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.
Andi says
I have to join the chorus for the green geometric. I agree with a previous comment that the one with ropes says “nautical”; the vintage map pattern would be my second choice but is definitely the “safe” choice—nice, but not amazing. I really don’t care for the Bradbury paper in that room. I love Bradbury papers, too…but not that one, not there. When I scrolled down and the green one came up, I literally caught my breath! The green with the wood and the leopard is a wonderful complementary color, and the geometric pattern, to me, is a perfect foil for the more organic patterns of leopard and the bark cloth. I think once up there, that pattern will also be reminiscent of palm leaves woven into a roof. Dying to see the finished space!
Sherri says
I would do the maps wallpaper. it is calming and goes with the maps on the wall.
Thomas says
I like the Seahells best, Palm Springs green next.
Robert says
Palm Springs Green is the BEST ! and I’m not saying that because because that is where I live. Also if you need any tiki decor check out Oceanic Arts of Whittier Ca,( since 1956) they did the interiors of all Tiki bars & Disneyland etc etc. They have a website & I buy full size Tikis there for design clients.
Love says
This is just super!
Tikimama says
The only two that read tiki to me are the nautical rope and the woven green. Can we see a photo of the Palm Springs sample next to your drapes? I assume you’ve already checked that the greens are simpatico.
We have been working on our tiki room, which is tiny compared to yours. Wanted to do lahaula matting or tapa cloth on the ceiling, but either would have been outside our budget. So, I freehand painted tapa designs. We are hanging fish nets, lots of tiki lights and fish floats, so it will recede into the background eventually and I didn’t need to worry about perfection.
Larissa says
Palm Springs green without a doubt! I love that wallpaper–SO tiki!
Kate T. says
My first choice would be “Palm Springs”. Such a lovely cheerful green! “Moby Dick” would be my second choice. Good luck!
Laura says
If we’re picking from these four, Palms. Looks great, brings the green in the drapes up to the ceiling (though I don’t know how it would look with your upholstery), lots of “movement” but visually clearly reads as palm fronds (not confusing to the eye the way the ropes “what are those?” are). Lightens the room. I think you’ll really like it up there and it’s a contrast to the leopard rather than fighting with it.
If we’re picking NOT from these four, and I know you didn’t ask … is it possible to get those bamboo or reed drapes that folks put as blinds in windows and put THOSE on the ceiling? That seems like it would look thatched, it would be 3-dimensional, it provides rhythm, maybe lighter color wouldn’t darken the room.
ALLISON says
Gonna vote for the Palm Springs green; you know you’ll love it.
Heather says
Palm Springs! Hands down in my book. Looking great!