How to ‘fake’ home style

Undated Handout Photo of Winchester 3-seater sofa, £949; Elephant cushion, £18; African masks, £35; pair of Titan chairs, £199 and animal print rug, £24, Littlewoods. See PA Feature INTERIORS 2013 Trends. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS 2013 Trends.

Cheating is frowned on in most walks of life but in decor, these days, it’s a badge of style. Savvy homeowners are making their interior dreams reality by using the latest tricks of the trade.

A new breed of digital wallpapers can replicate any effect from stately home style, through to stripped brickwork, wood panels, edgy urban breeze blocks, or penthouse cityscape views. Whether you term it cheating or ‘faking it’ this trend is fast becoming one of the most popular and affordable ways to transform homes.

“People are prepared to take a theatrical approach to rooms these days and they want drama and impact and a ‘wow’ factor”,” says Debbie McKeegan who with her husband founded the hugely successful Digetex, which specialises in digitally printed papers and fabrics.

“Most of us don’t have the budget to afford the homes we admire in the glossy interiors magazines but, by using our walls as a backdrop, we can conjure the perfect setting no matter what our postcode.

“Papers featuring period-style plaster work designs have undoubtedly been hugely boosted in popularity by TV’s Downton Abbey, while Scandinavian dramas help increase the demand for the pared-back effect, white-washed-boards or driftwood designs.”