For a lot of people, the word wallpaper makes them think “old-fashioned.” But guess what? Wallpaper is back in a big way!
One of the best things to happen to home fashions recently is the re-introduction of contemporary wallpapers that are a far cry from something in your grandmother’s house. New techniques in printing and production have created a multitude of options to add texture, shimmer or warmth to a room. If you’ve never considered wallpaper, you would be surprised to learn just how many choices there are. And there are even removable options too – so you can change your walls easily if you’re a renter, or just want a change of scenery!
Remember, there’s no rule that says you need to wallpaper all of the walls. You can use it to create an accent wall, or faux wainscoting, or even on the ceiling. I recently used some textured, shimmery wallpaper on a client’s wood box valences at the top of their windows. It was just the right touch to make them a little interesting and different, without being overwhelming.
There are so many options to choose from – you can be subtle and use something that looks like silk fabric, or reclaimed wood, or go bold with large geometric prints. Use it to make a statement in your entryway, or in a powder room, or the wall behind your bed, or the back wall of bookshelves. The possibilities are literally endless and there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Something to keep in mind when considering wallpaper – no matter if you choose to paper the whole room or one wall, the rest of the room needs to work with the pattern. If you’ve gone with a bold print or color, keep everything else in the room on the simple side. But if you’ve opted for subtle texture, feel free to go a little wild with your furnishings.
If you’re feeling particularly courageous, you can educate yourself about how to properly hang wallpaper. But, if you would rather save yourself a ton of frustration, this is one of those jobs that is usually better left to professionals. I highly recommend using an experienced installer – it will probably save you time and money in the long run.
Do you have any interesting stories or projects that have involved wallpaper? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!