Effortlessly Update Your Space with Wallpaper

Don’t consider wallpaper until you read this

The first time I was introduced to wallpaper was when I was seven years old.

My step-grandparents had a weekend home in Santa Barbara, California. It wasn’t a traditional house, but rather a collection of little bungalows that served as living quarters. The kitchen was outdoors on a large, covered patio.  The bathroom and shower were outfitted in an old pump house.

My grandfather was an engineer at Lockheed Martin, so all the spaces where little magical rooms creatively created out of what was available. We spent many weekends there (and at the beach across the street) that year of my life. It was fun.

My grandparents shared the property with another couple and one time I got to go into their “space.”

The whole place was covered in chintz wallpaper with matching upholstered furniture, window coverings, pillows, and bedding. It was a sea of pink roses. . . . . . .

I was mesmerized and have always loved wallpaper.

Does this mean you should apply wallpaper to every room in your home?

Absolutely not.

As wallpaper continues to make an even bigger comeback this season, will you join the movement or hold fast to your painted walls? While there is no wrong answer, here are my thoughts, tips, and suggestions for uses of wallpaper.

I know your mind is swirling with images of your parents 1970’s living room.  But hold that cringe feeling for a hot minute as I break a few myths and give you all kinds of inspiration to add interest, softness, or a bold statement to your home.

Wallpaper Myths Exposed

Wallpaper is Outdated

If you were less than mesmerized with wallpaper from your childhood (even though I was), then I understand why you’d be hesitant to agree to this popular new trend.

The main reasons wallpaper makes us all cringe are:

1. it was used over a whole room and not as a tasteful accent and

2. the patterns were often less than ideal colors with small prints which is busy and hard on the eyes.

You can put those worries aside because wallpaper today includes larger prints and more tasteful applications. Often, in my designs, I use wallpaper as an accent wall with delicate colors, patterns, and textures.

Wallpaper is a Commitment

Many people think wallpaper is too expensive and too permanent. In other words, you feel you will be spending a lot of money on something you will get tired of and it will be difficult to remove.

I would agree with this, but if you use wallpaper only as an accent, the investment decreases significantly. And because you will pick a style and pattern that accentuates the overall décor of your room, you won’t end up hating it years later, but enjoy the added depth and personality wallpaper brings to your space.

Wallpaper is too Feminine

Wallpaper doesn’t have to be floral. It can be woodsy, geometric, minimal, or simply an interesting texture.  Believe me there is a pattern for every gender when it comes to wallpaper.

In fact, a nice grasscloth patterned wallpaper (that is not really grass, but vinyl for durability) is often found in high-end hotels and is known for its timeless elegance.

Unique Uses of Wallpaper

Wallpaper the Ceiling!

Ceilings tend to be boring, and unless you have a fancy light fixture, most people don’t pay much attention to them.  

I suggest taking advantage of this fifth wall by adding a cool color palette and pattern. This will instantly add depth and height to your room. Larger rooms with extremely tall ceilings often feel like a cavernous void, but you can bring interest and fill the volume of space with wallpaper (and maybe dampen the echo).

Wallpaper the Laundry Room!

Do you drool over all the pretty laundry rooms on Instagram? I know I do (my laundry room has yet to get the attention it needs). You can transform this most utilitarian of spaces, by adding wallpaper.

I’m all for making household chores more bearable, and if looking at a pretty wall while folding clean clothes – well you get it.

Plus, adding designer touches in unexpected spaces is an easy way to make it look like you’re a real design pro.

Wallpaper the Foyer!

I think the easiest way to “ease” into wallpaper is in your foyer. This is where first impressions are made. Take an otherwise dull room and welcome guests to your home with style by adding a bold statement wallpaper.

Geometric, floral, textured, or mural wallpaper – go wild and show your unexpected side with something that makes you giggle inside every time you walk by the front door.

Wallpaper Tips

1. Simultaneously select wallpaper, new furniture, and new window treatments. You don’t want to mix too many patterns or colors.

2. To increase the perceived size of a small room, use a larger pattern.

3. For an elegant dramatic feel, pick a dark moody hue or provocative pattern.

We have lots of wallpaper samples at The Shoppe. Come take a look at them and you will be surprised at the beautiful selections.