallpaper, table, lamp and flowers, the floors can get away with remaining simple.
Design tip: Blot stains on grasscloth with dry paper towel. Never wipe with a wet sponge or use standard cleaner; it can damage the grasscloth’s natural sheen.
Design tip: Blot stains on grasscloth with dry paper towel. Never wipe with a wet sponge or use standard cleaner; it can damage the grasscloth’s natural sheen.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Looking for an easy way to display artwork and notes but not feeling the typical bulletin board? Find an interesting frame (even an inexpensive one at a flea market) and frame a piece of grasscloth for a functional, colorful, texture-filled display! |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
With grasscloth this chic on the walls, there’s no need for much else!
More: Browse wallcovering products
More: Browse wallcovering products
Ideabook published on May 6, 2011.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
I just finished a client's project - using grasscloth in the entrance hall (one wall only)
and repeating the grasscloth on the opposite wall on the staircase - it looks amazing and my client is absolutely thrilled with the results!
A dull, boring space, transformed with texture and interest....