Brighten up your rooms with colourful and innovative wallpapers. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, April 3: Stylish and attractive wallpapers have been an important décor accessory for homes in the West for a long time, but their presence in Indian bedrooms, especially here in the capital, is relatively new.

However, latest trends reveal that more and more residents here are bidding farewell to the boring pastel wall paints and are opting for a backdrop of multi-hued combinations that is offbeat and catchy.

City-residents are going great lengths to revamp their interiors with designer wallpapers making single-coloured interior walls a thing of the past. Most of them are not afraid to experiment with their choices. While some are expressing their personalities through their choice of wallpapers, others are thinking out-of-the-box and trying something bold.

“People are gradually realising that walls are as important as furniture and other decorative items in a house. If a wall looks dull, the entire house looks bland. Wallpapers help to make interiors look lively,” said Aditya Agarwal of a prominent furnishings store in Saheed Nagar.

A big blooming flower tearing its way through the drawing room ceilings or an abstract multi-coloured work of art right behind the pastel sofa set or even random geometrical shapes adorning the kids’ room are some of the designs people are opting for.

Even a couple of years ago, wallpapers were restricted to the four walls of a plush hotel room. But now that people here have realised the magical effects of these wallpapers, they are making a beeline for those.

A bright patch of vibrant floral paint in one of the deserted nooks of the house can immediately brighten up the space. To give a more sophisticated look to the kitchen, spruce it with funky fruity designs of wallpaper.

Depending on individual’s taste, one can choose wallpapers with a metallic or velvety finish. Stone-studded and thread work on wallpapers are also available in the markets of the capital. However, these sheets of paper can soon turn soggy if not taken care of properly. Clean them with dry cloth or else there are chances of them tearing.

“One should also match the wallpapers with the floor colour or furniture in the room,” said Aditya.

The prices of these wallpapers begin from Rs 55 per square feet onwards.

“I have recently attached a bright wallpaper in my kitchen. It has made my 20-year-old kitchen lively. Suddenly it looks new and inviting. But I am extra careful with the usage of water,” said Sushasini Bal, a homemaker.