Wallpapered Interiors: Adore or Abhor?

It is still having a moment, and why shouldn’t it? Wallpapered interiors go in and out of fashion and are one of those trends folks adore. Except when they abhor them. Whether your style tends to be traditional or ultra modern, there are patterns, prints, and textures that can add dimension and charm.

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Wallpapered Interiors to Inspire

Let’s start with maybe my favorite wallpapered interior in the whole bunch. It’s in a dining room you can tour at around the 51 minute mark in this video:

Isn’t that Gracie chinoiserie style wallpaper amazing? And can’t you totally understand why the homeowner would create a wedding cake inspired by it?

Smaller Expanses of Beautiful Wallpaper

Those hand-painted high end papers can cost a fortune, and I love how some folks have used the wallpaper in creative ways. Remember how the Giannettis used Gracie panels?

Yes, they’re hiding a television. Such a smart example of enjoying a gorgeous, classic, timeless pattern in a prominent place when they lived at Patina Farm. Lining a wardrobe is also genius:

Don’t you love that Pimpernel pattern? You could also wallpaper a closet if it isn’t needed for storage…

Here are some pretty possibilities if you’re in the mood for for greens and blues:

Start By Wallpapering a Powder Bath

If you’re not sure how you feel about a whole room of wallpaper or a wallpapered statement wall, a powder bath may be a great place to experiment.

Since these baths tend to be small, it’s not such a big risk or costly investment.

One of the intelligent ways of using wallpaper is to cope with (or celebrate, depending on perspective) quirky architecture.

When your eye is focused on pattern, other design elements may recede.

And when a room lacks architectural interest and feels boxy, there is always a wallpaper pattern to deliver some.

While I don’t have many modern wallpaper options in this round-up, they can be amazing in traditional homes.

Ever papered a bath? We have done it a few times with no issues, but proper ventilation is something to address before adding it.

Patterns Inspired by Nature

I love that traditional style is having a moment, and both renters and homeowners are more comfortable with mindful and also playful decorating moves to create a mood.

Knowing what makes you feel energized or relaxed is everything when it comes to choosing a color scheme and wallpaper.

Colorful patterns inspired by florals, landscapes, creatures, and nature can be introduced in bedrooms and beyond.

Start with a search of your favorite color and be prepared for the range of beautiful possibilities!

In fact, a favorite wallpaper pattern could inspire your whole color story or vision for a room or home.

Timelessly Elegant Nature Inspired Wallpaper Patterns

Certain patterns never grow old.

Need ideas for nature-themed wallpapers that caught my eye?

Remember how how our friend Kathy Sue used the delft blue with gorgeous gilded lighting?

Understated Color & Depth from Wallpaper

There’s a place for bold color in many homes. Yet there’s also a place for understated color options.

Again, self-awareness is key. Which colorways or patterns would you never tire of? It’s important to know!

And if you aren’t sure, then it’s important to sample and live with it for awhile.

I have lived with many wallpaper patterns in many different homes over the years. We moved often when I was a child, and my parents were fond of decorating and customizing each home.

Wallpaper is such a great design element to bring a custom, unique look that no one else will have. Even though certain patterns become more popular, they feel distinct within each context.

As you know, I used a scenic tree landscape wallpaper in a guest bedroom at our former home and then selected it again for our foyer.

Completely different contexts, lighting, and surrounding decor. Here it was in a bedroom:

And now, as a statement in the foyer:

And just a reminder – I still love it and found it to be an easy DIY! The made in Sweden quality is top notch. This holiday showhouse entry is similar to our own:

Influencers Inspire Our Choices

Say what you will about social media (it definitely brings harm along with help), but it has made it so much easier to see examples of wallpaper patterns and paint colors with a simple hashtag search!

When influencers and designers share images where you can see a large expanse of the pattern or print, it is less nerve racking than viewing a teeny swatch.

That said, it can also be disheartening to discover a particular mural or paper is way beyond your budget. While I love de Gournay, it is for champagne budgets.

Oh those de Gournay pinks!

But you can’t go wrong with their greens:

And the above example is a great example of how wallpaper becomes integral in the design. It literally draws you deeper into the space after you are greeted with the smile from those checks.

Ever wonder how de Gournay designs come to life? No need to wonder:

When You Love a Tonal Look

These wallcoverings in an amazing Paris hotel my husband and I stumbled upon definitely left an impression.

Here’s another suite in Pavillon de la Reine:

No wonder I love our grisaille wallpapers (I actually chose a different pattern in the same colorway for guest bedroom accent walls).

But if you’re not into neutrals and opt to be bold…

Who says a tiny kitchen can’t live large and dramatic? Wow!

Wallpaper patterns can be powerful as the backdrop for memories. Do you know what I mean? That blue kitchen is bound to make an impression. If you grew up with a particular floral pattern, for example, on your childhood bedroom walls…or maybe it was your grandmother’s dining room wallpaper. These memories may be strengthened by the motif and colors.

If you’re not sure where to start as far as choosing a pattern, you could start with your favorite style. Let’s say you love a French Nordic look…how about a pretty Swedish paper?

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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