We are thrilled to share with you the installation process done in Seema’s very own home in San Francisco, by the amazing Theo’s Fine Wallpaper Installation.
Scroll down to see the lovely images of our wall coverings installed in Seema’s Noe Valley home and to learn about Wallpaper Installer extraordinaire, Theo Healey.
1. How did you first get involved in the craft of Wallpaper Installation?
Growing up in the 80’s, you learn to wallpaper with your father. It normally ended up in arguments, paste everywhere and the paper hung upside down. However, despite this initial drama , I got the hang of it (pun intended) and continued on doing it. After a break with University, travels and other jobs. I found myself hanging again in San Francisco with an incredible French hanger. After learning how the US market worked, I ventured off on my own at just the right time for the Wallpaper to be back in.
2. What do you love about your job? And your pet peeves?
I love meeting new people everyday and their reactions of a completed wall. I’m fascinated with how designers incorporate wallpaper into their vision and respect them hugely.
My pet peeves are bumpy walls or when people don’t order enough paper
3. How long have you been working with wallpaper?
10 years in total
4. What are the tools of your trade?
My laser leveler, sharp black Japanese blades and wet rags are my most essential. However, I have 40 other little tools that all contribute.
5. What are the trends that you have noticed through your career?
You have the classic’s that will always be around, animals, trees and stripes but at the moment metallic colors along with blacks and whites are common. I guess because of improved technology in printing and photography we are getting some fantastic murals at the moment.
It’s funny how cork and grass cloth are making a comeback. Think of the set of Mad Men.
6. What has been your favorite project?
I did a few rooms in Palo Alto where the angles of the room were very tricky and it was this fantastic ombre wallpaper. I was so happy with the outcome. More recently when Seema showed me her new wallpaper, I was impressed with the quality and her design. Very unique. There are some incredible wallpaper designers out there at the moment, some in our Bay Area.
7. What is your impression of our new wallcovering line?
Like I said before, of the highest quality, beautiful vibrant colors and fantastic detail. Just the feel of it and the sound of it. You can tell it’s up there with the best.
8. What can’t you live without?
Surfing and my laser leveler.
9. Highlighting music and playlist. (we know you played some music during the install- if you could share some of it with us, we’d love to know the correlation with your process)
I have different music for different moods and stages of hanging.
Trimming – I like to concentrate with Ennio Morricone. Especialy Gabriel’s Oboe.
Mapping and measuring out the room – I move on to some British stuff like artic monkeys or stone roses.
Pasting – is normally silent because I have to hear how much paste is on the paper and get the quantity right.
Hanging – once the first panel is up I go back to some mellow acoustic guitar like Ben Howard.
After lunch or towards the end – I need some Led Zeppelin to getting me going again and complete the job.
If you ever hear me listening to heavy metal, I have had a tough week and my arms are fading.
Photography by Dane Pollok and Sona Sippy Sondhi.
