When asked to describe her style, interior designer and Spoonflower artist Danika Herrick put it perfectly: “Imagine if Palm Beach and New England got hitched and had a chinoiserie baby.” Whether she’s working with clients to create a customized colorway for a powder room makeover or updating her shop with new takes on classic trends, this Boston-based artist has found the secret sauce to her business thanks to a “classic with a twist” aesthetic and eye for design. We sat down with Danika to get the scoop on why she’s loving wallpaper, the latest design trends for your home and how you can try out wallpaper in your space.
Why wallpaper?
I am a huge fan of wallpaper! I love its ability to add texture with pattern, and depending on the design you can create so many moods. With just a few strips of paper you can totally add so much personality to a space. I love Spoonflower because there are so many patterns to choose from, and if you can’t find what you are looking for you can just design it!
Where do your clients use wallpaper in their homes?
Bathrooms and powder rooms seems to be the most popular spaces. Their small sizes are more budget friendly, and for those new to using paper, it can be a more manageable way to try a look. It’s kind of the “gateway” room for wallpaper. I find clients are more willing to go a bit bolder in these spaces since they are rooms you don’t spend a lot of time in, and the visual impact is intensified since you are completely surrounded in pattern. They usually get hooked and want to paper more rooms. Other popular applications are inside the backs of bookcases, on the ceiling (the 5th wall of a room), bedrooms and laundry rooms.
What design themes are you seeing as trends for wallpaper?
Large scale has been having its moment…big and bold watercolors, large-and-in-charge abstracts, animal prints, and reinvented moody “not your Grandma’s” florals. Traditional patterns like chinoiserie and plaids or stripes never go out of style and are always popular. Their colors may change to keep them on trend, but they are classics.
When it comes to wallpaper in a bathroom, what should potential renovators keep in mind?
You can definitely put wallpaper in the bathroom, but just make sure it has good ventilation. Steam can loosen the adhesive over time, as well as contribute to mold. Use your vent when you shower! It will keep your wallpaper AND paint looking great.
What are some of the more interesting ways you’ve seen your designs used “out in the world”?
I have had some clients make requests for a pattern to be rescaled to be framed as artwork. It’s a great way to add color and texture to a wall while having the flexibility to change it out when the mood strikes. I also love when people add wallpaper to furniture. The Peel and Stick Removable Woven is great when applied to drawer fronts or inset on cabinet doors! Also, it looks great on a table or desk under a glass top.
Are you team Prepasted Removable Smooth or Peel and Stick Removable Woven?
For large rooms my favorite is the water-activated Prepasted Removable Smooth. It goes up so easy and it lets you move and slide it around on the wall to get your pattern to match up. It’s so forgiving and easy to use. I have been able to paper entire rooms by myself.
For DIY projects, I like the Peel and Stick Removable Woven for smaller applications like furniture or inside of bookcases. It is also great for the wall, but you need a buddy for hanging large areas. It is great for renters, since you can just peel it off when you need to and it doesn’t damage the wall.
Danika’s Favorite Design Trends
Featured Designs: Blue on White Leopard | Peony Branch Mural| Moody Midnight Floral| Blue Watercolor Herringbone
A gifted creative gal with boundless ideas She can make the ordinary look extrodinary
Is it ok to use Peel and Stick on slightly textured walls?? In Hawaii, it’s less common having smooth walls in homes.
Hi Kimberly,
Smooth walls will work best for the Peel and Stick Removable wallpaper. We always recommend starting with a 2’x1′ sample swatch to make sure the design and material will work well in your home. I hope that helps, but if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask!
I have been thinking of papering my backsplash. The sink is in the island, so no fear of water getting on the paper. However, the stove is on that wall. Suggestion, comments, ideas? Help! Been looking for a good solution it seems like forever!
Hi Dorothy,
We have lots of employees who have wallpapered backsplashes that are directly behind the stove and have not experienced issues! I hope that helps, but if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask!