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.
Geronimom says
My initial instinct is Palm Springs green, with Old World map a close second. The other two are too “busy” and distracting for my eye. As far as the tv goes, you could consider making a bamboo type cabinet with perhaps some woven door panels to help conceal it and have it blend in better with the decor – until you want to watch it, that is? Something along the lines of this: http://memorabledecor.com/incredible-poppy-wall-art-decorating-ideas-gallery-bedroom-contemporary-design-ideas/startling-poppy-wall-art-decorating-ideas-gallery-in-family-room-contemporary-design-ideas/. Or maybe you could fashion some kind of folding screen panel (use a portion of that oriental chinois wallpaper mural you picked up awhile back?) : https://i.pinimg.com/originals/10/f7/d0/10f7d03ce0fe11a6418fbadcfacd367d.jpg. .I understand that dilemma as we are currently facing it ourselves in a home reno we are doing at our other house (you’d love that room – we faux painted the cabinetry to look like 3D alligator skin – looks great!). I, too do not care for tvs above fireplaces, but we have absolutely no other place in that room where we can put one – hence my quest to find a good way to hide it! Can’t wait to see how everything at the Mahalo,Lounge turns out!
Molly Evans says
Palm Springs! Green is soothing and is complementary to the color scheme there. Moby Dick is a good second choice — evokes a feeling of a seaside hut, so if that’s what you’re after, it’s a good option.
Peggy S says
Palm Springs
Sheila says
They are all lovely, but I would go with Palm Springs.
Kristie Pennock says
Palm Springs. I like the color- tie in with your furniture. Of all the choices, it feels the most “tiki” to me- like a cool green canopy of woven leaves overhead.
Priscilla Lynch says
Palm springs
Gracie says
I like the Seashells best… and it would be even better if you could find something super light in color with flying birds!!!
Laurie says
You could stream the “Aquatic Life” channel on your TV during parties and it will look like you have an aquarium in your bar!
Mary Beth says
Your lovely leopard pattern doesn’t need any competition from the rope,palm springs, coral/shell ( although the shell is my favorite all by itself. The old world map is the one: the patina, scale and subject matter (a dreamy place to direct ones cocktail infused gaze)! Maps have a such an evocative quality to them, for me they conjure adventure and discovery, plus their role in design is to say the client is well traveled which ‘explains’ all the carefully curated tchotchkes laying about the room.
Anita says
Palm Springs. The others are adding more brown/tan to the room, Palm Springs gives you another color/reason to look up!