Wallpaper 101 in Interior Design

Let me show you how wallpapers, alongside wall paint and pictures, can elevate your spaces and transform your home by creating a mood

With their colours and textures, wallpapers set the mood and add character to your spaces.

They can be made from various materials, resulting in either a plain, smooth finish or luxurious textures, using fabrics like woods, crushed shells, sea grass, and recycled silk

3 Rules for Selecting Wallpaper

#1 Rule of Thumb:

small room > small pattern,

big room > big pattern

A rule of thumb is to match a small room with a small pattern and a big room with a big pattern.

Large scale patterns need more space and might feel constricted in smaller areas. Small patterns, on the other hand, blur together, creating a calmer feel.

Of course there are many contraindications to this rule, and methods to make a small room appear larger with a big scale mural wallpaper.

#2 Chose your Focal Point

Smaller patterns can accentuate a piece of furniture or lamp in front of it serving as a nice backdrop. In contrast, larger patterns dominate the room, drawing attention away from the furniture. Just look at the two vases in front the different wallpapers below!

#3 Colour Contrasts

The number of colours in a wallpaper affects contrast and visual movement. The more colours, the more dynamic the effect (and depending on your personal taste might feel like visual clutter).

Harmony across Spaces

Connect the dots! Being mindful of neighbouring rooms is key for a cohesive home design. Find inspiration in existing wall colours or wallpapers to create a seamless flow between rooms. Or let your imagination run wild with intentional clashes for a bold statement.

Wallpaper Application Options

There's more than one way to wallpaper! Explore options like accent walls, whole room transformations, wallpaper borders, and the charm of wall panelling + wallpaper combo. Your walls, your canvas!

One last thing: Visualizing is key

Don't settle for a small sample or picture online! The side by side pictures below, reveal how a pattern close up compares to the application on the wall. The final mood of the room is completely different than one would imagine based on the close-up.

It is important to visualize the entire pattern on your selected wall, considering surroundings and furniture. Enlist the expertise of an interior designer, like yours truly! 😉

Be brave and discover the endless possibilities that wallpapers bring to interior design with these key points! Drop me a message if you need support in choosing & visualizing.

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101 of Wall Art - Part 2 Gallery Wall