Bold wallpaper can transform any room from ordinary to extraordinary, adding personality and depth to your interior design. Whether you opt for vibrant colors, intricate patterns, or oversized prints, the right wallpaper can serve as a focal point, enhancing your space’s overall aesthetic. If you’re considering using bold wallpaper in your home, here’s a guide on how to make a statement with it.
Choose the Right Room
When it comes to using bold wallpaper, the choice of room is crucial. Some spaces are more suitable for dramatic designs than others.
- Living Rooms: A perfect place for bold wallpaper, where you can create a stunning feature wall or even wallpaper the entire room. This sets the tone for the entire home and encourages conversations.
- Bedrooms: Bold wallpaper in the bedroom can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using it on the wall behind the bed to make it the focal point of the room.
- Dining Rooms: A great spot for dramatic wallpaper that adds sophistication and elegance, perfect for hosting guests.
- Hallways and Entryways: These often-overlooked spaces are ideal for bold wallpaper, creating an unexpected surprise that welcomes guests as they enter your home.
Select a Focal Point
When using bold wallpaper, it’s essential to establish a focal point in the room to prevent the design from overwhelming the space.
- Feature Wall: Choose one wall to cover with the bold wallpaper, allowing it to stand out without competing with other elements in the room. This could be the wall behind a sofa, bed, or a unique architectural feature like a fireplace.
- Partial Height: Consider applying the wallpaper only halfway up the wall and pairing it with a complementary paint color. This creates a striking contrast while breaking up the visual space.
- Accent Nooks: Use bold wallpaper in small nooks or alcoves, such as a reading corner or a small entryway. This adds interest without dominating the entire room.
Consider Color Schemes
The color of the bold wallpaper plays a vital role in the overall design. Selecting the right color palette can enhance the statement you want to make.
- Monochromatic Tones: If your wallpaper features bold patterns, consider using a monochromatic color scheme for the rest of the room. This allows the wallpaper to shine while keeping the rest of the decor cohesive.
- Complementary Colors: Choose colors that complement the bold wallpaper. For instance, if your wallpaper is vibrant and colorful, use neutral or muted tones in your furniture and accessories to balance the overall look.
- Contrasting Accents: If you’re feeling adventurous, use contrasting colors in furniture and decor to create a dynamic and eye-catching environment.
Pair with Simple Furniture
When using bold wallpaper, it’s essential to balance the design with simple and understated furniture.
- Minimalist Designs: Opt for furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes to avoid clashing with the bold wallpaper. This allows the wallpaper to be the star of the show.
- Neutral Colors: Stick to neutral shades for larger furniture pieces, such as sofas or beds, so that they do not compete with the vibrant wallpaper. Soft grays, whites, or natural wood tones work well.
- Accent Pieces: Introduce pops of color through smaller accent pieces like throw pillows, art, or decorative items that echo the colors in the wallpaper without overpowering it.
Mix Patterns with Caution
If you want to take your design a step further, consider mixing bold wallpaper with other patterns. However, this requires careful planning to achieve a cohesive look.
- Varying Scale: When mixing patterns, choose designs with varying scales. For example, if your wallpaper has a large floral print, pair it with a smaller geometric pattern in your textiles.
- Similar Color Palettes: Ensure that the patterns share a common color palette to create harmony throughout the space. This helps the various elements to complement rather than clash with each other.
- Limit the Number of Patterns: Stick to two or three patterns at most to avoid visual chaos. One bold wallpaper, paired with simpler patterns in fabrics or accessories, can create an engaging but balanced look.
Add Texture with Accessories
Incorporating texture through accessories can enhance the overall impact of bold wallpaper, creating depth and interest in the room.
- Layering Fabrics: Use textured fabrics like velvet, linen, or woven materials in your cushions, throws, or curtains. This adds warmth and richness to the space.
- Textured Furniture: Opt for furniture pieces with interesting textures, such as a tufted sofa or a reclaimed wood table, which can contrast beautifully with smooth wallpaper.
- Natural Elements: Introduce plants or natural decor items, like wooden accents or woven baskets, to soften the boldness of the wallpaper and add organic texture to the space.
Utilize Lighting Effectively
Lighting can dramatically impact how bold wallpaper is perceived in a room. Use lighting strategically to enhance the wallpaper’s vibrancy and create a warm ambiance.
- Layered Lighting: Incorporate multiple light sources, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. This creates depth and highlights the beauty of the wallpaper.
- Dimmers: Install dimmer switches to control the lighting intensity. Soft lighting can create a cozy atmosphere in the evening, allowing the wallpaper to take center stage without feeling harsh.
- Highlighting Features: Use spotlights or wall sconces to draw attention to specific features of the wallpaper, like unique patterns or textures.
Think About Application Techniques
The way you apply wallpaper can also impact the overall look. Consider these techniques to create a standout effect.
- Professional Installation: If your wallpaper is particularly bold or intricate, consider hiring a professional installer. They will ensure that the patterns align perfectly and that the wallpaper is applied smoothly.
- Creative Placement: Be creative with the placement of your wallpaper. For example, you could apply it on the ceiling for a unique twist or around door frames to create an eye-catching border.
- Temporary Options: If you’re hesitant to commit to bold wallpaper, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper. This allows you to experiment with patterns and colors without the permanence of traditional wallpaper.
Maintain and Care for Your Wallpaper
Caring for your wallpaper is essential to keep it looking fresh and vibrant over time. Follow these tips to maintain its beauty:
- Regular Cleaning: Dust your wallpaper regularly with a soft cloth or duster to keep it looking its best. If your wallpaper is washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade bold wallpaper over time. Consider using curtains or blinds to protect your wallpaper from UV rays, especially if it’s in a sun-drenched room.
- Repair Damage Promptly: If your wallpaper gets damaged or scratched, address it immediately. Many wallpapers have repair kits available, or you can seek professional help to patch it up seamlessly.
Have Fun with It!
Ultimately, using bold wallpaper should be a fun and creative process. Don’t be afraid to express your personality and style through your wallpaper choices. Here are some tips to encourage creativity:
- Experiment with Styles: Try out different styles, from floral and geometric to abstract and vintage. Choose what resonates with you and what fits your overall home aesthetic.
- Play with Scale: Don’t shy away from oversized prints or patterns. They can create a dramatic impact and add a sense of grandeur to your space.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a particular wallpaper makes you smile and feels right, go for it! Your home should reflect your tastes and make you feel comfortable.
Conclusion
Bold wallpaper is a powerful design tool that can make a statement and transform any space. By carefully selecting the right room, choosing complementary colors, and balancing bold designs with simple furniture and accessories, you can create a chic and inviting environment. Whether you go for a dramatic feature wall or a playful accent, embracing bold wallpaper can add personality and flair to your home. So, unleash your creativity and let your walls tell your unique story!