Wonderful Wallpaper: Tips from an Interior Designer

Wallpaper is a fabulous way to add personality, texture, and warmth to your space. As an interior designer I love using it to define a breakfast or study nook, create a stunning feature wall or transform a room with a ceiling application! With so many wallpapers available you will be sure to find a design that that you love and that reflects your unique personality.

Here are some things to consider when choosing wallpaper!

Consider the Room’s Purpose – Is it a cosy bedroom, a bustling kitchen, or a calm home ofﬁce? The function and purpose of the space will inﬂuence your choice of wallpaper. Bold patterns work well in high-energy spaces, while calm and serene designs are better for bedrooms and other relaxing areas. Wallpaper is great for adding an element of fun in a child’s bedroom or playroom. But remember that for high-trafﬁc areas, like hallways, playrooms or kitchens, it is best to opt for durable, washable wallpapers that can stand up to daily wear and tear. In bedrooms or living rooms, you can get away with more delicate, luxurious options.

Take Room Dimensions into Account – The size of the room and the height of the walls will also impact the appearance of the wallpaper. Consider the scale of the design and make sure it will look proportionate to the space. In small rooms, opt for smaller-scale prints to avoid overwhelming the space.
Conversely, larger rooms can handle bolder, more expansive patterns without feeling cramped. And if you’re working with low ceilings, vertical stripes can create the illusion of height, while horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider.

Think About Lighting – The amount and type of light in a room will affect the appearance of the wallpaper. Sunlight can bring out the true colours and textures of wallpaper but depending on the direction and intensity of sunlight, the appearance might change throughout the day. When it comes to artiﬁcial light; warm-toned lights may make the colours appear richer and more vibrant, while cooler lights can create a more subdued or crisp effect.

Placement of light ﬁxtures can also add to the patterns and textures of wallpaper – accent lighting, such as well placed wall sconce, can draw attention to particular areas of the wallpaper or an architectural detail. This can create a focal point within the room and highlight the unique features of the wallpaper design.

Play with Patterns and Coordinate with other Elements – One of the most exciting aspects of wallpaper is the endless array of patterns and designs available. From classic stripes and ﬂorals to bold geometric prints and whimsical motifs, there’s something for every taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different patterns – just remember to keep our above tips on scale and proportion in mind and don’t forget to coordinate it with other elements such as furniture, ﬂooring, and window treatments. to ensure a harmonious look.

Embrace Texture – While patterned wallpapers often steal the spotlight, don’t overlook the power of texture. Textured wallpapers can add depth and dimension to a room, creating visual interest and tactile appeal. Linen wallpapers can be a timeless addition to any room, while sisal really comes to life on the walls. Other luxurious ﬁnishes like velvets will take on a 3D appearance while a bouclette wallpaper creates exceptional depth. Check out @casamance_ofﬁcial for some great inspiration here!”Mix and match textures for a dynamic look that’s uniquely yours.

Go Beyond Walls – Who says wallpaper is just for walls? Get creative and think outside the box by using wallpaper to accentuate other areas of your home. Consider lining the backs of bookshelves for a pop of colour, covering cabinet fronts for a stylish makeover, or even framing wallpaper as art for a one-of-a-kind focal point.

The possibilities are endless!

Dull the Noise: Acoustic wallpaper offers a dual beneﬁt of enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the acoustic performance of a home. Beyond its visually pleasing designs, this innovative wallpaper absorbs sound, reducing echoes and minimising noise levels within the living space, a big plus in the world of open plan living. Whether applied in a living room, a home ofﬁce, or bedroom, acoustic wallpaper creates a quieter, more comfortable environment. Its seamless integration into interior decor makes it a versatile solution for noise control without compromising style.

This linen wallpaper has a foam backing for an acoustic effect.

Test Samples – Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to bring home some samples and see how they look in your space. Lighting can have a signiﬁcant impact on how a wallpaper appears, so be sure to test your samples in different areas of the room at different times of day. And don’t forget to consider how the wallpaper will complement your existing furniture, decor, and colour scheme.

Do You – Your home should be a reﬂection of your own personality and taste, so let your personal style guide your wallpaper selection. Are you drawn to sleek and modern designs, or do you prefer something more eclectic and bohemian?

Understanding your aesthetic preferences will help narrow down your options and make the decision-making process easier. Don’t be swayed by trends or opinions. If you love it, that’s all that matters! And remember, wallpaper is not a lifelong commitment – if you ever tire of your chosen design, it’s relatively easy to remove and replace.

“If you would like some help with your forthcoming renovation or interiors project please feel free to reach out to us here – we’d love to help you!”

Image Credits:

Olive et Oriel
Etsy
@casamance_ofﬁcial
@casamance_ofﬁcial
@casamance_ofﬁcial
Vogue