Decorating with wallpaper
Inspired by the whimsical designs in Nicola’s home? Follow our tips to recreate the look
Bold wallcoverings, from large-scale patterned papers to textured designs, are a great way to add personality to a scheme. A considered palette and an eye for scale are all it takes to get the look.
Depth and drama
Vivid, zesty tones and pops of vibrant colour are evident in an array of exciting new designs. House of Hackney’s Palmeral wallpaper in Midnight/green, £185 a roll, inspired by Thirties Palm Springs, works perfectly with midcentury furniture, and its Peoneden paper in Ochre, £185 a roll, will satisfy classicists, while adding a modern note with a zingy colourway. Meanwhile, Cole & Son has reworked its original designs to produce the Icons Fabric collection, which includes the delicate but fresh-looking Hummingbirds silks, perfect for cushions and curtains. ‘Using lots of different patterns can have a great effect,’ advises wallpaper designer Molly Mahon. ‘For example, I have a pretty leafy wallpaper in my bedroom, but a stripe on the headboard and a subtle motif on the curtains. It prevents the scheme feeling too blowsy.’
Perfect pairing
Whichever wallpaper you choose, make sure that it works with the other elements in the room. This might mean picking out a colour or motif in the paper that’s reflected in some of the accessories, furniture or textiles. Contrast can work well, but try to avoid too many competing elements. Aim to mix organic, naturalistic prints with stripes and graphics, playing with the scale of each. Using the same palette to tie in the look will create a subtle reference to draw the eye. But be brave enough to add a dash of the unexpected here and there, too – sometimes the successful use of print relies on more, not less. For example, papering all four walls of an attic bedroom in classic toile de Jouy is often much more impactful than having a single feature wall.