Are you starting an interior design project and want to polish it off with the perfect paper? Well, let’s begin with what room or space you are doing and how interior designers choose wallpaper.
Entryways are a fabulous place to use statement paper!
Interior Designers view FUNCTION, VIBE and AESTHETIC as important elements when choosing wallpaper.
Do you want bright and fun, chill and relaxing or maybe you want inspired and elevated? How do you want the space to feel? Do you want to make a statement or do you want it to be part of the overall look and design? So many questions, right?! But it informs the design decisions, and is especially helpful in the beginning of your project.
Even the ceiling or ‘fifth wall’ has become more popular. So, go big and bold in your dining room like this one!
A second factor to consider is SCALE.
If you’re working in a big space, you may want to think about a large scale pattern, mural wrap or darker colours to create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Conversely, if you have a smaller space, you may want to choose a smaller scale pattern or lighter paper colour to make the space feel larger.
How about some charm and character vibes like this one!
WHY wallpaper at all?
Wallpaper is very versatile and impactful.
Its history dates back to the beginning of the 16th century! Wallpaper has the ability to add sophistication, art, style and drama to any space in your home. But, be forewarned. Choosing the best wallpaper for your home can be overwhelming.
Now doesn’t this pack a punch?! Design by yours truly!
Always consider the overall DESIGN AESTHETIC of your home when choosing wallpaper.
Are you looking for modern, traditional, textured or 3D? What you choose should either be the focal point, add depth and dimension or create calm with a subtle palette and pattern.
Always a classic, Morris & Co wallpapers.
Hidden BENEFITS of wallpaper…
Wallpaper covers up blemishes! Rare is the perfectly smooth and flat wall. But wallpaper can hide those imperfections. The right wallpaper can even outperform paint – so choose wisely.
Like all good outfits, wallpaper should go with the room you’re decorating; not from a TikTok you’ve seen, or from someone else’s home. Choose wallpaper like it’s your LBD. Not only timeless and classic, but everything should go with it – and work for the room’s style, size, function, scale, repeat pattern.
Choosing Patterns…
The scale and repeat can make a room feel cozy and intimate like large-scale, or spacious like with small-scale.
My living room (above) has a large scale pattern and it really makes my small living room feel quite cozy and intimate.
My Home Office (below) feels much more spacious with my small/medium scale pattern.
Considerations…
Choose a paper that compliments the other elements in your space like lighting, flow, and architecture.
Like florals tend to be more traditional, modern, bold and geometric patterns ultimately suit newer rooms but instantly add character and personality to spaces. Keep in mind your existing furniture styles as well.
Classic choices
Lately, the modern traditional use of florals, stylized motifs, stripes, flocked, pictorial scenes, birds and even insects is very on trend. When choosing, always go back to the function of the room and how you want it to feel.
For example: large florals make a statement vs. smaller florals can be more subtle.
…more considerations…
Remember the mood and vibe because some wallpapers will evoke certain emotions and energy. For example: metallic wallpaper is vibrant, glamorous and dynamic vs. grasscloth which can be subtle, calming and organic.
Wallpaper adds personality, texture, colour and more life to walls. It can be a conversation starter too!
Statement wallpapers are fun to incorporate in places like powder rooms, home offices, laundry rooms, beverage stations, walk-in closets, or entrance ways. Pretty much anywhere you can think of!
When I designed the Home Office (above) for my busy client, they wanted a fun and invigorating pattern as a backdrop to their zoom calls!
Designer Tips:
Samples – always collect, compare, evaluate
Function – balance the wallpaper with the room’s existing decor, lighting, size and purpose for best outcomes.
Embrace your own style – stay true to your taste and preferences – then you will like it a lot longer!
Have fun! Try something new – mix patterns, styles, paper the ceilings, paper everywhere…
Hire a Professional!
If you had any doubts about how to choose wallpaper, then I hope this helps.
And don’t forget, I’m just a call away, and I love talking about wallpaper! 🙂
