11 Ways to Roll With Wallpaper All Over the Home
I meet a lot of people who have reservations about wallpaper. Two
of the most common questions I'm asked are: "Isn't wallpaper out of
fashion?" and "Isn't wallpaper a lot of maintenance?"
My stock answer: no, actually it's just the opposite. Wallpaper is very much in fashion, and I think it always will be. Additionally, in most cases it's easier to clean than painted walls. Proper installation by a professional wallpaper hanger and a high-quality paper are key.
My stock answer: no, actually it's just the opposite. Wallpaper is very much in fashion, and I think it always will be. Additionally, in most cases it's easier to clean than painted walls. Proper installation by a professional wallpaper hanger and a high-quality paper are key.
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Wallpaper is a wonderful design
tool. I use it for almost every project: bathrooms, bedrooms, stairs,
kitchens and cabinets. Name a flat surface; I've probably papered it.
Here are some creative applications of wallpaper by talented Houzz
designers. Consider one of these for your own home — you'll be hooked.
Wallpaper is here to stay.
In the bath. If you have tile wainscoting in a bathroom, consider wallpaper above the tile line, or the top two thirds of the wall. Wallpaper that is installed properly can withstand the steamy environment of showers. Using a fan or ventilating with windows is always a good idea. |
As an accent wall. Wallpaper
one accent wall and use a coordinating paint color for the remaining
walls. Select a pattern you like — geometric, floral or abstract — and
pair neutral furniture pieces with the wall. And yes, hang art right on
the wallpapered wall.
by Slifer Designs
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A wallpapered accent wall in a
room with multiple pitches looks great. The wallpaper creates contrast
and highlights the architecture.
by Elizabeth Reich
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At the entry. Wallpaper
works great in an entry and a stairwell. A bold wallpaper pattern can
really bring life to this first-impression space. I particularly like
wallpaper up a stairwell if I am working with a smaller budget that
doesn't allow for pricey finish carpentry. Notice the switch plate at
the base of the stairs that is perfectly camouflaged by the wallpaper
pattern.
Behind shelves. Create
interest in a room by wallpapering the backs of bookshelves.
Highlighting bookshelves in this way makes a special display space for
treasured accessories and family photos.
Above wainscoting. If you
have a room with high wood wainscoting, consider wallpapering the upper
third of the wall. I like the bold mix here of a traditional wallpaper
and a midcentury table and chairs.
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In the kitchen. This
application of wallpaper is brilliant. The designer selected a white
subway tile backsplash with an open shelf above the splash line.
Wallpaper was applied above the open shelf only. It's great use of
wallpaper in the kitchen that still allows for easy cleaning.
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Install paper in the back of
kitchen cabinets. This works particularly well with painted cabinets. A
splash of bright wallpaper looks great with white cups and plates, and
makes things easier to see.
Within a frame. Apply
wallpaper inside wall molding to create your own canvas of wallpaper
art. If you have wall molding in a pattern, consider a whimsical
installation.
In a powder room. If you
have a powder room with exposed plumbing, wallpaper is a great way to
dress up the plumbed wall. Note how the wallpaper here adds to the
furniture-style feel of the vanity.
As a cabinet detail. One of
the reasons I like a Shaker-style cabinet door is that wallpaper looks
great in the recessed portion of the door. Here a textured grass cloth
on the drawer fronts adds contrast to the painted built-in.
by Vanillawood
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On the stairs. Add interest
to stair risers with wallpaper. Stairwells are high-traffic areas in
most homes; kick up your walk upstairs a notch with a fun pattern. I
have seen a thin acrylic sheet placed over risers for protection. That
would work well here too.
