Decorating
Smart ways to be Creative with Wallpaper
Wallpaper is having a moment – but it doesn't need to cover all four walls. Here's how to use it with panache
Wallpaper design has moved on in recent years and there’s a vast selection of options out there, ranging from the traditional and retro to the modern and downright edgy. Putting up a statement paper is a great way to inject personality into a home, and it will create a big effect with reasonably minimal effort and cost.
Liven up a desk
Looking for inspiration while you work? Papering the wall behind your desk can be an effective way to cheer up an otherwise functional area. This geometric design is bold, but the muted grey and mustard tones keep it in check.
Looking for inspiration while you work? Papering the wall behind your desk can be an effective way to cheer up an otherwise functional area. This geometric design is bold, but the muted grey and mustard tones keep it in check.
Bring warmth to a kitchen
You might not immediately think of the kitchen as a room where you would hang wallpaper but, in fact, it can work brilliantly (and it can be cheaper than tiling). Modern kitchens tend to be quite minimal, so a panel of paper can visually lift a plain room. Here, the lime-coloured paper tones in with the splashback for a unified feel. You could also use paper behind glass for a patterned splashback.
You might not immediately think of the kitchen as a room where you would hang wallpaper but, in fact, it can work brilliantly (and it can be cheaper than tiling). Modern kitchens tend to be quite minimal, so a panel of paper can visually lift a plain room. Here, the lime-coloured paper tones in with the splashback for a unified feel. You could also use paper behind glass for a patterned splashback.
Highlight one piece of furniture
It’s never a good idea to choose your wallpaper design in isolation. Instead, think about how different elements in your home will sit together when planning a scheme with wallpaper. Which items of furniture will you place in front of it, and will they work? Perhaps you have one standout heirloom you particularly want to highlight? In this space, the wallpaper works with the distressed cabinet to create a bright and eclectic display. Stick to one feature wall to make sure all eyes are on your creation.
It’s never a good idea to choose your wallpaper design in isolation. Instead, think about how different elements in your home will sit together when planning a scheme with wallpaper. Which items of furniture will you place in front of it, and will they work? Perhaps you have one standout heirloom you particularly want to highlight? In this space, the wallpaper works with the distressed cabinet to create a bright and eclectic display. Stick to one feature wall to make sure all eyes are on your creation.
Transform a bookcase
If you’re tempted by wallpaper but don’t want to cover a wall, consider papering the back of a shelving unit instead. You’ll get pattern, but in a more subtle way. This is a purse-friendly idea, too, as you only need a relatively small amount of paper to achieve it. You could even use offcuts or samples.
Try these cool Ikea furniture hacks
If you’re tempted by wallpaper but don’t want to cover a wall, consider papering the back of a shelving unit instead. You’ll get pattern, but in a more subtle way. This is a purse-friendly idea, too, as you only need a relatively small amount of paper to achieve it. You could even use offcuts or samples.
Try these cool Ikea furniture hacks
Add it in mini doses
Similar to the previous idea, a small ‘patch’ of wallpaper can add a little bit of pizzazz without overwhelming a room. Here, only two shelf backs have been papered, but they still completely change the feel of the kitchen. For an alternative to this look, try papering the bottoms of wooden crates and mounting them on the wall.
Similar to the previous idea, a small ‘patch’ of wallpaper can add a little bit of pizzazz without overwhelming a room. Here, only two shelf backs have been papered, but they still completely change the feel of the kitchen. For an alternative to this look, try papering the bottoms of wooden crates and mounting them on the wall.
Go up the stairs
Papering the risers of stairs will add a surprise element and makes a cool, modern alternative to a runner. It’s also a stylish way to use up any offcuts from paper you may have used elsewhere.
Think about how your chosen print will look from the bottom of your staircase, and how it will tone in with your wall paint and flooring. A subdued print like the one here adds a dash of pattern without being too busy.
Papering the risers of stairs will add a surprise element and makes a cool, modern alternative to a runner. It’s also a stylish way to use up any offcuts from paper you may have used elsewhere.
Think about how your chosen print will look from the bottom of your staircase, and how it will tone in with your wall paint and flooring. A subdued print like the one here adds a dash of pattern without being too busy.
Mimic a cool material
A new crop of trompe l’oeil papers that mimic weathered wood, concrete, brick, encaustic tiles and even clapboard are smart, chic and surprisingly convincing.
In this bedroom, the paper mimics concrete paving slabs, adding a cool urban feel that’s much more interesting than an expanse of white. The rest of the room follows the industrial vibe, with metal lamps and a simple grey blanket.
A new crop of trompe l’oeil papers that mimic weathered wood, concrete, brick, encaustic tiles and even clapboard are smart, chic and surprisingly convincing.
In this bedroom, the paper mimics concrete paving slabs, adding a cool urban feel that’s much more interesting than an expanse of white. The rest of the room follows the industrial vibe, with metal lamps and a simple grey blanket.
Try a log-cabin look
Using a trompe l’oeil paper can also work if your home lacks original features, as it will add the warmth and character that may be missing.
In this cosy TV room, the wood-effect paper introduces interest to what is otherwise a fairly minimal and linear space, creating more of a log-cabin-like atmosphere that is anything but dull.
Using a trompe l’oeil paper can also work if your home lacks original features, as it will add the warmth and character that may be missing.
In this cosy TV room, the wood-effect paper introduces interest to what is otherwise a fairly minimal and linear space, creating more of a log-cabin-like atmosphere that is anything but dull.
Give a bathroom some all-out luxury
We sometimes reject the idea of wallpaper in the bathroom, just as we do in the kitchen – perhaps envisaging mildewed and peeling paper. However, if your bathroom is sufficiently moisture-controlled and you opt for one of the new vinyl or super-strength papers that are durable, splashproof and designed specifically for bathrooms, it’s not a problem. This beautiful paper picks out the tone of the tub’s exterior paint.
We sometimes reject the idea of wallpaper in the bathroom, just as we do in the kitchen – perhaps envisaging mildewed and peeling paper. However, if your bathroom is sufficiently moisture-controlled and you opt for one of the new vinyl or super-strength papers that are durable, splashproof and designed specifically for bathrooms, it’s not a problem. This beautiful paper picks out the tone of the tub’s exterior paint.
Dine in style
Many of us have a combined living/dining space, so use wallpaper to define the eating area and make it feel more intimate. Just one feature wall is all that is needed. Floral wallpaper is timeless and this one by Kim Parker is influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. For more beautiful botanical designs, look at Scandinavian brands that mix traditional and modern well.
Many of us have a combined living/dining space, so use wallpaper to define the eating area and make it feel more intimate. Just one feature wall is all that is needed. Floral wallpaper is timeless and this one by Kim Parker is influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. For more beautiful botanical designs, look at Scandinavian brands that mix traditional and modern well.
Cocoon a small space
If you think a small space should only be painted in a pale colour, think again. In fact, a bold paper can bring a small space to life and make it feel special, designed and cosy, rather than cramped. And if you are feeling really brave, consider using more than one design. Two contrasting wallpapers might sound like an interiors nightmare, but in this teen bedroom the result is fresh and fun.
If you think a small space should only be painted in a pale colour, think again. In fact, a bold paper can bring a small space to life and make it feel special, designed and cosy, rather than cramped. And if you are feeling really brave, consider using more than one design. Two contrasting wallpapers might sound like an interiors nightmare, but in this teen bedroom the result is fresh and fun.
Experiment in a cloakroom
A downstairs toilet is the perfect place to experiment with wallpaper, and as the space is small you might even be able to splash out on a paper you really love.
Choose something bold, rich and opulent, or go for a quirky, cheerful design like this one. There are no rules, so be brave.
Have you been creative with wallpaper in your home? Share your ideas/show your pictures in the Comment section.
A downstairs toilet is the perfect place to experiment with wallpaper, and as the space is small you might even be able to splash out on a paper you really love.
Choose something bold, rich and opulent, or go for a quirky, cheerful design like this one. There are no rules, so be brave.
Have you been creative with wallpaper in your home? Share your ideas/show your pictures in the Comment section.
A wall of paper behind a headboard is a simple trick that helps to separate the sleep area from the rest of the room.
You can colour co-ordinate your paper with another element in the room, or use it to add a different, but complementary shade. Here, the mint-green woodland wallpaper gives and interesting and fresh feel to the blue, grey and pink bedding.