Wallpaper can instantly transform a room, bringing pattern and character to a scheme. The rise in popularity of wallpaper means that there is a huge array of styles available, and it is sometimes hard to know where to start. Consider the sort of patterns you gravitate towards – a botanical print is wonderful for bringing a sense of nature right into the home, while tropical and scenic designs can offer a transportive effect – and don’t believe that these designs are only for large rooms as they serve to bring a sense of depth, drawing the eye through the print. Metallic wallpapers are wonderful for introducing a touch of glamour and look particularly good in rooms that are primarily used at night (think dining rooms or snugs, for example). And if you wish to create a sense of artistic flair, an abstract pattern may fit the bill. Simple, neat prints, meanwhile, are incredibly useful for lending a touch of interest to a more quiet, restful scheme.
If you are nervous about using wallpaper for the first time, obvious places to start are rooms that you don’t spend too much time in, such as a guest cloakroom or a dressing room; these are also the sort of spaces that won’t require many rolls of paper. If you have fallen in love with a bold print but you are worried you may tire of it, consider using it in a transitory space such as an entrance or a hallway. Hanging wallpaper on all the walls will create a truly immersive effect, but a feature wall can also be very striking, or you might consider using wallpaper to highlight an architectural point of interest such as a chimney breast or an alcove. Use your chosen design to steer your paint colour choices: if your wallpaper features rich hues, pick out one of these colours for woodwork and joinery to enhance the effect.
Whatever your choice, it is important to look at wallpaper designs in situ, to see how the colours and pattern work with the natural light throughout the day. We always advise ordering a wallpaper sample – our free samples are a generous A3 size and contain room sets of your chosen design. It is a good idea to move the sample to different walls to see how it looks in every area of the space. Remember that often, your wallpaper will be the backdrop to furniture and accessories, so consider it as a canvas – and don’t be afraid to hang pictures onto patterned wallpaper.