The funny thing is that nothing dates faster than the latest trends! Whether it's the recent vogue for Pistachio green, Orange, or neutral greys or taupe colours or trendy wallpapers, such as the ubiqitous 'Woods'. Paint is the safest and easiest option for those without confidence or design knowledge. Paint does bring out the architectural quality and details (that why until recently architects have rejected them on the whole). But I really disagree with those that say paint lasts longer than papers. Of course it depends on if it's used in high traffic areas but wallpapers in some houses have lasted well over a century! A choice of wallpaper show a certain statement of confidence and with current Site specific, carefully designed Digital papers or Artisan designed, hand crafted or printed wallpaper you are installing a work of art to be enjoyed for a considerable time.

As a wallpaper designer I think you know what I'm going to say...Wallpaper, of course! My latest designs (The Joinery Collection) can be mixed and matched on the wall for unique outcomes. This mirrored effect is just one way to go. Check out my bespoke design service too. I can incorporate branding, lettering and photography. www.identitypapers.com

The first paper visualises tin ceilings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was usually painted over in gloss paint to allow easy cleaning. Using this paper would create a very shabby chic room. Unless you're opting for a classic look or a very carefully contrived eclectic look, I wouldn't use the 2nd paper. Paper 3 will give you a classic wood paneled effect. Using it all over may be overpowering in a small room. Consider using it on the lower half of all 4 walls or just as a feature wall.

Hi Gerty, I would definitely recommend a neutral textured wallpaper if you didn't want to just paint the walls either side. Harlequin do some really nice ones that would work against the busy fireplace. Or you could use on another wall and paint either side of the fireplace, hard to say for sure without seeing the whole room. This has a slight plaster affect which slightly emulates the pattern in the fireplace... This one is a metallic texture which could look really nice... This shows how the textured wallpaper will look but I would stick to a neutral colour...