I’ve had a love for beautiful wallpaper for a few years now. (Yes, I know I shouldn’t — being a faux finisher and all — but I can’t help but have a hearty appreciation for one of our main competitors.) It all started many years ago when I began working with a designer who mixed up my services, regular paint and wallpaper in the gorgeous house we first collaborated on. (I love that — creating a nice balance on the walls and ceilings. I can’t stand a house that’s been over-fauxed in a bad way, ugh!) When we were having on our initial brainstorming meeting, she brought over the Maya Romanoff papers being used and my love for wallpaper was born. I was so excited to create finishes that played off of such gorgeous artistry — and it was wonderful to see that wallpaper such as that was available. Up until then, I had no idea that industry had true artisans working within its ranks. I was so used to the borders and the less-than-pretty prints. Little did I know.

When our company did the Hospitality Design Boutique Show last year, who comes up to my booth with compliments? Maya Romanoff himself. (Yes, I have proof!) My sister was there when I met him and I thought she was going to jump for joy for me — he is a celebrity to me. I think I would have run over Keanu Reeves to meet him! It will always be such a great memory to have spoken with him and revel in the knowledge that I met an Interior Design Icon who was not only patient with someone ecstatic over meeting him but also infinitely gracious.

I recently bought two great books: The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper and the biography of Florence Broadhurst, an influential wallpaper designer who created amazing designs that still resonate today. The Cutting Edge book profiles different paper artisans and their companies –I’ve even found something for the bedroom of my 3-year old nephew, Alex: magnetic wallpaper! I’ll have to post up different profiled artisans so that you can see how broad wallpaper has become.

Well, I’m off to work — today it’s a stone waterfall finish with silver metallic foil underneath. Should be a fun day! Can you believe I get to do this for a living?!? I should pinch myself…