Wall Treatments

Case Study: Wallpaper in Pretty Much Every Space

Wallpaper lovers, rejoice! Your cherished paper wall coverings have reentered mainstream decor with a vengeance. Wall coverings are nearly as versatile as paint now, and your favorite designs can now be seen on accent walls in supersleek lofts or wall to wall at formal dining places. This diversity — as well as near-endless new routines, reasonable prices and easier-than-ever applications — is what is making wallpaper popular again.

Kricken Yaker, interior designer and owner of Vanillawood, frequently opts for the feel of paper rather than flat paint. Her love for wallpaper shows in her design for the Portland, Oregon, home below; almost every room incorporates a distinct pattern.

Piecing together your very own multicolored, multipatterned home can be tricky, particularly if you’ve got open-concept spaces — but it is possible with carefully selected designs, correct placement and proper application. If you are ready to play with more wallpaper prints throughout your property, borrow some of Yaker’s expert tips on how best to make them work.

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Determine where wallpaper functions — and in which it does not. When it comes to wallpaper, not all spaces are created equal; a few rooms are more rigorous than others. Defined, closed-off rooms, in this way dining space, are perfect, since another color or print won’t conflict with what is in other (out-of-view) rooms.

Open-concept spaces are another story, as you wish to avoid choppy lines that break up the space. In those instances select a wallpaper that is impartial and not too overwhelming, Yaker states. This way it’ll go nicely with the other regions it shares space with.

If it doubt, carry the wallpaper throughout, use it merely in an accent wall or move without.

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Select your accent walls. Wall-to-wall color is not a choice everywhere, so think about accent walls here and there to lighten the load. “If you are only picking one wall, then make sure it’s one that can be seen from other rooms, such as the wall opposite the door of a bedroom or dining room,” Yaker states. “That way it is a fantastic visual punch and could be appreciated whenever someone walks by.”

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Do not forget to layer. Use your pattern as a foundation for decor and furniture that fortify your design, such as this stylish mirrored desk and translucent seat.

When decorating walls, dramatic prints must be left alone, but feel free to ramp up more muted wallpaper tones with art or mirrors, Yaker states.

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Select your own”wow” walls. Some rooms encourage prints better than many others, so consider where you wish to create your boldest statement. “A powder room is a great spot to play with patterns,” Yaker states. “Since it is an area where the door is frequently left open, it provides guests something interesting to look at. It’s a little space that generally does not have a lot going on, therefore it adds excitement.”

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

And sometimes go lively. Your bedroom is your place for relaxation and sleep, therefore it is not the place for overstimulation. Yaker frequently uses subdued tones and designs in bedrooms to give off a serene, peaceful vibe. These types of toned-down colors are also perfect for spaces where all four walls are entirely coated.

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Contemplate unconventional applications. You can truly incorporate wallpaper into each space — with just a little creativity, naturally. Yaker suggests alternative applications, like stairs risers, which are usually bland and dull. You can even frame the paper as artwork or add it to furniture or cupboard doors.

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Leave some white space. Leave a minumum of one room paper spare, particularly one having a fantastic view, in which visual interest is not required, Yaker states. This living room may not have pattern, however, the bright custom made art panels add plenty of color.

Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer

Know when to leave it to the experts. As youincorporate so much wallpaper, ordering the right variety of rolls, taking accurate measurements and completing a seamless wall can be tricky. Professionals can ensure you have the look you need (and have paid for). “Wallpaper is not difficult to apply,” Yaker states,”but when it is not your area of experience, and you need it done right, you ought to make the investment, especially if fitting patterns.”

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