The open-weave jute stinks. Literally. Thanks to the readers who alerted me to the concern, because of my many varied and obscure talents, sniffing ain’t one. I painted the ceiling of my Mahalo Lounge a beige, just to be able to see the room. But I can’t have just paint up there. Epic is a requirement. So following are my four wallpaper finalists. Which one would you choose? Which one should I choose?
#1: Vintage “Moby Dick” from Hannah’s Treasures:
Above: A vintage rope-trellis wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures — a pattern named “Moby Dick” from “The Twigs” collection, it says along the edge. The field is a bit darker than I would like, which will darken the room, but I think I could address the issue with lighting design. Heck, tiki bars are supposed to be dark and mysterious. On the plus side: I really do like those ropes — they are whimsical, and the ‘trellis’ effect mimics the trellis in the dining room ceiling wallpaper.
I love the name, too, since Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick in a cottage just 4.9 miles from my house. This paper is not shown on Hannah’s Treasure’s website — owner Marilyn stumbled on it looking for more of the same pattern with the coral field, which I initially inquired about.
#2 — Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers’ Seashell Cream:
Above: Also going under the headline, “Ask Anyway”: I spotted the Bradbury & Bradbury Seashell Cream wallpaper in google images while searching for wallpaper designs using various terms. Wallpaper shells… wallpaper coral… wallpaper nautical… wallpaper tropical… wallpaper lattice… wallpaper trellis… wallpaper maps… wallpaper pirate… wallpaper bamboo… I searched so many word combinations and looked at so much wallpaper, my eyes hurt, I am not exaggerating. This wallpaper design popped up, probably under ‘wallpaper shells’, but the photo sent me to a ‘discontinued’ link. But, I emailed anyway, just to see if perchance they had any left — and they did! Just enough! I like this one because the colors are right … It’s also whimsical… and I really like the pop of blue in the seashells continued on to the ceiling. While the photo doesn’t show it, there’s also a glint of metallic gold. Question, though: Is lots of high-contrast, relatively small pattern on the walls and the ceiling too much of a good thing, especially in a space likely to get soaked with rum?
#3 Palms Springs by Kenneth James by Brewster:
Above: I liked the idea of bringing color up to the ceiling, if possible. This Intertwined Green Geometric design repeats the color planned for the sectional but in a different textural way. It also has a lovely glint of gold ink. But, it may be too finely wrought — too sophisticated — for my room.
#4 Old World Map Collage by Brewster:
Above: Brewster had lots of old world antique map designs, in a variety of colors to choose from. This one — Brown Old World Collage Map from Brewster’s Field Guide Collection — had a beige-gold faded parchment feel that would look good with everything else, I think. This one is more subtle than the rest, less “risky”.
Above: Two more shots of the room in various stages of progress, so’s you can consider what I’m working with.
Q: Why don’t I just do grasscloth?
A: It’s too expected. I’m a rebel.
Q: You put a TV in your tiki bar!
A. I know. I know. I’m not “supposed to”, but I did. I don’t feel the need to explain, but I will take the opportunity. Tiki lounges are supposed to be a total escape from the real world. Fact is, though, that we watch TV most every night — while, on the other hand, we only drink cocktails on weekends and as party-throwers we are, so far, very lame. Bringing the TV into the Lounge gives us a reason to spend even more time in it.
Q: You put a TV above a fireplace!
A. I know. I know. I always said I’d never do that. ‘Never say never’ is what I say now. The only logical place for the TV in this room was above the fireplace.
See all my stories about my Mahalo Lounge, in progress, here.
Melinda says
My first choice is Palm Springs Green. I just like that shot of color. Second choice is Antique Map. Sets the mood of sailing from island to island.
Pam, FYI, over at The Mid Centuy Menu they are featuring. Tiki themed recipes all week. This could give you a jump for the big reveal party.
Merrian says
My favourite is No. 3 the Palm Springs, woven green option cos it tones with curtains and soft furnishings and is bright and cheerful. Otherwise No. 4 the map option which tones with walls and the decor you already have chosen
KStacey says
I vote the antique map. If I was rating them simply by what I liked as stand-alone wallpaper, it would actually be last (of the four) on my list. But next to the leopard walls and with the rest of the room, it would be a fantastic “more interesting than paint” option, opening the ceiling up rather than a more closed visual impact. Chic & adventurous, yet does not fight with the rest of the room. In the end though, there’s the question my husband always asks me when I’m trying to decide on such things. “Will it make you happy? Then do it!”
Carolyn says
1st choice would be the rope Trellis with Palm Springs Green a close second. Huts would have been thatch (straw beige lines) but palm fronds COULD have been used. The rope theme aligns with your chandelier, fronds with your bamboo paper.
I’m drawn to the Seashells because that is just TOO adorable but, unless your Lounge is located in Bikini Bottoms, that paper goes on a wall, not ceiling.
Not much with the maps…don’t like, don’t dislike.
Your TV? Find some sort of loop of crashing waves, coral reefs, swaying palms – along the lines of the old Hamms beer sign – for the cocktail hour.
Sheila says
My first choice is the Palm Springs Green – goes with the greens in the curtains and sofa fabrics. Looks like a textured basket weave, which is a good tiki fit & doesn’t read overly sophisticated to me.
The map is also great with the tiki theme and would be a great warmer option.
I don’t care for the other two. As you noted, the scale of the seashells is too similar to the animal print wall covering.
I think the rope trellis reads as a odd plaid from a distance.
This room is going to be so fab – I can’t wait to see it!
Paige says
Rope Trellis! Rope Trellis! Rope Trellis!
Dark yes, but it looks fabulous with that leopard print and drapery. Salivating…
Kathi says
I’d go with Moby Dick. The scale of the pattern wheels best with the animal print and while it’s darker than some of the others, you’re right about lighting annnnnnnd about the mysterious nature of your lounge. Besides, the name and local story are just too perfect to pass up. Happy papering!
Dave says
#3 Palm Springs, much as I live maps, that is too much and too dull.
lynda says
Very fun room. I vote for the antique map. Maps are a bit in right now and it just seems to work best, to me.
Dan says
I like Palm Springs because it perfectly mimics the basketweave frond ceilings I recall from other tiki rooms.
Moby Dick reminds me of something that mom and dad would consider appropriate for a boy’s bedroom. I also think the severe directionality of it, if that makes any sense, would not be appealing on such a large scale.
Map collage would be an interesting and subtle choice.
I think Seashells on such a large scale would be overwhelming.
Christine W says
The Moby Dick is fantastic! I’d go for this one unless it’s too busy with your curtains. Even then I’d say “to heck with it” I’m going for it because it is such a beautiful, richly coloured (Canadian spelling), unusual and good looking wallpaper!