Wallpaper is a design trend of the past, right? Wrong!
Over and over again, I have heard this question asked from my clients, both commercial and residential. Every time, my response is the same: There is a perfect wallpaper out there for everyone, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the ’70s and ’80s wallpaper you remember from your nightmares!
using a dramatic wallpaper under a chair rail can break up the wall and provide interest, especially when using a fantastic gold cork
Let’s get down to it and answer those burning questions you have about wallpaper:
Where is wallpaper applicable?
Anywhere! But specifically, wallpaper is fabulous for an area where paint can’t give you the dramatic flair you are looking for.
Large spaces — such as foyers with tall ceilings — can be completely transformed by choosing a paper that fills the negative space and makes the room feel totally finished. Oftentimes, my clients are perplexed by how to address rooms with tall ceilings.
place gold cork wallpaper under a chair rail on gallery walls
detail view of the wallpaper shown in the photo of the foyer
Am I saying that every home and every room with tall ceilings should be covered in wallpaper from baseboard to ceiling? Absolutely not. But if you are looking to pump up a space with a little touch of wow, wallpaper may be your answer where paint just won’t cut it and art may be too awkward at that height.
Conversely, small spaces can be a fun place to apply wallpaper as well. Powder rooms are often done in a paper that makes your guest say “oo la la” as soon as they step through the door.
elegant blue and gold paper is accentuated by a mix of new and antique bath and mirror fixtures to create a gorgeous finished product
wallpapering a small space such as a powder room can really wow your guests. don’t be afraid to hang art on your wallpaper – just make sure it’s something you love and won’t tire of easily
Don’t be afraid to use bold and even dark colors mixed with funky prints, such as geometrics or imperial trellis in a space like this. The more dramatic, the better!
Bedrooms are often wallpapered on accent walls behind the bed to achieve a look of romance that sets the mood.
Not all walls in the space have to be wallpapered. Taking your favorite paper to a paint shop, such as Sherwin-Williams, to do a color match can be a great way to make sure that the surrounding painted walls are a perfect match.
What kind of wallpaper should I choose?
Choosing wallpaper is a very personal thing. It is just as personal as choosing a sofa fabric or, more so, a tattoo.
Because wallpaper is somewhat of a long-term investment, it is important to truly love the paper you choose. It is not the easiest or cheapest thing to change and will most likely be around for five to 10 years — even longer if you pick something that will stand the test of time in terms of trends and fads.
If you are a floral person and have been for 20-some years, then it is safe to say you probably wouldn’t regret the choice to go with wall-to-wall flowers, although as your designer I wouldn’t recommend it.
The trick is to have enough vision into your own style to choose a wallpaper that will look fabulous and timeless no matter what furniture or finishes you purchase.
There are so many new and wonderful papers out there today that embrace hundreds of different looks including metallics, cork, crystals, textures, geometric prints, nature, etc. I could go on and on, but my best advice is to sit down with a designer who can show you what is current and what would look best in your space. Take your time, borrow the book, leave it in your space and live with it for a while.
If your feelings grow and you truly love the paper, then give it a go! If the opposite happens, well, you have just saved yourself time and money and the hunt continues.
Should I try to hang it myself?
If you have previous experience hanging wallpaper, I would say go for it. I am not what you would call the “do it yourselfer” when it comes to wallpaper. But if you are, I will be the first in line to give you a high five!
Using a professional wallpaper hanger, in my opinion, would be a smart move, especially when purchasing a paper that is expensive. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a fine product and installing it incorrectly.
Can I hang art on it after it is installed?
Absolutely. You need to be exactly sure that this is where you want that item to hang. This is relative to the “measure twice, cut once” theory, because you cannot patch a hole in your wallpaper. Make sure you choose art pieces or mirrors that complement your wallpaper.
You don’t want these accessories clashing and messing up your initial design.
While wallpaper has come a very long way over the past few decades, there are still some less than desirable choices on the market.
As my mother always says, “Buy what you love, and you’ll love it forever.” This can be true, from furnishings to finishes, and should always be your guideline for design.
– To see more pictures of the projects featured in this article:
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