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.
Stacy says
I like the Map and Palm Springs. While the map is the more ‘subtle” choice and would be great–I think the Palm Springs would be what I would choose. I like the green against the reddish brown of the wood and it gives a more “tropical” vibe. Plus you have a fair amount of green in the pinch pleats and it will be on the sectional. I like the balance of color that gives. 🙂
Jean says
The Palm Springs is what I’d go for. It picks up the outside green, through the windows, and is a bit kitschy, just like a Tiki Bar! The map and the coral are too serious and try too hard.
JaneH says
Map. Subtle and ties in with other room elements and the general faraway vibe.
Tony says
#3 Palm Springs Throw some colour up there you will be glad you did in the end!
Lynn-O-Matic says
Palm Springs for sure, for all the reasons stated. It suggests a leaf canopy, or better yet, a green thatched roof. Our living room and dining room are painted orangish tan and gold, including the ceilings, with cherry wood trim, and honestly, the whole thing screams out for something green and soothing to cool it down.
Retroski says
And yes it’s easy to make a frame or shutters for the TV if you want to ground or hide it! Looks better than just a plain TV in such a decorative setting. Frame won’t get in the way if you watch it a lot.
Retroski says
No:
Moby dick: too dark and busy
Shells: cute, but too busy by the leopard.
Yes:
Palm Springs: green is nice, has texture but not sure if it’ll read enough or too much.
Old Map: Almost too subtle, but it does echo the map art on your wall and since you’ll be having wild visual up the wazoo 🙂 throughout, having a subtle ceiling with just enough pattern to rest the eye might be enough.
Consider where you’re planning to do negative space. I say Old Map, maybe Palm Springs if it’s subtle enough.
Subtle zones to give contrast to the kooky/wild is good!
Btw, the trellis is great!
Mel B says
Love the green thatch, but too expected
I love the map pattern
Seems to compliment other elements you have going
Subtle
Diane in CO says
I will be honest here. Those first 3 wallpapers will make the room feel top heavy and bring the ceiling “down” — it’s just too much; I would not vote for any of those. You have all that pattern in the cool drapery and the leopard walls and the ceiling wallpapers would just compete for attention — and clash.
If everything in the room is screaming for attention all at once, it’s chaotic and cluttered. My choice would be GRASSCLOTH, hands down. I applaud you for trying them but it seems you as well are worried about it being “too much of a good thing.” A visual cacophony. OH MY! I need a drink… is the bar open yet?
Melanie says
I vote for the Palm Springs. It will give the feel of a leafy canopy overhead.
I looked at this post first without my glasses and the map one just looked like old water stained paper.