Wallpaper is not merely a decorative finish; it is a transformative design element capable of creating striking visual effects, changing the appearance of shape and volume and enhancing the character of any space. With an abundance of textures, patterns and styles available, wallpaper will redefine the atmosphere of a room allowing you to express your unique style.
1. Embrace Bold Patterns
One of the most effective ways to make a statement with wallpaper is to choose bold, eye-catching patterns. Whether geometric, floral, or abstract, a striking design can serve as the focal point of a room, drawing the eye and creating visual interest. Playing with scale and patterns can distract from problematic features or dimensions of a space. Unfavourable conditions such as low ceilings, narrow corridors, sloping or crooked walls can be turned into an asset and a pleasing experience.
Key Considerations:
- Full coverage: The most stylish and bold decision is to cover all the wall surfaces in a room in the same paper. And if you are decorating a roof space or a room with large areas of sloping ceiling then please consider running the paper all the way up and over. The effect is stunning and enveloping. Depending on the sizes of the walls, you can choose to section areas to be painted or divide walls with a bottom dado or upper picture rail , painted in either matching or contrasting color.
In the projects above, the hallway often a really bland boring space devoid of any other form of decoration was transformed into a fun transition. The tiniest bedroom in this chalet has become everyone’s favourite jewel with all over wallpaper (also covering wardrobe doors) and wood cladding.
- Focal walls: Personally I think ‘feature walls’ which were in vogue some decades ago, should be avoided. However, they can work in some instances for deliberate reasons and for certain papers. But if it’s just your indecision which is motivating the ‘one wall’ idea then I would urge you to go all out and cover all the walls feel empowered.
In the home office above we used a one-wall approach as a backdrop to the shelving using the famous Martinique wallpaper. The rest of the office space is painted to match. In this hallway we found an existing niche and applied a heavily textured seagrass by Elitis which acts as a focal point almost an artwork.
- Headboard walls: if you chose a textured and dramatic paper as part of a headboard wall in a bedroom and then paint the rest of the walls in a close matching colour that can work well. You might opt for a striking colourful pattern or a textured padded material; Arte make beautifully crafted and thick textured wallpapers that are perfect for bedroom feature walls.
In the above bedrooms we use papers by Cole & Son as backdrop.
- Mural walls: if you fall in love with a large scale mural this can work on a single wall; but if you cover a room it will just become even more amazing.
- Open plan spaces: if you are decorating a space which is a sub area of a room such as a niche in a hallway or a long wall in a corridor or a dining space in an open plan area, you can use a paper to delineate the space, create depth and therefore enlarge the feeling of the space.
- Mixture of walls: if your room has walls which are of entirely different materials such as raw wood or logs, exposed brick or stone , tiles, steel , polished concrete or glass then it makes sense to just cover the remaining walls with your chosen paper.
These bathrooms above were already partially tiled and timber clad and we decorated the remaining wall areas with pretty wallpapers by Schumacher.
- Statement ceilings: Don’t limit your wallpaper application to the walls. Ceilings are your fifth wall and decorating them will add an unexpected twist and create a unique visual dynamic. Consider dark ceilings; they will create a cozy cocooning atmosphere, draw the eye upwards, add depth and drama and balance the proportion of a space . Patterned ceilings add character to otherwise dull or very modern spaces. A surprise element overhead can bring an entirely new layer to the room’s design, enhancing the atmosphere and providing a conversation starter. If you opt for a ceiling wallpaper, consider keeping the pattern or detail minimal to avoid overwhelming the space. You can either opt for the all over drench effect (especially in sloped spaces) or the ceiling can remain an accent area, offering a sense of surprise without dominating the room.
2. Mix and Match Textures
Layering different textures adds depth and dimension to your interiors. Combining wallpaper with other materials, such as wood, metal, or fabric, can create a rich tapestry of visual experiences. The overriding message I want to impress on all my readers is that textured walls will improve your space almost irrespective of what you chose, you almost cant go wrong with either silk, seagrass, linen or any other textured surface even if it’s just a vinyl mimic of a natural material. My experience of decorating many different sized rooms is that especially in small spaces a textured and even patterned paper will enlarge your experience of the space.
Texture Combinations:
- Contrast with smooth surfaces: Pair textured wallpaper, like grass cloth or embossed designs, with sleek, modern furnishings. This contrast creates a sophisticated balance, allowing the wallpaper to stand out as a tactile feature within the room.
- Cohesion with fabrics: Use fabric patterns that complement your wallpaper choices. For instance, if your wallpaper features floral motifs, consider incorporating cushions or curtains with subtle floral patterns or complementary colours. This layering creates harmony and enhances the overall aesthetic. A very elegant approach is to use the same design on the papers and the curtains.
If your walls are tricky to wallpaper or you don’t want to commit to an all over application you can add bottom panelling or framed sections of walls and paper the inside of the panelling.
3. Create Zones with Wallpaper
In open-plan spaces or multifunctional rooms, wallpaper can be used to delineate different areas, providing visual separation while maintaining an overall sense of unity.
Zoning Strategies:
- Defining spaces: Use wallpaper to define specific zones within a larger area. For example, you might apply a calming, muted wallpaper in a reading nook while using a more vibrant design in the dining area. This technique allows each space to have its own identity while contributing to the overall flow of the home.
- Accent features: Consider using wallpaper to highlight architectural features such as alcoves, columns, or recesses. By wallpapering these areas with a bold or contrasting design, you can draw attention to their unique shape and add visual intrigue to your interiors.
4. Accessorising the Bed: Adding Layers of Style
Think outside the box by using wallpaper to enhance furniture and cabinetry. This creative approach allows you to personalise your space with relatively small commitment, adding character and flair.
- Wallpapered cabinets: Consider lining the interiors of open shelving or closed cabinetry with wallpaper. You can add contrasting colour and pattern that can be visible when the doors are open, transforming everyday storage into a design feature.
In the above projects we added a subtle wallpaper to the back of the cabinets which give a really lovely interesting detail to a large unit which if painted in one colour would be quite bland.
- Wallpapered doors: Use wallpaper either to wrap entirely or the inlay into a framed door. There is a vast myriad of options, look for a durable surface, typically vinyls are very useful and they are now available in remarkably realistic textures mimicking linen, grasscloth, leather, shagreen and more. But if you really want to add luxury and you are sure to take care of the surfaces then use paper backed silk or fabrics.
In this project we transformed tired simple doors with fresh paint, silk wallpaper and luxurious bespoke brass handles.
Above we used silk papers to fill panels on bespoke wardrobe doors.
5. Utilise Scale and Proportion
When selecting wallpaper, pay attention to the scale and proportion of the patterns in relation to your space. Larger patterns can create drama, while smaller prints may lend a subtle charm.
Scale Considerations:
- Room size: In larger rooms, bold, large-scale patterns can create a sense of grandeur and drama, while smaller patterns can be effective in cozier spaces to avoid overwhelming the eye. For instance, a grand damask pattern may work beautifully in a spacious hallway, while delicate florals could enhance the warmth of a snug study.
- Pattern direction: Consider the direction of the pattern when applying wallpaper. Vertical patterns can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal designs can create a sense of width. This strategic use of pattern direction can significantly affect the perceived dimensions of a space.
6. Reinvent Your Space Without Tearing Down Walls
Wallpaper offers a wonderful solution to those looking to reinvent a space without the mess and expense of structural changes. Whether you want to update a tired living room or introduce a fresh vibe into a bedroom, wallpaper allows you to reimagine your environment. You can completely transform the look of a room by updating its wallpaper, without the need for tearing down walls or major renovations. A carefully selected wallpaper design can turn a tired space into one full of character.
Wallpaper is one of the most versatile and impactful design elements available to transform your interiors. By embracing bold patterns, mixing textures, creating zones, and even adding surprise elements like wallpapered ceilings, you can truly elevate the design of your home.
At the end of the day, choosing wallpaper is like choosing art for your walls – don’t worry too much about design rules, make sure it’s something you’ll love seeing every day.
Stay inspired, stay sophisticated
