You may have heard. Wallpaper has been making a comeback over the last few years.

So when I went along to Focus/24 at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in October, I was excited to see that there were plenty of exhibitors making the most of it. Both on their display stands and in their new collections. I featured some of them in my recent newsletter, so head over there if you fancy some inspiration.

I have a number of different go to wallpaper suppliers that I love, including Josephine Mumnsey_Zoffany and The Designer’s Guild_ for the sheer beauty and variety of their designs. And there’s nothing I love more than taking samples along to talk to clients about their options during our Inspire Session.



It’s safe to say I do love a bit of wallpaper and what it can bring to a room scheme.

Why use wallpaper instead

of paint?

Of course paint has its place, and there’s something very pleasing about cleanly painted walls as a blank canvas for a room. But wallpaper can also be a great option.

I’m a huge advocate for embracing a striking wallcovering, be it paper, silk or even a bespoke mural. Adding depth and layering to a design, providing interest, texture and somehow even warmth to a room.



Tips for wallpaper beginners

I have a couple of rules of thumb when it comes to choosing wallpaper or wallcoverings.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I don’t always follow these myself, because rules of design are there to be broken. But if you’re nervous about pairing wallpaper with other elements in the room, then keeping it simple and having a guide to follow is a great place to start.

Choose EITHER a plain wallpaper and pair it with patterned fabrics for your window dressings, seating and accessories, OR choose a patterned wallpaper from which you can then choose one or two favourite colours to use as the accent colours for your design.



Fancy one more easy cheat?

If you’re particularly nervous, but want a way to change up a room quickly, try dipping your toe and wallpapering the chimney breast, it’s a great way to add a pop of personality to your scheme. Or alternatively an interesting shaped wall, such as a sloping ceiling or double height space. It’s a slightly more contemporary take on the old feature wall idea which feels slightly dated these days.

Finding the perfect wallcovering

The most important thing when it comes to choosing your wallcovering, is that you select a design you love. It doesn’t really matter if it’s floral or abstract in its pattern, if it’s striped or relatively plain. You just have to love it.



Choosing a design with at least three colours from your favourite colour palette is a great basis for any design. Continue the colours throughout the room and because you really love the colour palette and patterns, there’s no reason you won’t love the finished design too.

If you prefer a plainer wallpaper then opting for one with texture is a nice addition – like these from the new MAGNITUDE collection at Casamance, for example. It will immediately add another dimension to your space. But don’t be surprised if you walk into your room to find your guests stroking your walls!

If you do choose a pattern, especially one with a large repeat, like some of these newer nature-inspired murals, note that it’s wise to consider scale and pattern repeat sizes. A large pattern on a small wall sometimes doesn’t translate so well. It’s worth being aware that a very dense pattern in a small room could make it feel a little like the walls are closing in.

Once you think you’ve found ‘the one’, request a sample. Put it up where you’re thinking of papering and live with it for a week or so to see how it works in different lights.



If you still love it and feel excited by it, then go for it. Remember you’re decorating your home for your own pleasure, not for anyone else.

Taking it a step further –

if you dare

If you really want to bring the drama there are a couple of ways you can really give your room the WOW factor.

Why not wallpaper the room in its entirety? With the right paper this can make a striking visual statement. Although, remember to check the scale and pattern repeat.

Or if that feels too much, then simply wallpapering the ceiling can add a modern twist to your design. And don’t forget you can always take colours from the wallpaper pattern to paint the skirting and architraves as an extra design feature.

Interior design should be about experimenting and having some fun, after all.

If you’d love to incorporate wallpaper as part of a room redesign but need the confidence to be a little braver, why not take advantage of my experienced eye? Arrange a free, no-obligation discovery call with me, Kay. I’ll be delighted to chat through your project plans with you, suggesting ways we could work together to reduce your nervousness and elevate your design.