Wallpaper Is Back: How to Use Wallpaper to Elevate Your Interior Design
When most people think of wallpaper, they’re immediately transported back to their grandma’s old house from the 70s—bold florals, dated patterns, and lots of mustard yellow. But surprisingly, wallpaper has made a tremendous comeback in modern interior design, and the trend keeps gaining momentum. Whether you aim to make a dramatic statement in a powder room, highlight an accent wall in a bedroom, or add subtle texture to a kitchen, wallpaper can bring excitement, dimension, and drama to any room.
At JWH, we guide clients through creative ways to use wallpaper in a space, whether designing a whole house or simply looking to refresh one room. Here are some expert tips:
1. The Drama: Making a Bold Statement with Wallpaper
A gorgeous custom mudroom with a subtle blue wallpaper shows this design element’s versatility. Time and time again, homeowners tell us they want to introduce more color into their interiors but struggle to commit to a specific paint color. Enter wallpaper as the perfect solution. By choosing wallpaper, you can layer multiple colors and patterns organically, without overwhelming the space.
We most commonly see clients experiment with bold wallpaper design in half baths or powder rooms. These smaller spaces are naturally more self-contained and visually separate from adjoining rooms, making them the ideal canvas for a daring design. You can create a showstopper moment by picking a dramatic pattern or vibrant color scheme. Surprisingly, adding wallpaper to a small space can make it feel bigger and more dynamic. If wallpapering a large room feels intimidating, starting with a bathroom is a great way to dip your toes into this trend without a significant commitment.
2. Texture and Dimension: The Power of Subtle Wallpaper Design
One of the most essential elements of interior design is dimension and texture. According to Ideal Home, “Texture will continue to be key throughout interiors, whether it’s sumptuous upholstery or tactile soft furnishings—homes need to be layered with texture. We want the decoration to speak to us as if whispering, ‘Touch me, I’m irresistible.’” The same principle applies to using wallpaper for texture and depth.
Adding a textured wallpaper, such as grasscloth or linen-inspired designs, instantly brings warmth and character to a room. This technique works beautifully in larger spaces like a kitchen, dining room, or entry hall. Opting for a subtle, tone-on-tone wallpaper design can trick the eye and make the room feel more expansive while adding layers of visual interest. Textured wallpaper is also an excellent backdrop for statement lighting or art, allowing other design elements to shine while still creating a finished, elevated look.
3. Choosing the Right Wallpaper: Patterns, Colors, and Style
Although wallpaper is rising in popularity, picking the right wallpaper for your home can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? A great resource is LA Design Concepts, which offers various high-end wallpaper options. When selecting a wallpaper, it is essential to choose a pattern and color palette that work harmoniously with the room’s overall design. Above all, make sure the pattern speaks to your style!
Ideal Home reports: “‘Wallpaper is a key trend for 2021, and the insatiable appetite from consumers doesn’t look like abating any time soon,’ says David Harris, Design Director at Andrew Martin. ‘Whatever your taste, there is something for everyone. From traditional florals and trompe l’oeil to contemporary geometric and tropical patterns or animal motifs and architectural designs.” This wide range of options means you can find something uniquely suited to your home and lifestyle.
Wallpapers also present an opportunity to bring nature indoors. Floral prints, botanical motifs, or scenic landscapes can connect your interior space to the outdoors, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you want to evoke the feeling of a lush garden or a tranquil forest, wallpaper makes it possible to achieve that vibe without needing a complete mural or complicated wall treatment.
Final Thoughts: Transforming Your Space with Wallpaper Design
Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or simply looking to elevate one room, wallpaper is a powerful tool in interior design. It allows you to infuse personality, color, and texture into a space in ways that paint alone can’t achieve. From creating dramatic powder rooms to adding subtle texture in a dining room or layering organic patterns in a bedroom, wallpaper proves it’s more than just a trend—it’s a timeless design element.
Need more inspiration? Explore our JWH Instagram profile to see how we’ve incorporated wallpaper into stunning spaces, or contact us for personalized advice on bringing wallpaper into your next project.