Choosing a Wallpaper
Wallpaper has made a major comeback recently and we are here for it! Here at the studio, we have been busy sourcing all of our favorite prints and patterns for our clients. It’s been so much fun sourcing beautiful, fun, timeless wallpaper for different spaces.
From powder rooms, to offices, to kids’ rooms, to living rooms, wallpaper is a great way to add some personality and character to your home. With a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns available, wallpaper can transform any room and give it a unique and stylish look.
We’ve put together a list of things to consider when choosing your next wallpaper!
Obviously, we love the personality that wallpaper brings to a space however, there are a couple of things to consider before taking the plunge:
- Room size and lighting: When choosing wallpaper, it’s essential to consider the size and lighting of the room. If you’re going for a timeless look, small rooms may benefit from light-colored wallpaper with small patterns, while larger spaces can handle bold and bright patterns. However, if you’re looking to make a statement some small rooms can handle moody, dark colors and bold patterns such as powder rooms and offices!
- Purpose of the room: The function of the room can also influence your choice of wallpaper. For example, if you’re wallpapering a nursery, you may want to opt for softer pastel colors or playful patterns. For a home office, a wallpaper with a subtle pattern or texture can create a calming and focused environment.
Image via Mindy Gayer
3. Durability: Some rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are more prone to moisture and humidity. In these areas, it’s important to choose a wallpaper that is durable and resistant to damage from moisture. In highly trafficked areas such as kid’s rooms, consider wallpaper that can be easily wiped such as vinyl. Grass cloth is also highly durable and, although it shouldn’t be wiped, it can be dusted and usually is high quality.
Image via Mindy Gayer
4. Style and Personal Taste: Consider the existing decor of the room and overall home and choose a wallpaper that complements it. But ultimately, your wallpaper choice should reflect your personal style and taste. Remember, the person who will look at it the most is yourself!
Image via Pure Salt Interiors
In our most recent projects, we’ve been eyeing everything from florals to geometric patterns. And luckily, these are trending so there’s a wide variety of options. Although it may seem overwhelming, with the wide range of options, there are ways to narrow your search based on preference. We ask our Cottage + Key clients to look for inspiration first to see what they are initially drawn to. From there, we can begin to source similar styles. Not sure what inspires you? A good place to start is checking out these top wallpaper trends:
Image via Cottage + Key Design Studio
- Botanical Prints: Nature-inspired wallpapers, featuring large-scale floral prints, tropical motifs, and leafy designs, are a popular trend this year. These wallpapers are perfect for bringing the outdoors inside and adding a fresh and vibrant touch to any room.
Image via Chris Loves Julia
2. Geometric Designs: Bold and graphic geometric prints continue to be popular in 2023. These wallpapers can add a modern and contemporary feel to a room, particularly when used in monochrome or neutral colors.
Image via The Lifestyled Co.
3. Textured Wallpaper: Wallpaper with 3D effects, embossed patterns, and tactile surfaces is a growing trend this year. These wallpapers add depth and dimension to a room and can create a cozy and inviting feel.
Image via Studio McGee
Once you’ve found the style you love purchase don’t forget to consider the following
- Order Samples: Always order samples before buying wallpaper. Samples will allow you to see the color, texture, and pattern of the wallpaper in person and ensure that it complements the rest of the room’s decor.
- Measure and Calculate: Make sure to measure your space accurately and factor in wallpaper overage to account for matching up the pattern between rolls. Online wallpaper calculators can be helpful to calculate how many rolls you may need, but ultimately, we recommend an installer for the most accurate quantity and best installation.
- Consider the Application Method: Traditional wallpaper requires paste and can be a bit messy to apply. If you’re not comfortable with this, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is easy to apply and remove but may not be as durable as traditional paper.
- Accent Wall: If you’re hesitant to wallpaper an entire room, consider an accent wall. This could be the wall behind a bed or even the ceiling! This is an excellent way to add a bold and dramatic touch to a room without overwhelming the space.
Image via Shop Skout
So you’ve scoured the internet for your favorite pattern and you are ready to purchase your favorite wallpaper to elevate your space but now you have to think about install!
Wallpaper installation can be a real challenge, no doubt! Whether you’re going the DIY route or hiring a pro, we hope this info comes in handy as you dive into the world of wallpaper hunting! Good luck and happy decorating!
