Unroll your imagination: Where walls wear whimsy!
At Magpye Creative Interiors, we have a deep appreciation for the versatility of wallpaper. Wallpaper is a remarkable and frequently overlooked design element that can swiftly infuse colour, personality, and artistic flair into your surroundings. In an era dominated by ultra-bright white interiors on social media, apprehensions about colour and pattern overwhelming a space are not uncommon. This concern isn't entirely unfounded—ill-suited wallpaper can either evoke a dated ambiance or result in discomfort.
We understand that some clients may have reservations about incorporating it into their design schemes. This may possible have to do with bad memories of badly designed wallpaper from days gone by. Then came a period where it was hardly ever used, then only used on a 'feature wall', but now with so many fabulous styles and designs there are numerous effective approaches to master wallpaper usage.
Whether your taste leans towards vibrant colours and intricate patterns or you prefer a more understated, neutral aesthetic, rest assured that there's a wallpaper to suit your preferences – it doesn't have to be overly bold unless that's your desire. Wallpaper serves as a powerful tool for introducing colour, texture, patterns and even bouncing light into your living space. What's often overlooked is the myriad of creative ways you can employ wallpaper to personalise your environment. Coupled with the vast array of patterns and designs available, the design possibilities are boundless. Here, we've outlined five distinct ways to utilise wallpaper:
1
ELEVATE WITH AN FEATURE WALL
Ok we will start with the aforementioned popular choice of a feature wall; The most familiar application. Accent walls have become so commonplace in the past decade that they ironically, they seem to have blended into the crowd of interior trends. Introduced in the early 2000s as a safe exploration of colour, these walls enabled individuals to experiment with vibrant hues and patterns without significant risk. Although initially deemed a passing fad, they've endured through the years.
It excels at creating a focal point within a room, and utilising it on just one wall can prove cost-effective, considering wallpaper is typically pricier than paint. Employ wallpaper on the wall you wish to highlight – whether it's the chimney breast to showcase your fireplace or a backdrop for your bed. The remaining walls can be painted in a hue that complements the tones of the wallpaper, resulting in a harmonious and visually appealing scheme.
Credit: The Spruce photography Christopher Lee, Caroline Brackett Studio of Design photography Ariana Clare, Kaleidoscope Living, Kaleidoscope Living
2
THE FITH WALL
Using ceiling wallpaper is a clever approach with multiple advantages. It adds an unexpected and captivating element to a space, creating a distinct visual impact that leaves a lasting impression. This technique infuses individuality and style into a room, establishing a sense of memorability and uniqueness. Beyond aesthetics, ceiling wallpaper shapes the room's ambiance by carefully selecting patterns, colours, and textures that enhance the desired atmosphere. This can range from open and airy sensations with light wallpapers to dramatic coziness with bold designs. Additionally, ceiling wallpaper allows for experimenting with patterns that might be overwhelming on walls, inviting personal expression and diverse aesthetics. In rooms with unique architectural features, like sloped ceilings, it provides a seamless transition, concealing awkward angles and emphasising distinctive traits. Overall, using ceiling wallpaper demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, enhances architectural elements, and contributes to a balanced and refined interior design concept.
Credit: Wild Flower, Now Dewitt, Cass Smith, Kaleidoscope Living
3
EVERYWHERE
While the approach of wallpapering both walls and ceilings might not suit every room, it can yield impressive results when applied in appropriate spaces. This technique is particularly effective in areas with challenging sloped ceilings, where determining the wallpaper's endpoint can be uncertain. You have the freedom to opt for either a daring or understated aesthetic, but we lean personally towards an un-patterned paper which would add so much texture, without being OTT. It has a cozy and cocooning feel, especially in a bedroom. If you're reluctant to fully commit to wallpapering the entire room, consider maintaining painted walls and introducing wallpaper exclusively on the ceiling. This strategic choice generates a captivating focal point without requiring a comprehensive transformation.
Credit: Handelsmann Khaw and photographed by Felix Forest, Beata Heuman, Beata Heuman, Collins Interiors
4
COMBINE WITH PANELLING
Panelling is currently a widespread trend in interior design. While it possesses inherent charm, its visual impact can be further enriched by integrating wallpaper. Consider extending your panelling from approximately one-third to three-quarters of the wall's height and then crowning it with your selected wallpaper design. This approach is particularly appealing for older, period properties, as it beautifully harmonises with their traditional attributes. The juxtaposition of your chosen colour and pattern can seamlessly bridge the gap between time-honoured aesthetics and contemporary style.
Credit: Lilse McKenna, Chris Loves Julia, B Berry, Jewelled Interiors
5
ART ALTERNATIVE
If you're looking to make a design statement without committing to covering an entire wall, consider the idea of using wallpaper as a piece of artwork. This offers a flexible and low-commitment approach to decorating your space, as it's incredibly easy to change. It's particularly advantageous if you've come across a wallpaper design you adore but find it a bit expensive, as you'll only need to purchase a single roll.
Additionally, if you have leftover wallpaper from another room, you can repurpose it by framing it in a different area, such as your hallway. This not only imparts a sense of cohesion to your home decor but also makes efficient use of the excess wallpaper for just the cost of a frame. Another creative application of this method involves framing the wallpaper using mouldings. This results in an elegant and sophisticated look without necessitating wallpaper coverage for the entire wall.
Credit: Charlotte Lucus, Lone Fox, Tori Rubinson, Lauren Weiss
6
FURNITURE ELEVATION
Utilising wallpaper is an excellent strategy to rejuvenate outdated furniture or infuse your space with additional character. It presents an effective method for crafting captivating focal points that harmonise with your overarching decor theme. Applying wallpaper to the rear surfaces of shelves serves as an ingenious remedy for individuals desiring a touch of vibrant hue that remains balanced within their room. Alternatively, for those embracing maximalist aesthetics, it's a means to incorporate further patterns. Moreover, repurposing leftover wallpaper remnants to upcycle a pre-existing furniture item not only breathes new life into it but also promotes eco-friendliness, contributing to a fresh and environmentally-conscious approach.
At Magpye Creative Interiors we create unique space for unique clients. To enquire about working with us to create your dream interior please get in touch. Katie Katie Longshaw-Pye Creative Director | Magpye Creative Interiors Ribble Valley