How to Pick Out Wallpaper Like an Expert
This post is part of a special series featuring guest blogger Jen Pollard of Hey Jen, Online Interiors.
As part of this series Jen will help those of us who are not interior designers, but aspiring pattern designers, understand how patterns are used in interiors. She's gonna share with us all of her secrets.
Well, hi there! If we’ve been friends for a while you know my feelings about wallpaper. And if we’re just meeting? I am a ginormous fan. I mean I could probably include wallpaper in every project I do. It’s a fabulous jumping off point for a design. Wallpaper provides instant depth, interest and it practically hands you your color palette!
But it can be a bit intimidating choosing wallpaper for a room. It feels like such a big commitment! Fear not;
I’m going to walk you through my thought process, and share with you my tips, for picking out wallpaper for any room like an expert.
How to Pick Out Wallpaper Step 1: Consider the Bones
The first thing I consider in any design project are the bones. The “bones” meaning the items in the room that are there to stay. Not budging. In for the long haul. Because, believe me, I want this new pattern to be friends with the old crew. This can include large things like fireplaces or flooring but also smaller things like a work of art that you really want to stand out.
Now that I’ve established who is really the boss of the room (psst…it’s the bones) I get the creative juices flowing.
How to Pick Out Wallpaper Step 2: Overall Feel
Okay, so the overall feel of the room. Do I want it large and open? Small and cozy? Restful? Fun? These are all super important factors because they result in a vastly different design direction. Here are some tips for specific moods:
Large, Open, Airy
I go for a textural wallpaper and/or a light neutral. Another option is light with a slightly darker pattern (tone-on-tone) like the example here. I love doing living rooms in this style.
Small and Cozy
Here I go with color! I choose wallpaper that has deep, rich color and a small, discreet pattern. Grasscloth is a great option here; the texture provides a subtle, cozy pattern. Perfect for a bedroom!
Big, Bold and Beautiful
You can probably guess… this is where the big guns come out! Beautiful patterns. Rich colors. Often with these wallpapers, the print runs the show. I mean, it gets along with the bones, but calls the shots for everything else in the room, color-wise. These are fun in kids’ rooms, powder rooms and rooms that you want to be more playful with.
Now, like most things design-related, these are not hard and fast rules. I’ve certainly used bold patterns in living rooms and calm, neutral wallpaper in nurseries. In the end? Do what feels good! It’s your room! Make it just the way you want it so that it puts a big smile on your face when you walk in the room.
Did you like this post? If so, go check out Jen's previous post in this series - How to Mix Patterns Like a Pro. Easy. Peasy.
Meet Jen
Hi there! I’m Jen, and I am an e-designer who specializes in comfortable, useable and, oh yeah, GORGEOUS room designs for families. E-design gives me the opportunity to work with you regardless of where you live. You’ve got access to a computer and a room you’d like to improve? We’re golden. I’ve got two boys and 14 years of working with families in the early childhood field….I’ve seen a lot! I know what you need, what you don’t, and how to make it work.
Curious to learn more? Head on over to learn more about what it's like working with me.