Granny wallpaper: Bring it on
In case you have not figured this out, I derive immense joy at thumbing my nose at reigning mass-market stylistas. If it’s “out” — I ask, “says who?” — and declare it “in.” Today: I declare that these novelty wallpapers are the cat’s pajamas.
Detail of “Trailways.”
This one is absolutely classic. It gets an exclamation point!
These are all current day wallpapers. They are $40-$50 per double role at the discount online place. The ones that are black and white are from a collection called Designing in Black and White, here is the link to this collection on American Blinds and Wallpaper.
To see the names/collections, just scroll your mouse over them and the name will pop up in “alt text”. The papers here with color are from a collection called ‘Echo A Collectors Home’ – here is the link on American Blinds and Wallpaper.
I think these wallpapers would be perfect for a powder room, in particular…
…In your powder room, your guests would see them and really wonder whether you were insane. They would say to their significant other afterward, “Did you SEE that bathroom wallpaper?,” squinting confusedly.
This one would be good for the kitchen, of course — or for the basement if you have a retro soda shop going on.
P.S. While I was on my dreadmill today, watching that decorating network, I saw a stylista declare: “Oh, yes, white appliances are in again. It’s not just about stainless steel anymore.” Is that enough said, or do I need to do more to convince you to choose your own path. Which also means: Take every single thing I say with a honkin’ big grain of salt, too. 
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I LOVE the last wall paper!!!! with the black white and grey, it sort of looks like old movie posters…. and I have a DEEP romance with blakc and white movies haha
Great post Pam!
Those are all so cool! My dad tells of having breakfast at his grandparents. They papered their walls with newspaper, real newspaper. They would change it whenever it got too yellow or tattered looking. Dad said he always sat at the kitchen table and ate his pancakes reading the sports page. This would have been in the late 1920s, little tiny three room house in Indian country, UP Michigan.
I LOVE the diner and “The Tenant” wall paper! And I have a finished basement in our new-to-us 1957 modern house that I have absolutely no idea what to do with! You’ve got me thinking some wacky thoughts of retro soda fountain or movie theater (especially as this will eventually be the family room… but it will also be the guest quarters, and I’m sure our guests would think we were completely crackers when they saw that they’ll be sleeping in a retro-movie-theater themed room….) Thanks for the inspiration!
mmmm…salt.
that sheet music wallpaper is JUST what we’re looking for to put in our soon to be born daughter Zappa’s nursery!
No salt, Pam, just lots of sugar!!!! You are so spot on about choosing your own path!
I adore the Trailways wallpaper and the last example with the film noir theme. Thank you for posting this, and for your always fabulous blog!