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The Painter: “It’s Been a Long Time Since We Painted a White Wall”
🇸🇪 Sweden /Technology

The Painter: “It’s Been a Long Time Since We Painted a White Wall”

From Dagens Nyheter · (4d ago) Swedish Positive tone

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Swedish painter Erik Stålberg notes a significant shift away from white walls towards bolder colors and large patterns.
  • Green and large-patterned wallpapers are now the most common customer requests, marking a departure from traditional interior design.
  • Stålberg offers practical tips for DIY wallpapering, emphasizing preparation and careful execution.

In Sweden, interior design trends are clearly moving away from the minimalist, all-white aesthetic that has dominated for years. As reported by Dagens Nyheter, painters like Erik Stålberg are noticing a distinct preference among clients for vibrant colors and bold patterns, signaling a refreshing change in how Swedes approach their home décor.

It has become increasingly common for customers to want wallpaper instead of painted walls.

— Erik StålbergDescribing the shift in customer preferences.

Stålberg, with two decades of experience, observes that customers are increasingly requesting wallpapers featuring prominent green hues and large, eye-catching designs. This move towards more expressive interiors suggests a desire for homes that reflect personality and warmth, a sentiment that resonates deeply in a country known for its long, dark winters. The idea of "painting a white wall" is becoming a rarity, replaced by a craving for visual interest and character.

Customers want colors and patterns. It has been a long time since we painted a wall white. Now it is mostly green and large patterns, I would say.

— Erik StålbergDetailing the popular color and pattern choices.

For those inspired to embrace this trend, Stålberg provides invaluable advice on the wallpapering process. His tips, shared through Dagens Nyheter, focus on meticulous preparation – from ensuring proper surface treatment to checking batch numbers for color consistency. He also stresses the importance of reading instructions and using the right tools, like a sharp blade and a suitable wallpaper table. This practical guidance empowers homeowners to tackle wallpapering projects themselves, encouraging a more hands-on approach to interior design that aligns with a growing appreciation for textured and patterned walls in Sweden.

The groundwork is important.

— Erik StålbergEmphasizing the crucial first steps in wallpapering.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.