Interior designers often talk about the value of a “statement piece” in a room. It is an item that becomes the focus of your design. It draws your guests’ eyes when they walk into a room. It sets the tone for your space. It often tells a story.
However, it doesn’t have to be a piece of furniture or an accessory. Why not make a wall a statement piece?
Which brings us to wallpaper. While it’s been with us since the 16th century, it has evolved. Patterns have become larger, bolder, and more eye-catching than ever before. Total wall murals are more available and can make for a huge wow factor. We can add texture with wallpaper, either faux texture with patterns of bricks or stone, or actual texture with grass cloth, glass bead, flock and the like.
Nevertheless, we read about something new, just last month in an Associated Press article by Kim Cook. She wrote that “In the Emmy-nominated opening credits of HBO’s ‘The White Lotus,’ wall-paper-like images told a story: The tropical prints started off innocuously enough, but then turned ominous. Fruit started rotting, fish got tangled in seaweed, and a sense of foreboding set the whole premise of an exotic paradise on its edge. The artist, Lezio Lopes, has said he was trying to evoke the design and themes of the shows resort suites.”
Cook wrote: “It’s a surreal example of a current trend in décor–wallpapers that combine art and narrative qualities to set the mood of a room. Some take us to wild places in nature, others to wild worlds born in artists’ imaginations. They go way beyond your nice stripe or simple floral. They tell a story.”
With wallpaper, in general, back in a big way, as Cook concludes, you might wonder about advice on Do’s and Don’ts.
Do’s:
- Consider getting advice: Selecting the right wallpaper for your space can be an exciting but also a daunting task. Professional advice can be very useful.
- Consider the room’s purpose: Keep the function of the room in mind when selecting wallpaper. For example, serene patterns may be more suitable for bedrooms, while vibrant patterns might work in living areas.
- Start with an accent wall: If you’re unsure about using wallpaper extensively, begin with an accent wall. This can be a great way to add a focal point to a room without overwhelming the space.
- Remember the fifth wall: Wallpaper on the ceiling can be a creative way to add drama and interest to a room.
