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Turn a Wall into a Window with the Magic of Scenic Wallpaper
Bring the outdoors inside with a classic design element equally at home in traditional and modern décor
Nothing says luxury, at least to me, like wallpaper. The textures and the permanence suggest a sense of place; if you're installing beautiful, expensive wallpaper, chances are you're staying put for a while! There are tons of lovely wallpapers on the market: graphic prints, flocked florals, intricate sketches, painterly splotches and neutral naturals. One exquisite category that I sense is making a little comeback is scenic wallpaper.
First created in England and France in the 1700s, scenic wallpapers display impressive panoramas or landscapes inspired by travels. Originally, scenes and themes were transferred from paintings to wallpaper for an affordable alternative to tapestries or hand-painted frescoes. And though originally created to quell a longing to travel, they subsequently inspired it.
Then and now, panoramic landscapes depicting narrative scenes in the form of scenic wallpaper also introduce a romantic, mythological quality to spaces while breaking down traditional barriers between interior and exterior. While often applied to traditional spaces, they work beautifully in modern homes as well. If hand-painted scenics are out of your price range (they're certainly out of my price range!) or you're looking for something a little more "today," there are a range of other options for you that take their inspiration from the scenics, but won't break the bank.
First created in England and France in the 1700s, scenic wallpapers display impressive panoramas or landscapes inspired by travels. Originally, scenes and themes were transferred from paintings to wallpaper for an affordable alternative to tapestries or hand-painted frescoes. And though originally created to quell a longing to travel, they subsequently inspired it.
Then and now, panoramic landscapes depicting narrative scenes in the form of scenic wallpaper also introduce a romantic, mythological quality to spaces while breaking down traditional barriers between interior and exterior. While often applied to traditional spaces, they work beautifully in modern homes as well. If hand-painted scenics are out of your price range (they're certainly out of my price range!) or you're looking for something a little more "today," there are a range of other options for you that take their inspiration from the scenics, but won't break the bank.
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Gracie has a full spectrum of designs. I love this muted, foggy harbor scene.
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With a very different feel than the image above, this full-color scenic is full of depth.
by de Gournay
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Traditionally, deGournay has specialized in 18th-century chinoiserie and 19th-century French designs, but the company will work with clients to create a one-of-a-kind scenic that works with specific site requirements. Again, these aren't for those on a budget, but if you can afford it, they are well worth the investment. Places like Second Hand Rose in New York sell vintage paper, so you might be able to find a beautiful remnant for a song.
by de Gournay
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This scenic paper from deGournay really enlivens a little nook, transporting the onlooker to another land. Sitting in the chair, alternating between gazing out the window and pondering the wallpaper, I could get seriously inspired in this space. Prices are similar to Gracie.
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This mural seems to me a modernized version of a deGournay paper. The colors are similar, just a little brighter and freer. If you're a talented DIY-er (or know someone who is), taking inspiration from a traditional scenic wallpaper and creating a custom mural will no doubt result in a wonderfully unique design.
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Elizabeth Dinkel's design shows how well a traditional chinoiserie pairs with graphic elements, like this black-and-white marble floor pattern. For similar designs, check out U.K.-based Fromental.
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Here, a similar chinoiserie design is applied in a decidedly modern dining room. The contrast makes the room feel timeless—you can't necessarily place it in a period, which means it will probably look as good in 50 years as it does now.
by Amy Jesaitis
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This particular example is actually a mural painted directly onto the wall and door, but it was inspired by historic Zuber scenic wallpapers and completely captures the essence of the traditional panoramic narrative papers while beautifully obscuring a doorway. Concealing a door when applying a scenic is typical, creating an element of surprise while still allowing the design to play out uninterrupted.
by Vertigo Home
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There are a host of customizable wallpapers that aren't hand-painted, which make them far more affordable and accessible. Not exactly "scenic," but most certainly tromp l'oeil, this collection from Cole and Son will help mask the fact that your book collection isn't ready for display. And because it isn't hand-painted, the costs run a lot lower (although Cole and Son is not exactly known as a bargain-basement supplier). This one is $250 per roll.
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| Again, wallpaper that is not technically scenic but is wonderfully muralistic, by English artist Deborah Bowness. The homeowner had it custom-tinted. You can see this design and other intriguing wallpapers on Bowness' website. |
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I do love a good cityscape. If you like the idea of a scenic-style wallpaper in your home but find the classic designs feel too traditional, a cityscape is a wonderful alternative. Use it on just one wall as an accent or apply it on four walls to make it feel like you're always on a rooftop terrace. Either way, you'll inspire a feeling of verticality with your glittery metropolis.
by Anthropologie
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Another take on the cityscape: an illustrative narrative. C'est magnifique, indeed! Peter Fasano also has a great map-scene wallpaper.
by Vertigo Home
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Vertigo Home's very fresh take on scenic wallpaper with a lovely illustrative twist is a must.
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| I don't know about you, but I consider map wallpaper to be fairly scenic. It has a narrative and evokes thoughts of travel and wonderment. I can justify anything! |
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This watery map scene is perfect for a little powder room.
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Afraid a wallpaper will just peel off in a bathroom? A "scenic" stone is a wonderful alternative. Quartzite Aurora is a subcategory of Blue Macaubas, a quartzite from Brazil. It is practically indestructible.
More: Browse wallpaper patterns in the Houzz Products section
More: Browse wallpaper patterns in the Houzz Products section
Comments
zealart the first one looks amazing
19 months ago · Like
storklady beautiful. Thanks.
19 months ago · Like
dmcw It's great to see such cool ideas. I hope I can install some of these.
19 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings Great examples! I have some of these in my archives. The first one reminds me of another recent project Casart coverings did for Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke using one of their own collected prints and turning it into wallcovering that is removable and reusable. I paint murals but anything can become a mural this way. What about a scenic map for your ceiling - your fifth wall? 
19 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Oct. 11, 2012.
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