Wallpaper can be a powerful design tool to transform any room into a stunning and vibrant space. Whether you want to create a statement wall or completely revamp the entire room, a bold wallpaper can add personality, depth, and visual interest. You know those rooms that you see on design shows or in a magazine that make you say WOW – that’s because the person wasn’t afraid to go for it! When it comes to bold statement wallpapers with large patterns and intense colors, people are often worried about how to use them properly. Is it going to be too overwhelming? Should I just do a feature wall or the entire room? With wallpaper, there are endless possibilities so be sure to take your time and figure out what is right for your space. And remember, sometimes you need the help of a designer to help push you into a more interesting decision that you would never be as brave enough to do on your own and here at EDN, we LOVE wallpaper so we would be happy to help!
With the world of wallpaper being so vast, it can be difficult to know what type of wallpaper is best for your home. Do you want the wallpaper to be the focal point of your room or are you looking to have it more as a background element? Should you look at large-scale prints or geometric patterns or maybe a floral print to bring a touch of nature into the room - where do you start?! Here at EDN, we like to choose a general color scheme first and then decide on the desired scale of the pattern. Colors have a profound impact on our emotions and mood. Choose colors that align with the atmosphere you want to create so don't make this decision lightly. From there, you have to just put in the work to find a wallpaper pattern that really speaks to you. Wallpaper is an investment and should make you smile when you see it, almost the same way you feel when looking at a piece of art that you love.
Home Office Project
For this project, we wanted to completely transform our client's home office. The previous office lacked personality and our client is an incredible woman with the most energetic personality. I knew we had to find something special. When I saw the gorgeous Coniferous wallpaper in Midnight from Tempaper, I was hoping our client would fall in love with it as instantly as I had... and she did!
Smaller rooms are often overlooked when it comes to selecting statement-making wallpaper, but I feel a small space can be a great place to utilize the power of wallpaper. It can completely transform the feel of your room. In the past, it was common in smaller spaces to opt for smaller patterns to avoid overwhelming the area and in larger rooms to use larger patterns to make a statement. However, I say.... break free from these conventional uses and experiment with scale! You can make a huge impact in a small space by using a large pattern and you can create a more subtle feel in a large space by using smaller patterns. Smaller rooms are great spaces to introduce deep tones and large patterns for a lasting impression as they feel like they can almost completely envelop you, creating an immersive experience. Get a few samples and see what feeling you like in your space.
Complement The Wallpaper - don't fight against it
When considering other design elements in the room, be sure they complement the wallpaper and do not fight against it. Bold patterns can feel intimidating but if you are sure to exercise restraint in the rest of the space, a bold pattern can truly stand out as the most impactful decorative element in your room. Choose furniture pieces and accessories that complement the wallpaper and enhance its visual impact. Incorporating texture alongside patterns can enhance the overall visual appeal and create a more layered and sophisticated look. The combination of pattern and texture adds depth and richness to the space while maintaining balance. For instance, if you have a bold and colorful wallpaper like we have here, opt for furniture in smooth woods and neutral, subtle tones. This helped us to create a cohesive and harmonious look in our client's office without it feeling overwhelming. If you're looking for a more monochromatic look, select colors that are present in the wallpaper.
While we chose to use this gorgeous wallpaper in the entire room, there are applications where wallpapering an accent wall can work quite well. When using wallpaper as an accent, we like to pull an exact color from the wallpaper to use as the paint color in the rest of the room. Painting the ceiling (or the 5th wall) the same color as the walls or another accent color found in the wallpaper can also make an impactful statement by truly complementing the wallpaper. Choose a wall that naturally draws attention, such as the one behind the bed in a bedroom or the wall opposite the entrance in a living room. This will create a visually striking feature that sets the tone for the entire space.
Wallpaper can also be used as a creative way to highlight and accentuate the architectural features of a room. If you have an interesting architectural element, such as a fireplace, alcove, or built-in shelving, consider covering it with bold wallpaper. This will draw attention to the feature and give it a unique and fun look. Adding a geometric pattern on a fireplace wall can transform it from an ordinary area in your room into a modern focal point, while adding a bold floral pattern on the back of built-in shelving can add a touch of elegance.
Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns when using wallpaper. Combining different patterns can create a visually dynamic and eclectic look. However, it's important to maintain a sense of balance and harmony. Choose patterns that have a common color or theme to tie them together. For example, if you have a bold floral wallpaper, you can pair it with a striped or geometric pattern in a complementary color. This will add depth and visual interest to the room. Feeling adventurous? Consider using a combination of geometric, floral, striped, and abstract patterns. Choose patterns that have a similar visual weight or intensity to maintain balance. Just be sure to exercise restraint. Too many colors and patterns will leave you feeling anxious, not inspired!
If you are feeling the wallpaper is getting overtaken by other elements in the room, introduce solid colors as anchor points within the space to provide visual breaks from the patterns. Solid-colored furniture or accessories can help create a sense of calm and balance amidst the bold patterns. These solid elements act as visual resting points and prevent the patterns from overwhelming the space.
Add Texture
Bold wallpaper doesn't have to be limited to just printed patterns. Experiment with different textures and materials to add depth and interest to the room. Textured wallpaper, such as grasscloth or embossed patterns, can create a tactile and luxurious feel. Metallic or reflective wallpapers can add a touch of glamour and elegance like the subtle metallic gold in the wallpaper we've used. By incorporating different textures and materials, you can elevate the design and create a truly unique space.
A bold wallpaper should be the focal point of the room. Let it shine!
Remember: before diving into the world of bold wallpaper, it's important to choose the right pattern and color scheme that suits your style and the room's purpose. Consider the overall theme and color palette of the room. If you want to create a dramatic effect, opt for bold patterns and deep vibrant colors. If you prefer a more subtle look, choose wallpaper with muted tones or smaller patterns. Keep in mind that the size of the room and the amount of natural light it receives will also affect your choice which is why we always recommend ordering samples much like you would when choosing a paint color.
Gather Your Materials
Now you've found a wallpaper you love, but before committing to a particular combination of patterns, it's a good idea to test them together. Gather fabric or wallpaper samples, paint swatches, or patterned paper and lay them out in the room to see how they interact with each other. This will give you a better sense of how the patterns work together and help you make any necessary adjustments before finalizing your design. Remember, you are looking for balance and harmony when mixing and matching patterns. It is all about finding the right combination of scale, color, and texture. Mixing different materials can at times feel overwhelming so this step is crucial before you pull the trigger. You want to be sure everything works together cohesively before committing.
I have seen the transformative power of wallpaper in creating stunning and personalized spaces. From adding texture and depth to introducing vibrant patterns, wallpaper has the ability to elevate your home design to new heights. Wallpaper allows you to express your unique personality and style in a way that paint alone cannot achieve. With an extensive range of patterns, colors, and textures available, you can find the perfect wallpaper that perfectly reflects your own personal style and adds unique character to any room. You can also effortlessly create visual interest and depth in your space easily by adding wallpaper to add a layer of dimension.
Incorporating wallpaper into your home design can be a game-changer, infusing your space with personality, depth, and visual interest. By carefully selecting the right pattern and color, you can create a design that reflects your unique style and enhances the overall ambiance of your home. So go ahead, explore the vast world of wallpaper, and let your walls become a canvas for creativity! When you’re finished you too can have a room that’s magazine worthy so that not only you but others will say “WOW”! And as always, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to us for help!
Comments