Wallpaper can sometimes scare people. Often seen as a more transient aspect of home decor. On trend one minute and something we’re all laughing at in the family photo album decades later. But actually I think that’s the joy of it. You can really live in the moment and make a statement with it. So when choosing wallpaper I would say just totally go for it. Don’t obsess about going safe or trying to future-proof it. Go bold and bright and beautiful. It’s there to make a statement after all.

The stunning ‘Passion Flower’ design by talented artisans ‘addicted to patterns‘

Here are 6 on-trend ways with wallpaper to try in your home. 

1. MAKE A COMMITMENT

If you love a wallpaper design then please go ahead and use it on every wall. This is for two reasons, firstly because you love it so why not surround yourself with it? And secondly, papering the whole room will make it feel larger. If you do just one wall you could fall into the feature wall trap which makes your room feel smaller and disjointed and it can also make you look like a complete scaredy cat who didn’t have the balls to go for it. Pattern isn’t something to be afraid of, it’s something to celebrate so use it on all your walls!

2. FRIEZES AND CEILINGS

If you want to add some pattern and just can’t commit to all four walls then consider papering the bit between your picture rail and the ceiling. Or the ceiling. Or both! The trick to pulling off this look is to choose the right pattern. For a ceiling, the pattern needs to work being horizontal rather than vertical and most wallpaper patterns are specifically designed with a vertical viewpoint in mind. So a trailing floral print may not work but a geometric design could do the job, just experiment with samples and always follow your instincts.

3. LITTLE DETAILS

If you love pattern but don’t want it to dominate why not create some little surprises around your home? The inside of cupboards and cabinets is the perfect place to add a pop of pattern. You can also use any nooks to create some interest.

4. GO BOLD IN SMALL AREAS

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you have a teeny-tiny space then the only way to add drama and impact is to go extra with your walls. There is no point trying to make your loo under the stairs appear bigger by painting it white. You won’t be fooling anyone. So embrace that it’s a small space and create the wow factor with your favourite bold print. No one spends time hanging out in there so you can afford to be brave.

5. ONE FOR RENTERS

So it turns out wallpaper is no longer just made from paper. There is now a huge range of polyester fabric wallpaper with built-in adhesive that is allegedly removable and reusable. So renters can now wallpaper to their heart’s content and take it down and take it with them when they move. I say allegedly because I’ve never actually used this myself, and, as with all things in life you get what you pay for. It’s the quality of the adhesive that will determine how easily it comes off and how pricey the product is. And there is no need to stop with walls. You can get all sorts of peel-and-stick wallpaper to cover stair risers, splashbacks and ugly tiles!

6. ANAGLYPTA IS COOL AGAIN

For those of you who didn’t get to know Anaglypta the first time around, it’s wallpaper pressed with a pattern and then left plain for you to paint whatever colour you like. Which seems like a pretty clever idea to me. It was huge in the seventies and eighties. Then offended us massively in the nineties and naughties. So after spending the last three decades getting rid of it, it’s now back! And what’s not to love? I understand if you have negative associations with it but I’m just about young enough not to be afflicted, so I’m a huge fan. It’s really hardwearing so is great for high-traffic areas like hallways. Plus, because it’s textured it’s great for period properties with crumbly or wonky walls.

Who’s feeling inspired? Let me know what wallpaper plans you have in the comments below.

And if you have any questions just get in touch, I’d love to help you. And if you are local to Southampton or Hampshire check out my services here, it would be great fun to work together on your next interiors project.

Sarah x