Choosing the right wall decor is vital in any kind of property. It is an opportunity to add some colour and life to a space. At the same time, it can help with things like making spaces warmer, more welcoming, and better acoustically. As a top architect London clients can rely on, we can look at various options here. There is lots of choice and you can select the right one for each area in a property, whether it is a home, an office, a shop, or public space.

Flocks

One of the most interesting options is flock wallpaper. It has a very long history and was once the go to material for luxury, high end looks.

Flock papers first became available in the late 17th century. They were devised as an alternative to expensive wall hangings. In fact, the highest quality ones could look very close to the real thing.

This type of wallpaper is made with a powder of wool cloth waste. It would have a colourful paper with a raised, textile pattern. Manufacturers made this by using an adhesive to create the design and then applying the cloth powder. The end result would be a raised pattern with a texture. This could give the impression of velvet or silk.

The flocks were a popular choice because of the grand designs. While they were more expensive to buy than other types of wallpaper, they were cheaper than textile wall hangings. They also proved to be quite durable and long lasting. In fact, you can still see some examples from the 18th century.

In the 19th century flock papers were even higher quality and available in a wide array of patterns. For example there were classic formal styles such as floral designs as well as other options like Gothic or medieval motifs.

End of the popularity

Sadly flocks became less and less popular as that century wore on. By the end they were out of fashion. Amazingly though, there are still some styles available today. Mainly they are the paper of choice for galleries and historic restorations. There are also some that can be wonderful touches in contemporary buildings.

Consult a top architect in London

Coffey Architects is a team that knows about all the different options for wall decor. We have seen materials used in really impressive ways to ensure the property is comfortable and stylish. It is a good idea to look at as many of them as possible to see what will work for you. There is no need to stick to standard paint or wallpaper.

So, if you have a project in mind, whether a new build or a restoration, speak to us. We would be happy to help you with any aspect, including planning.