WALLPAPER TRANSFORMS ROOMS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE USING UNIQUE COLORS AND PATTERNS

Wallcoverings can transform a living space from a tropical rain forest to a Victorian tea room.

For desired effects whether dramatic or subtle, or anywhere in between, wallpaper often plays a role in the chosen decorating plan.

Wallpaper, said area homeowner Vicki Outman, "gives the room more interest with patterns and colors that you can't get with just paint."

Partial to designs with a country flair, Outman is immersed in a wallpapering plan of her own.

"We just bought this house two years ago," Outman explained. "It basically was solid white."

Like an artist with an untouched canvas, she's gone to work, creating her own ideas of home.

So far, four rooms have received some combination of wallpaper, wallpaper border and paint treatment, and she already has the wallpaper for her next project.

Selecting wallcoverings proves an interesting challenge but one that is made easier by coordinating color schemes.

"A lot of papers have more than one companion paper to go with them, such as a companion print or a stripe or floral, so that there will be several options," explained Wendy Hayes, sales manager at Wallpaper For Less.

"Displays help a tremendous amount," in helping the customer see how the papers work together, Hayes noted. "What is fun, though, is to mix and match."

And there are plenty of colors and patterns from which to chose. Though available colors and patterns vary widely, there are parallels between color trends in fashions and in home furnishings, an interior designer with Rust & Martin Inc. said.

For instance, "Greens are going to more yellow greens from blue greens," he said. "Everything is getting a shot of yellow to it."

Wallpapers with a nostalgic feel are among recent trends, according to Jackie Romann, interior designer at MAB Paints and Wallcoverings. Some new wallpaper books feature designs specific to the 1950s.

On the other hand, she said, "We're getting a lot of books with nature scenes and rustic-looking things."

Fruit patterns, along with several sizes of prints, are among current favorites, several local designers said.

While trends may impact wallpaper choice, the deciding factor should be personal taste, Outman said.

"Choose what you really like," advised Sherry Patrick, a partner in Cameo Paper Hangers. She and Tanya Davis started their local paper hanging business some eight years ago.

"Wallpaper warms the room and turns the house into a home," Patrick said. "It's satisfying to turn ordinary rooms into something beautiful."

Since most people leave their wallpaper up at least five to eight years, it's important to be comfortable with the design, she added.

Stripes are among the many designs with timeless appeal.

"The stripes work real well if you have a low ceiling," said Rosa White, sales clerk with Cape Color World Inc. "They visually bring the ceiling up a little."

But, she added, "You want to be careful with the stripes, that your walls and corners are straight."

Some people choose to have their wallpaper hung by experts to ensure the patterns are straight, while others, like Outman, tackle the project themselves.

"Most wallpaper comes with directions, which you really have to follow," Outman said.

Preparation before the paper is cut is just as important as the hanging of the paper, Patrick said. Plus, it's always a good idea to inspect the paper before cutting.

Novice paper hangers are well advised to start with a simple room with no cabinets, or with a hallway.

"Kitchens and bathrooms are the hardest, because you have so many things to cut around," Outman said.

Many books, brochures and even videos teach the art of hanging wallpaper. The project shouldn't be rushed, especially when learning the do's and don'ts.

"Take plenty of time to match your pattern before you cut," Outman said.

Patrick advises removing any old paper before putting up new wallpaper.

"At one time you didn't have to remove old paper, because old paper wasn't vinyl coated, but it is now," Patrick said. "Vinyl doesn't want to stick to vinyl."

Removing the old paper also eliminates the possibility of seeing the old seams underneath.

Some of the most popular papers are pre-pasted and either vinyl or vinyl-coated. Many can be washed and easily removed. Costs of wallpaper vary as much as the styles.

And wallpaper isn't relegated to smooth walls anymore.

"There are products on the market now that help with covering your paneling and textured walls," Hayes said.

Wallpaper is much better and easier to use than it once was, Outman said.

"Now, it's so easy, I think anybody who tried on an easy room first could do it in nothing flat," she said.

Tips for selecting wallpaper

-- Consider washable, grease or water-resistant papers for high-traffic areas.

-- Horizontal patterns make a narrow room look wider; vertical patterns make a ceiling look higher.

-- Dark colors make a room look smaller, while lighter ones make a room look larger.

-- Reds, yellows and oranges make rooms seem warmer; blues and greens tend to cool rooms.

-- Large, elaborate patterns can be more difficult to match at seams.

-- Most patterns fall into two categories: straight match and drop match. A typical straight pattern repeats horizontally across each sheet. A typical drop pattern repeats diagonally across each sheet.

From "All Thumbs Guide to Painting, Wallpapering, and Stenciling," by Robert W. Wood.