I’ve always believed that a striking accent wall can do just as much for a room as a beloved piece of artwork. We often think about decorating our walls with paintings or other decorative pieces, but what if the wall itself became the main attraction, something that inspires you or inspires the design of your home?
That’s one of the things I find so exciting about wallpaper! With today’s wide variety of patterns, textures, colors, and designs, wallpaper lets you share your personality in ways a single paint color sometimes cannot.
As a color consultant, I particularly enjoy how wallpaper accent walls can transform and revitalize rooms that are lacking inspiration. Sometimes the wallpaper becomes a dramatic focal point; other times, it inspires an entire interior color palette. Both approaches can be beautiful, and the possibilities are nearly endless!
When I look at some elaborate wallpaper designs, I’m struck by how artistic/expressive they’ve become. When I was a kid, the only real options were dots, flowers, or simple fruit-and-vegetable patterns! But now, beautiful botanical illustrations, dramatic landscapes, and intricate otherworldly patterns can bring tremendous character to a space. Even when the design uses only black and white, the detail and imagery can create an atmosphere that feels incredibly rich.
This approach works so well in interior design because the wallpaper doesn’t need anything else to help highlight it within the space. Just as you might display a large oil canvas on an otherwise simple wall, an elaborate wallpaper design can become a room’s artistic centerpiece.
Another approach I like is to allow the wallpaper to become the starting point for the room’s color palette. Imagine choosing a beautiful botanical wallpaper with rich greens, warm golden tones, and soft neutral details. Rather than treating the wallpaper as something separate from the furnishings, you can use those colors to guide the choices throughout the space!
Perhaps a green upholstered chair picks up one of the pattern’s deeper colors, while a warm wood table or brass lighting fixture complements its softer golden details. The room begins to feel connected because the colors relate to one another without being heavy-handed; it’s the perfect touch!
Remember, interior color palettes can tell your story. The most memorable interiors reflect the homeowner’s personality, and wallpaper can offer a wonderful starting point for discovering those personal color relationships.
I know some homeowners hesitate to consider more elaborate wallpaper because they’re concerned the pattern will be too busy, too loud, and overpowering. I understand that reaction; however, choosing one wall allows us to enjoy a dramatic pattern while maintaining balance throughout the space.
Consider an entryway with a dark, richly patterned wallpaper behind a simple upholstered bench. The wallpaper gives the area a distinctive personality, while the lighter surrounding walls and understated furnishings keep everything feeling welcoming and zen.
The important thing is to give the pattern enough breathing room. If the wallpaper is elaborate, bold, or simply very colorful, the surrounding furnishings don’t need to be equally expressive. A beautiful mirror, a simple light fixture, or a few thoughtfully chosen accessories are all that’s needed!
Not all wallpaper accent walls need to make a dramatic statement. Some of my favorite examples use softer botanical patterns and muted colors to create a gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
Bedrooms are wonderful places for this approach. I am sure I am not the first person to fall in love with wallpaper, but I know it would be too much on every wall in the room. Floral wallpaper behind the bed can suggest a magical dreamscape without disrupting the peaceful feeling we want in a sleeping space. When the pattern includes soft greens and understated warm colors, it can complement neutral bedding and furnishings beautifully.
I’ve written about how interior design patterns influence a room’s mood, and wallpaper is a great example. The pattern’s scale, colors, and contrast all contribute to how the space feels! For example, a large, dramatic floral pattern can feel expressive and energetic, while a smaller, more delicate design can create a much quieter ambiance!
I always encourage homeowners to consider where they want to draw attention when someone enters a room. The wall behind a bed, a seating area, or at the end of a hallway can become a beautiful focal point.
The pattern should also complement the space. Large murals work well on uninterrupted walls, while repeating designs suit spaces with furnishings and architectural details. Lighting matters, too, as it can change how wallpaper colors appear throughout the day!
What I love most about wallpaper is how it helps make our homes personal. As a color expert, I encourage homeowners to see wallpaper as more than a decorative background. It can inspire an entire room or become the main attraction!
Interested in learning more about wallpaper? See my accompanying blog: Wallpaper vs. Painting – It’s Not a Binary Choice!
