When we think of wallpaper, some of us may think back to the 1960’s colors of pea green, saffron and bold floral patterns. I love how the colors and patterns of wall coverings can tell a story of a time and place and invoke memories of our childhood. I also love that wall coverings are now available in so many colors, patterns, textures and materials, offering the ability to completely transform any space.
My favorite rooms to use wall coverings are in a foyer, a powder room, a dining room, hallways and a child’s bedroom, but of course wall coverings can be installed anywhere! When working with wallpaper, I like to first start by choosing the appropriate material. In wet areas, like behind a sink, you definitely want to use an option made of vinyl to ensure your beautiful wall covering lasts.
The wall covering you choose is going to set the feeling of the entire space. If you’re going for a space that you want to feel really “moody”, something dark and heavy on the texture like a velvet would be a great choice to get you started! If you want to create a feeling of calmness, lightness and serenity, a wall covering with natural movement, subtle pattern and light coloring is a beautiful upgrade from a painted wall. If your goal is to create a space that feels timeless, a grasscloth is one of my go-to wall covering textures. With grass cloth available in so many different weaves and colors, it’s an easy choice for any home and design style!
You can have lots of fun with wall coverings in a powder room or a child’s bedroom, depending on the mood you want to set. I love getting into large scale and bold patterns like geometric patterns, florals, botanicals and murals in these spaces!
Another thing I love about wall coverings is that it isn't just for walls! Installing a beautiful metallic wall covering in the tray of a ceiling creates a sparkle if you have the right lighting! Or, an edgy and textural reptile-skin inspired dark wall covering on the tray of a ceiling in a dining room or office can fashion the room into this dramatic and sometimes even masculine (depending on your texture, colors and surrounding elements) space.
The options with wall coverings truly are endless and whether you’re doing a whole room or just a single wall, it’s the easiest and most fun way to transform a space with a minimal amount of work!