Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper

Transforming Spaces with Timeless Elegance – A Personal Journey

I still remember the day I walked into my friend Catherine’s newly renovated home. The moment I stepped into her living room, I was struck by the walls. They weren’t just walls—they were a statement. Soft, muted sage green with an intricate botanical pattern that somehow managed to be both classic and contemporary. “It’s Laura Ashley Parterre in Sage,” she told me proudly. And just like that, I was obsessed.

That was six months ago. Since then, I’ve not only purchased this wallpaper for my own home renovation but have spent countless hours researching everything about it. From sourcing to installation, from pricing to maintenance, I’ve become something of an unofficial expert on the subject. And now, I want to share everything I’ve learned about Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper with you.

The Allure of Laura Ashley Parterre Sage

Before diving into the practicalities, let me tell you why this particular wallpaper has captured the hearts of interior design enthusiasts around the world. The Parterre Sage wallpaper from Laura Ashley features a delicate botanical pattern inspired by formal garden designs (hence the name “parterre,” which refers to an ornamental garden with paths between the beds). The sage green background is subtle and sophisticated, providing a perfect canvas for the intricate white pattern.

What makes this wallpaper special isn’t just its beauty—it’s the versatility. In my dining room, it creates a sense of traditional elegance that complements my antique furniture. Yet, when my friend Emma used the same wallpaper in her minimalist apartment, it somehow looked perfectly modern. This chameleon-like quality is rare in interior design elements.

Availability: The Hunt for a Classic

One of the first questions that comes up when discussing this wallpaper is whether it’s still available. Laura Ashley as a company has undergone significant changes in recent years, which has affected product availability. The good news is that Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper is still available, though not as widely as it once was.

Currently, you can find it through several channels:

1. Official Laura Ashley retailers and their online store
2. Specialty wallpaper shops that carry Laura Ashley products
3. Home improvement stores with a wallpaper department
4. Online marketplaces like Wayfair, Amazon, and eBay (though be cautious about authenticity)
5. Interior design professionals who have access to trade catalogs

I purchased mine through a local interior design shop that specializes in wallcoverings. The owner told me that while Laura Ashley has streamlined their wallpaper collection, the Parterre series remains one of their best-sellers, which is why it continues to be produced.

If you’re having trouble finding it in stock, don’t despair. Limited availability sometimes means batches are produced periodically, so you might just need to wait for the next production run or get on a waiting list with a retailer. I waited nearly three weeks for mine, but it was absolutely worth it.

Investment Value: Understanding the Cost

Let’s talk about the investment you’ll be making. As of my last purchase, Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper typically costs between $75 and $95 per roll, depending on where you buy it and whether there are any sales. This places it in the mid-to-high range for wallpapers, but not in the luxury custom category that can run hundreds per roll.

Is it worth the price? In my opinion, absolutely. The quality is exceptional—thick enough to be durable but not so heavy that it’s difficult to work with. The printing is precise, with no blurring of the intricate pattern details. And the coloration is consistent throughout the roll, which isn’t always the case with less expensive wallpapers.

One tip I learned from a professional decorator: if you find this wallpaper on a significant discount (more than 30% off), check the batch number. Laura Ashley maintains excellent quality control, but occasionally there can be slight variations between batches. For a seamless look, all your rolls should come from the same batch.

Dimensions and Coverage: Calculating Your Needs

Understanding the dimensions of wallpaper rolls is crucial for planning your project. A standard roll of Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper measures 20.5 inches (52 cm) in width and 33 feet (10.05 meters) in length, covering approximately 56.4 square feet (5.24 square meters).

However, this doesn’t mean that’s exactly how much wall space you’ll cover. The pattern repeat—the vertical distance before the pattern starts over again—affects how much usable wallpaper you get from each roll. For Parterre Sage, the pattern repeat is approximately 25.2 inches (64 cm).

Here’s a formula I used to calculate how many rolls I needed:

1. Measure the height of your walls from floor to ceiling (in feet)
2. Measure the total width of all walls to be covered (in feet)
3. Multiply these numbers to get the total square footage
4. Subtract the square footage of doors and windows
5. Divide by the usable square footage per roll (approximately 50 square feet, accounting for pattern matching)
6. Round up to the nearest whole number

For my dining room, which has walls measuring 8 feet high and a total perimeter of 44 feet (minus 42 square feet for windows and doors), I calculated:
8 × 44 = 352 square feet
352 – 42 = 310 square feet
310 ÷ 50 = 6.2 rolls
Rounded up, I needed 7 rolls.

I actually purchased 8 rolls to account for any mistakes or future repairs, which turned out to be a wise decision when I made a cutting error on one panel. Always buy an extra roll as insurance—you’ll thank yourself later.

The Installation Process: DIY or Professional?

When it comes to installing Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper, you have two options: do it yourself or hire a professional. I’ve done both (DIY in my dining room, professional in my home office), and each has its merits.

The DIY Approach

If you’re reasonably handy and patient, hanging this wallpaper yourself is definitely doable. The Parterre Sage is a paste-the-wall wallpaper, which makes it easier for DIYers than traditional paste-the-paper varieties. Here’s the process I followed:

1. Preparation: Ensure walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Fill any holes or cracks and sand them down. Apply a wallpaper primer if your walls are porous or deeply colored.
2. Planning: Measure and mark where each strip will go. For the Parterre pattern, I found it best to start in the middle of the most prominent wall and work outward.
3. Cutting: Measure the height of your wall and add 4 inches for trimming. Cut your first strip, then use it as a template to cut additional strips, being careful to match the pattern.
4. Pasting: Apply wallpaper adhesive directly to the wall where your first strip will go. I used a roller for large areas and a brush for edges.
5. Hanging: Carefully position the top of the strip at the ceiling, leaving extra at the top and bottom for trimming. Use a wallpaper brush or plastic smoothing tool to remove air bubbles, working from the center outward.
6. Trimming: Once the adhesive has set slightly, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim the excess at the ceiling and baseboard.
7. Repeat: Continue the process for subsequent strips, taking care to match the pattern and ensure seams are tight but not overlapping.

The entire process for my dining room took a full weekend, including preparation. The most challenging part was matching the pattern correctly, especially around corners and outlets.

The Professional Touch

For my home office, which has some architectural challenges including a bay window and an odd-angled ceiling, I hired a professional wallpaper hanger. The difference was noticeable—not just in the flawless pattern matching, but in the time saved. What would have taken me possibly a week of evenings was completed in a single day.

Professional installation typically costs between $3-$7 per square foot, depending on your location and the complexity of the job. For my office (approximately 180 square feet of wallpaper), I paid $800, which included wall preparation.

My recommendation? If you have a straightforward room with standard rectangular walls and you enjoy DIY projects, go for it yourself. If you have a complex space, unusual ceiling heights, or simply value your time and peace of mind, hire a professional. The beauty of Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper deserves proper installation, whichever route you choose.

Technical Specifications: Understanding the Product

Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper is a non-woven wallpaper, which offers several advantages over traditional paper-based wallpapers:

• It’s dimensionally stable, meaning it doesn’t expand or contract with humidity changes
• It’s stronger and more tear-resistant than paper wallpapers
• It’s breathable, reducing the risk of mold and mildew
• It’s easier to remove when the time comes to redecorate

As mentioned earlier, it’s a paste-the-wall type, which means you apply adhesive directly to the wall rather than to the wallpaper itself. This makes it easier to handle during installation since you’re not dealing with unwieldy, paste-soaked paper.

The wallpaper has a matte finish, which I find perfect for the sage color—it creates a soft, sophisticated look without any distracting shine. The printing technique used creates a slightly textured effect where the white pattern sits just slightly raised from the sage background, adding a subtle dimension.

One technical aspect to note: this wallpaper has a straight match pattern, meaning the design elements on adjacent strips need to be aligned horizontally. This is less complicated than drop match patterns, where adjacent strips need to be offset vertically.

Versatility: Where Can You Use It?

One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is whether Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper is suitable for various rooms and design styles. From my experience and research, it’s remarkably versatile.

Rooms and Spaces

Living Rooms: The soft sage creates a calming backdrop that works beautifully in living spaces. I’ve seen it used both as an accent wall behind a fireplace and on all four walls for a more enveloping effect.

Dining Rooms: This is where I’ve used it in my own home. The formality of the parterre pattern lends itself perfectly to dining spaces, creating an elegant atmosphere for entertaining.

Bedrooms: The soothing sage tone makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms. Several friends have used it in master bedrooms, where it creates a serene retreat.

Home Offices: The pattern is interesting without being distracting, making it suitable for work spaces. In my home office, it actually helps me focus by creating a calm environment.

Entryways and Hallways: These transitional spaces benefit from the pattern’s ability to draw the eye and create interest in otherwise utilitarian areas.

Bathrooms: This is where you need to exercise some caution. While the non-woven material is more moisture-resistant than traditional paper wallpapers, I wouldn’t recommend it for full bathrooms with showers or tubs that create significant steam. For powder rooms, however, it’s perfect.

Design Styles

What truly impressed me about the Parterre Sage is how it adapts to different interior design approaches:

Traditional: The formal garden pattern naturally complements traditional interiors, particularly English country and French provincial styles.

Transitional: In spaces that blend traditional and contemporary elements, this wallpaper acts as a perfect bridge between old and new.

Modern: Surprisingly, when paired with clean-lined furniture and minimal accessories, the pattern reads as a textural element rather than an ornate one.

Eclectic: The neutral sage tone allows it to play well with eclectic collections and varied color schemes.

I would be hesitant to use it in ultra-contemporary or industrial spaces, where it might feel out of place. But even then, a single accent wall could create an interesting juxtaposition.

Maintenance and Longevity: Caring for Your Investment

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper remains beautiful for years to come. Here’s what I’ve learned about caring for this wallpaper:

Cleaning

For routine cleaning, a light dusting with a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment is usually sufficient. For spots or marks, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but it’s important not to saturate the paper. I accidentally splashed some coffee on mine and found that blotting immediately with a paper towel, then gently wiping with a barely damp microfiber cloth removed the stain completely.

For more stubborn marks, you can use a small amount of mild soap (like diluted dish soap) on a cloth, but test in an inconspicuous area first. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrub vigorously, as this can damage the surface of the wallpaper.

Fade Resistance

One concern many people have about wallpaper, especially in a color like sage that could show fading, is how it holds up to sunlight. After consulting with a Laura Ashley representative, I learned that their wallpapers undergo testing for colorfastness and fade resistance. However, like all wallcoverings and fabrics, prolonged direct sunlight can eventually cause some fading.

In my dining room, which gets morning sun through east-facing windows, I’ve noticed no discernible fading after six months. As a precaution, I do keep the blinds partially closed during the peak sun hours. If your room gets intense, direct sunlight, you might want to consider UV-filtering window films or appropriate window treatments.

Longevity

With proper installation and care, Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper should last 10-15 years before showing signs of aging. The non-woven material is more durable than traditional paper wallpapers, which is one of the reasons for its higher price point.

If damage does occur, this is where that extra roll I mentioned earlier comes in handy. Keep it stored flat in a cool, dry place, and you’ll have matching material for patches if needed.

The Parterre Collection: Beyond Sage

While this article focuses on the Sage colorway, it’s worth noting that Laura Ashley’s Parterre pattern comes in several other colors. If you love the pattern but aren’t sure about sage green, consider these alternatives:

• Duck Egg Blue: A soft, pale blue with a hint of green
• Pale Cranberry: A muted raspberry tone
• Steel Gray: A sophisticated neutral with cool undertones
• Ivory: A warm off-white that highlights the pattern’s details

I chose sage because it works beautifully with my home’s color palette of neutrals, greens, and warm woods. The Duck Egg Blue was my second choice, and I actually used that in my guest bedroom for a coordinated but not identical look.

Coordinating Your Space: Design Partners for Parterre Sage

Creating a cohesive interior design involves more than just selecting a beautiful wallpaper. Here’s how I’ve coordinated other elements with my Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper:

Color Palette

The sage green works as a sophisticated neutral, allowing for various color combinations:

• Creams and whites: Create a fresh, light feeling
• Deep greens: For a monochromatic, enveloping effect
• Terracottas and rusts: Add warmth and contrast
• Navy blue: Offers sophisticated contrast
• Soft pinks: Provide unexpected feminine touches

In my dining room, I’ve paired the wallpaper with cream-colored trim, a navy blue ceiling, and walnut furniture. The combination feels traditional but not stuffy.

Fabrics and Textiles

Laura Ashley offers several fabrics that coordinate with the Parterre wallpaper, including some that feature the same pattern. However, I found that using complementary patterns rather than exact matches created a more interesting space.

Textiles that work particularly well with this wallpaper include:

• Linen in natural tones
• Small-scale geometric patterns
• Stripes in coordinating colors
• Florals in complementary scale (either much larger or much smaller than the wallpaper pattern)

Furniture and Decor

The versatility of the Parterre Sage extends to furniture styles as well. I’ve found it pairs beautifully with:

• Antique wood pieces, particularly in walnut, mahogany, or oak
• Painted furniture in cream, white, or black
• Modern pieces in clean lines and natural materials
• Metal accents in brass or blackened finishes

For artwork, I’ve chosen pieces with hints of sage, cream, and terracotta to tie the room together. Black and white photography also stands out beautifully against the patterned background.

Making the Purchase: Where to Buy and What to Look For

When you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper, here are my recommendations based on personal experience:

Best Places to Buy

1. Authorized Laura Ashley Retailers: These will have the most current stock and can often order directly from the manufacturer if needed.
2. Specialty Wallpaper Shops: Often staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can provide advice on installation and maintenance.
3. Online Home Decor Retailers: Sites like Wayfair, Anthropologie, and even Amazon carry Laura Ashley wallpapers, often with customer reviews that can be helpful.
4. Direct from Laura Ashley: The official website sometimes has the best selection and occasionally offers promotions.

What to Check Before Buying

1. Batch Numbers: Ensure all your rolls come from the same production batch to avoid color variations.
2. Return Policy: Check whether you can return unopened rolls if you overestimate your needs.
3. Shipping Time: Some retailers may need to special order the wallpaper, which can add weeks to your timeline.
4. Samples: Many retailers offer sample swatches for a small fee. These are invaluable for confirming how the color looks in your specific space with your lighting.

Getting the Best Price

While Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper is a premium product with a price that reflects its quality, there are ways to manage the cost:

1. Seasonal Sales: Home decor retailers often have sales during major holidays or seasonal transitions.
2. Quantity Discounts: Some retailers offer discounts when purchasing multiple rolls.
3. Designer Discounts: If you’re working with an interior designer, they may have access to trade pricing.
4. Alternative Uses: If budget is a concern, consider using the wallpaper as an accent rather than covering entire rooms. A single feature wall or wallpapered insets in cabinetry can make a statement at a fraction of the cost.

Sample Before You Commit: Testing in Your Space

Before investing in multiple rolls, I strongly recommend ordering a sample. Laura Ashley and most retailers offer sample swatches for around $5-10. This small investment can save you from an expensive mistake.

When my sample arrived, I taped it to various walls at different times of day to see how it looked in changing light conditions. The sage color appeared slightly different—warmer in evening lamplight, cooler in morning sunlight. This evaluation helped me confirm it was the right choice for my space.

If samples aren’t available, consider purchasing a single roll first. While this isn’t as economical, it’s better than discovering you don’t like the wallpaper after covering an entire room.

The Eco-Friendly Question

Environmental considerations are increasingly important in home decor choices. Laura Ashley has made strides in improving the sustainability of their products, but there’s always room for more information.

The non-woven material used in Parterre Sage Wallpaper is more eco-friendly than some alternatives, as it’s partially made from sustainable wood pulp fibers. The company has also reduced harmful chemicals in their production processes, with their wallpapers now containing low or no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

However, it’s not marketed specifically as an eco-friendly product. If environmental impact is your top priority, there are specialty wallpapers with stronger green credentials available, though they often lack the design heritage of Laura Ashley.

My Final Verdict: Is Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Worth It?

After living with this wallpaper in my home for six months, researching extensively, and speaking with numerous other owners, my verdict is a resounding yes. Laura Ashley Parterre Sage Wallpaper offers exceptional value despite its premium price tag.

The quality is evident in every aspect—from the material to the printing to the colorfastness. The design has proven to be remarkably versatile, adapting to different rooms and styles throughout my home and those of my friends. And perhaps most importantly, it creates an atmosphere that simply can’t be achieved with paint alone.

Every morning when I enter my dining room, I feel a sense of calm elegance that starts my day on the right note. Every dinner party has been enhanced by the sophisticated backdrop it provides. And countless visitors have asked about it, often leaving inspired to try wallpaper in their own homes.

If you’re considering this wallpaper for your home, I hope this comprehensive guide has answered your questions and helped you make an informed decision. The world of wallpaper can seem overwhelming at first, but when you find the right pattern—like I did with Laura Ashley Parterre Sage—it transforms not just your walls, but your entire experience of home.

Happy decorating!