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Wallpaper with a Twist: Ram Bucoy on New Trends and Bold Choices
Wallpaper is making a stylish return to interior designInterior DesignThe discipline of planning and shaping interior spaces for function, comfort, safety, and beauty. It covers layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and in the Philippines is a licensedGo to Interior Design Glossary, but not in the ways you might expect. Gone are the days of muted florals and predictable damask prints. Today’s wallpaper trends are all about being bold, quirky, and unconventional. To get a deeper understanding of these emerging styles, we turned to renowned interior decorator Ram Bucoy for his expert insights.
Bolder, Quirkier, and Unexpected
According to Bucoy, today’s wallpaper choices are anything but traditional. “Modern takes on chinoiserie, quirky animal prints, and even large-scale murals are making a huge comeback,” he shares. The era of predictable, frumpy patterns is over, and clients are now open to pushing boundaries with their design choices. “Clients are bolder with their choices too, which allows for more creativity,” he adds.
The shift from traditional to modern wallpaper designs goes beyond aesthetics. “Vibrant and bold prints are the star attraction in rooms you see on design magazines, Instagram, and Pinterest,” says Bucoy. These striking designs contrast sharply with the more subtle, traditional patterns of the past. Additionally, modern wallpapers are more durable, with stronger materials like vinyl, fabric, and heavy-duty paper ensuring they last longer. However, Bucoy advises against cheap alternatives like self-adhesive wallpapers, noting that they often lack a premium look.
What’s Behind the Shift to Bold?
Bucoy believes that homeowners are more willing to step out of their comfort zones now. “People are bolder with their choices. Wallpaper allows them to add personality to their space—whether it’s through pattern, color, texture, or a mix of all three,” he explains. This desire for personal expression drives the trend toward more unconventional designs.
If you’re wondering where to apply these daring designs, Bucoy recommends smaller, often overlooked spaces. “Powder rooms, hallways, and pantries are perfect places to go big and bold with wallpaper,” he says. For a recent project in Quezon City, he used bold prints in areas like an upstairs landing, a den, and a walk-in closet, turning them into design statements that still felt cohesive. “It’s fun when clients trust the process and let me create something bold and unique for them.”
Navigating Trends vs. Timeless Design
While Bucoy loves working with these bold trends, he’s also pragmatic about their longevity. “Trends are passing phases, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate them smartly,” he says. Bucoy advises clients to focus on timeless pieces and layer in bold wallpaper or other trendy elements to keep a space fresh without it becoming quickly outdated. “You want your space to feel exciting but also timeless—something you’ll still enjoy five years from now.”
Bold doesn’t mean impractical, and Bucoy stresses the importance of choosing the right wallpaper material for the space. “In kitchens or frequently used bathrooms, go for vinyl wallpaper, which handles moisture well,” he advises. For high-traffic areas or kids’ rooms, it’s best to choose scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean papers. Bucoy believes that a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring these bold designs stand the test of time.
When it comes to sourcing statement wallpapers, Bucoy is a fan of both international and local brands. “Mindthegap, House of Hackney, and De Gournay are some of my favorite brands,” he shares. Locally, Millie Monday is another go-to for eye-catching designs that fit Bucoy’s fearless approach to interiors.
Balancing Bold Choices
For Bucoy, the key to successfully using bold wallpaper is creating balance. “When picking color and pattern, I always consider the other elements in the room,” he explains. His method includes mixing large- and small-scale prints, as well as selecting wallpaper that ties in with the room’s existing color palette. This approach ensures a cohesive and thoughtful design. “But most importantly, don’t hold back,” he advises. “Always trust your instinct.”
Whether it’s a powder room transformed with quirky animal prints or a den adorned with bold florals, Bucoy’s approach to wallpaper is all about injecting personality into a space. For anyone considering these bold new trends, his advice is clear: “Be bold with your choices, trust the process, and make sure your home tells your story.”
Ram Bucoy’s approach to wallpaper is as bold as the designs he favors. With an eye for mixing patterns and textures while keeping a space cohesive, his work reflects the confidence and creativity that today’s homeowners are embracing in their design choices.
Photos from Ram Bucoy.
Read more: Empty Spaces to Fill: Why Filipinos Love Maximalist Houses
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