Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper: A Complete Interior Design Guide

Wallpaper is back and bolder than ever! This design staple is a fantastic way to transform any room, adding personality, texture, and a touch of luxury. However, with endless patterns, colors, and materials, selecting the perfect wallpaper can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key considerations to ensure you choose a wallpaper that complements your style and elevates your space. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a DIY enthusiast, you'll discover invaluable tips and tricks to create stunning, personalized interiors.

Evaluating Your Space: The First Step to Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper

Before diving into the exciting world of wallpaper,

take a step back and carefully assess the space you intend to transform. This crucial initial evaluation will inform your design choices and prevent costly mistakes down the line.

Consider these key factors when evaluating your space:

• Room Size and Dimensions: Is your space small and cozy, or grand and spacious? Smaller rooms benefit from lighter colors and smaller-Scale patterns, which create an illusion of spaciousness. Larger rooms can handle bolder colors and larger patterns without feeling overwhelming. Think about the Height of the ceilings too. Taller ceilings may allow for vertical Patterns that draw the eye upwards.
• Natural Lighting: How much natural light does the room receive? Rooms with ample natural light can accommodate darker colors and bolder patterns, while rooms with limited natural light benefit from lighter, reflective wallpapers that brighten the space.
• Existing Décor and Furnishings: What is the existing color palette and style of your furniture, window treatments, and accessories? Your wallpaper should complement these elements to create a Cohesive and harmonious look. Take pictures of your existing décor and bring them with you when you browse wallpaper samples.
• Room Function: What is the purpose of the room? A bedroom might call for calming colors and soothing patterns, while a living room might benefit from a more vibrant and stimulating design. Different rooms require different approaches.
• Architectural Features: Does the room have any unique architectural features, such as a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, or wainscoting? Consider how your wallpaper will interact with these features. You might choose to highlight them with a contrasting wallpaper or create a seamless look by matching the wallpaper to the existing trim.

Understanding Color Theory: Creating Harmony with Wallpaper

Color is a powerful design tool, and understanding the basics of color theory is essential for selecting a wallpaper that creates the desired mood and atmosphere.

This section offers a glimpse into this world. Here are some fundamental color concepts to keep in mind:

• Color Wheel: The color wheel is a visual representation of color relationships. Understanding these relationships can help you create balanced and harmonious color schemes. Explore primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
• Complementary Colors: These are colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green). They create a vibrant and dynamic contrast.
• Analogous Colors: These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, and green). They create a harmonious and calming effect.
• Monochromatic Colors: This involves using different shades and tints of a single color to create a sophisticated and unified look.
• Warm vs. Cool Colors: Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) tend to be energizing and inviting, while cool colors (blues, greens, purples) tend to be calming and relaxing.

Consider the following:

• What is the existing color scheme of the room?
• What mood do you want to create?
• How will the wallpaper color interact with the natural light in the room?

By carefully considering these questions, you can choose a wallpaper color that enhances the overall design and creates the desired atmosphere.

Pattern and Motif: Expressing Your Style through Wallpaper

Wallpaper patterns and motifs are a powerful way to inject personality and style into your space. From bold geometrics to delicate florals, the possibilities are endless.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pattern:

• Scale: Larger patterns can make a small room feel overwhelming, while smaller patterns can get lost in a large room. Choose a pattern that is appropriately scaled to the size of your space.
• Style: Your wallpaper pattern should complement the overall style of your décor. A modern space might benefit from a geometric pattern, while a traditional space might call for a floral or damask print.
• Color: The colors in your wallpaper pattern should complement your existing color scheme. You can choose to match the colors exactly or create a subtle contrast.
• Texture: Some wallpapers have a raised or textured surface, which can add depth and dimension to your walls. Consider whether you want a textured or smooth finish.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best wallpaper pattern is the one that you love. Choose something that reflects your personality and makes you happy.

Common Patterns:

• Floral: Adds a touch of nature and romance.
• Geometric: Creates a modern and structured look.
• Damask: Offers a classic and elegant feel.
• Stripes: Can elongate or widen a room, depending on the orientation.
• Abstract: Provides a contemporary and artistic touch.

Wallpaper Materials: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs

The material of your wallpaper is just as important as its color and pattern. Different materials offer varying levels of durability, washability, and ease of installation. Here's a rundown of some common wallpaper materials:

• Vinyl Wallpaper: This is a popular choice for its durability, washability, and resistance to moisture. It's a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas. Vinyl wallpaper comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
• Printed Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is typically made from paper or non-woven materials and is printed with a design. It's a more affordable option than vinyl wallpaper, but it's not as Durable or washable. Printed wallpaper is best suited for low-traffic areas.
• Non-Woven Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is made from a Blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It's more breathable than vinyl wallpaper, making it a good choice for rooms with high humidity. Non-woven wallpaper is also easy to install and remove.
• Fabric Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is made from fabric and has a luxurious texture. It's a more expensive option than vinyl or printed wallpaper, and it's not as durable or washable. Fabric wallpaper is best suited for formal living rooms and bedrooms.
• Grasscloth Wallpaper: This type of wallpaper is made from natural grasses and has a unique, textured look. It's a more expensive option than vinyl or printed wallpaper, and it's not as durable or washable. Grasscloth wallpaper is best suited for accent walls and low-traffic areas.

Top styles of wallpaper

As Mentioned in the video, here are some of the best wallpaper style suggestions to increase the value and design of your home:

1. Mid-Century Modern: Characterized by geometric patterns, bold colors, and a retro aesthetic. This style pairs well with clean-lined furniture and natural wood tones.
2. Scandinavian: Features simple, understated patterns in a muted color palette. This style creates a calming and serene atmosphere, and it complements minimalist furniture and natural materials.
3. Boho: Embraces eclectic patterns, vibrant colors, and a mix of textures. This style is perfect for expressing your personality and creating a relaxed and inviting space. Boho wallpapers often feature floral prints, paisleys, and tribal patterns.
4. Glam: Boasts metallic accents, geometric patterns, and luxurious textures. This style is ideal for adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space. Glam wallpapers often feature gold, silver, and shimmering finishes.
5. Tropical: Showcases lush foliage, vibrant colors, and exotic motifs. This style brings a sense of nature and adventure into your home. Tropical wallpapers often feature Palm trees, exotic flowers, and colorful birds.

Other popular styles:

• Modern
• Traditional
• Industrial

Measure: Get the Total Area for a great start

The first step is to get the total area of each wall you plan to wallpaper. Measure each wall with a ruler, multiplying the width by the height of each wall, then subtracting the measurement from windows, doors, and other large openings in the wall.

Buying the correct number of rolls

Check the rolls' label to see how much square footage each one covers. I strongly recommend to order an extra Roll during the orignal purchase to ensure the rolls are from the same batch of products. And also to assist when you make an error.