What do you think of when you hear the word wallpaper? For most of my clients it evokes flashbacks of their grandmothers dining room or their childhood bathroom covered in a tacky floral pattern, followed by a look of pure disgust. What goes around comes around, and wallpaper has come back with a bang.
While there are still plenty of tacky floral designs on the market today, I think most people would be surprised by the amazing array of unique and original designs, textures, and colors out there just waiting to breathe new life into your space. So how do you incorporate wallpaper into your home? Here are a few of my favorite uses for this interior design trend.
accent walls
An accent wall in a bedroom serves a similar purpose as a traditional headboard in that it draws your eye to the focal point of your space. In most cases this is the bed, and what better way to add character to your room than with wallpaper. We’ve seen similar tactics used with paint, but wallpaper offers a way to incorporate more personality than color ever could. Whether its the soft, natural feel of grass cloth or a bold geometric, the bedroom is the perfect place for wallpaper.
in the powder room
Arguably the smallest room in everyone’s home, powder rooms are an opportunity to have a little fun, and what better way to achieve that than with a whimsical or bold print wallpaper? More of my clients choose this room for wallpaper than any other, and it’s easy to understand why. A little goes a long way in a tight space; you spend far less time in this room than others in your home so most clients are willing to stretch their imaginations just a little bit further here. Think bold colors or elaborate prints. Either way it takes your tiny space to a whole different level.
backs of bookcases
A simple and easy way to add some interest to your built-ins, wallpaper used in the backs of bookcases or shelving units is an unexpected surprise and helps to highlight your belongings that are already on display. It is a quick and easy way to add interest to a room, and requires a lot less paper i.e. less money!
incorporate a mural
One of the more exciting additions to the wallpaper market has been the introduction of murals. Whether it be paper, grass cloth, or vinyl, I see murals popping up more and more frequently. Murals offer clients the unique opportunity to have their walls be the artwork. This is an easy way to make an ordinary space feel extraordinary.
on the ceiling
Placing a pattern on the ceiling gives your room added character and helps to define spaces, as seen here in this dining room example. In smaller rooms like bathrooms, carrying the wallpaper up and over head can help to give the illusion of more space, and add another distinctive layer of interest to your home.
above a chair rail
Using wallpaper on the top half of the wall above a chair rail is a slightly more traditional look. It is most often found in dining rooms or bathrooms. This is a great way to add interest without covering every square inch of your room. It also serves as a way to tie in other colors and fabrics found in the room.
applied paneling
A similar concept but scaled back take on the mural. Framing your wallpaper with molding is another way to let your wallpaper become the artwork in your space. Whether it be in a removable frame or set straight onto the wall this look is an easy way to create interest.
Until next time!
