Browsing by Author "Jokinen, Elisa"

The aim of this study is to analyze where, how and for which purposes wallpapers manufactured by the company Pihlgren ja Ritola Oy were used in interior decoration during the period of 2000–2009 as represented by Finnish magazines. Wallpaper is studied from the point of view of its functionalities: what is the role of traditional paper-made wallpaper in interior decoration and what kinds of decorative effects its various uses create. Interest in wallpaper and its study has increased during the last decades but more recent wallpapers and its study has drawn less attention. Qualitative visual content analysis was used as the research method. The study material was gathered from the collection of magazine and newspaper clippings archived by the company Pihlgren ja Ritola Oy. The clippings collection had been used as the company´s demonstration material as well as for archiving purposes. The magazine pictures related to the use of Pihlgren ja Ritola Oy wallpaper in interior decoration published over the period of 2000–2009 in different Finnish magazines were selected discretionarily. The visual material (N=95) was analyzed with theory guided visual content analysis. Results were presented by themes. The wallpapers of Pihlgren ja Ritola Oy were used for interior decoration in both traditional and non-traditional ways. In the versatile use of wallpaper all seemed to be allowed. Wallpaper was coloured, turned upside down, and decorative objects were wallpapered. As wallpaper was also used to cover discreet decorative objects the interaction between the wallpaper and other decorative elements increased even though the relative role of wallpaper diminished. Still, primarily the wallpapers were used on the walls and in home interiors. The furnishing seems to be extending to every part of the house – the intimate and active appearance created with colours, patterns and creative use of wallpaper was emphasised. The results showed plenty and multiform usage of effect wallpapers which practically answer to the needs of the open concept spaces. Especially the effect wallpapers appear in a functional role. Wallpaper can be in constant change as it interacts with architecture, interior and the human being. Multiform ways to use wallpaper serve as a tool of expressing oneself as well as reflecting the phenomena of their time such as the need for personality. As well the definitions of the wallpaper and the traditional significances turned upside down. Wallpaper is not only a passive background, but it displays out in different ways even in the middle of the space concretely.