Because wallcoverings were first made to imitate tapestries, woven wallhangings and fine fabrics, some timeless patterns based on these early designs have retained their appeal to this day and are as elegant as they were centuries ago.

			Damask designs derive from damask fabric (a woven material with its pattern reversed on the underside), which was popular during the early 15th century. It is characterized by perfectly balanced motifs, such as acanthus leaves, forming the repeat pattern.
			Oriental patterns imitate colors and designs found in the art of China and the Far East. Stylized birds and floral elements are favorite motifs.
			Crewel designs, usually imitative of bold embroidery stitches, reflect English and East Indian renditions of the "tree of life" pattern.
			Documentary designs are based on old paper or fabric documents. The best known are the toile de Jouy designs, named for the region in France where fabrics of this type were manufactured in the late 18th century. Toiles nearly always depict romantic pastoral landscapes populated with animals and people in period dress.
			Paisley patterns have an historical background, too: their motifs are based on organic shapes that first appeared on fine woolen shawls woven in Kashmir in the 17th century.
			Some early wallcoverings were made of actual materials, such as grasscloth, burlap, linen, silk and wool, They are still available but are now manufactured with a durable paper backing, which makes for easy application. Today, modern printing techniques have made it possible to replicate these real materials on either paper or vinyl, thus creating faux grass cloth and linen, etc. Likewise, simulated wood grains, bricks, stucco and cork are now possible and popular, because the cost of decorating with the wall covering version is far less than with the real material.
			Today's tastes have popularized the geometrics - stripes, plaids, polka dots and checks, as well as classic lattice, grille and tile designs. Contemporary demands for faux finishes have given rise to a proliferation of exciting wall coverings replicating marble and other stones, while the popularity of the country look has seen a burst of patterns with coordinating country themes.
			Florals never lose their appeal: they simply change their "look" every decade or so, swinging from bold and bright to soft and muted. The newest styles in wallcoverings, which have enormous appeal for the contemporary decorator, are novelty patterns with motifs for use in kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms - further proof that patterns exist to suit every taste.
			The demand today may be responsible for launching new styles and patterns, but it's contemporary technology that has improved the quality of printing and reproduction and made possible such developments as die-cut borders, which are sculpted, pierced and self-sticking.

Colors trends change with the seasons, as well as the years. There are, however, a few major trends emerging that will likely remain a major force in the marketplace for several years.

			First, we're seeing the disappearance of "jewel tones". These are the hunter greens, burgundy and navy tones that have been popular for many years. In their place are lighter, subtler tones of these shades. Look for sage greens, mauve-pinks and sea blues to replace the vibrant hues of the early nineties.
			Additionally, look for a new color tone "purple" to emerge with greater force. This hue, from rich lilacs to deep eggplants, is showing up in all areas of home furnishings, and is becoming a major force in wallcovering design.
			Neutrals will always be in vogue. Clean, classy and contemporary, tans, creams, taupes and white will always be a fashion "yes". At the same time, a new set of neutrals is emerging. Shades of gray and copper are being blended into the neutral mix, adding a richer complement of tones for depth and distinction.
			An offshoot of gray and copper are metallics, which probably won't become a widespread trend but will pop up with increasing frequency. Look for silvers and golds to play a part in more mainstream wallcoverings, rather than just very elegant or novelty looks.