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.
jivesnake says
I like the shells. Picks up the color on the bar stools. I think it will be less overpowering than the ropes. I can see the appeal of the ropes-like they are holding together your tiki shack out in the elements on some tropical island- but no. Let the leopard be the focal. What about grass cloth? Maybe you just haven’t found it yet and it will come in time…..
Jo-Ann Mason says
#3 Palm Springs would be my first choice
#4 Map would be my second choice
I do, however, like the option of grass cloth even though it’s a little obvious. Perhaps.
Lori says
I like the old world maps or the green geometric.
Ginny says
I’d go with Palm Springs. Definitely not the maps. (Too hard to discern the pattern and I bet in low light it reads as just beige.)
I am with you in liking geometric designs. And in this case, Palm Springs would lend a hut-roof feel to the lounge. I’m also a fan of the color.
Kathy says
Maps so your eyes have enough energy left to see the rest of the goodies all over the room. I really think any of the others would have the ceiling in our laps.
Cheryl says
I would go with the map.
Barbara Caldwell says
Antique Maps
Sandy says
#4
Renee says
I don’t like any of them. Sorry!
Donald says
I love the sea shell but not with the leopard. Ropes don’t go with the leopard well either IMO.
Maps are too boring.
I do love the Palm Springs as well and think it’s the best to go with the leopard, but I wonder about the drapes, just because it’s hard to see them in little pictures.