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.
Alex Ellsworth says
“Moby Dick” rope trellis. I feel it’s the only one that really brings the different elements of the room together cohesively. I’m not afraid of combining patterns, but I think there needs to be a harmony of color and line/shape.
Also, I’d suggest getting the curtains lined.
Pam Kueber says
The curtains are lined. They don’t have a blackout liner, though.
Tammie says
I like the green geometric. I think it Compliments the green in your drapes , the others add too much beige , tiki and beige just don’t seem to jive.
MARY says
Rope trellis
rich says
option #1 , gives off a nice shipwreck vibe, and what better place to be shipwrecked then a tiki bar with good rum refreshments.
Deanna Kline says
#3
Susan says
I like the Palm Springs – goes with the Tiki theme…the map is too English library…the others are okay, but palms are my favorite…the Moby Dick is second bur reminds me of an old bedspread pattern…the shells are too busy and don’t seem appropriate for a ceiling. Keep up the great work on your lounge.
Patti says
I vote for the maps, l love the thought that your tiki bar could be wherever you ” choose” to go!
My second choice is the geometric pattern because it feels so Hawaiian, green, tropical and leafy!
Olive says
For all the great reasons stated above: The Green Thatch ! ! ! !
Liz says
I can’t believe people like the green, lol! It’s been said and I’ll repeat: it will fight with the rest and you’ll hate it. The map is super and doesn’t fight. The classy option. Moby Dick is more fun for sure, though. I don’t think it will fight so much as dance.
Bonnie says
Moby all the way!
DANA says
Definitely the green weave@