You’ve picked your dream home and are getting ready for moving day, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about interiors and how to put your stamp on your property.
One of the most effective ways to make your style statement is with wall coverings. These can set the tone and mood of the space and enable you to move away from neutral painted walls.
There are so many different sources of inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and of course showhomes, so it is important to take some time at the outset thinking about what you may want to achieve and looking at a range of options.
It’s far better to find a style that works for you rather than deciding a few weeks down the line, that you’ve made a mistake and want to start again.
Your research should help you to be able to clearly see what you like and what you don’t. Be brave and push yourself outside your comfort zone but if you have an immediate dislike to something don’t force yourself to like it, remember decorating your home is personal and down to your individual style, so dismiss anything that doesn’t float your boat and move on.
It is also essential that you pick a style that works for your home. What may look amazing in a stately home, might not have the same impact in a family property so remain focused on the style of your property and the purpose of the room. It may work to pick elements of what you like and add touches of these if you are concerned about overpowering the space.
If possible, try a sample so you can see the tone and design in situ with your lighting and see how it works as lighting can make a big difference.
The good news is that there are many different options from wallpaper, wall coverings, wall panels, textures, florals and graphics, however the whole host of choices that are now available can also leave your head spinning!
A great starting point is to look at what you want to add to the room.
Textured wallpapers are the perfect option for adding a subtle backdrop that pulls together your furniture and accessories without overwhelming your design scheme and are great if you’re new to wallpaper. There are so many different finishes available from Japanese washi to heavy linen or silky slubs, meaning something to suit different tastes and budgets.
Another option is graphic papers or digital wall panels which really set the tone and define the look of the room from the outset.
Whether you want a forgotten about study or cloakroom to have a new lease of life or a teen-den or kids bedroom to have a stronger identity, bold designs are perfect. Choose a few accessories that carry the theme and colour but don’t go overboard and less is definitely more with these eye-catching designs.
Wallcoverings are also important in setting the mood of the room and must be considered when creating a space, for example the approach to wallpaper for a vibrant social space will be very different to that of a bedroom, which is there to provide a restful sanctuary.
Softer watery patterns are dreamy and romantic in master bedrooms but that doesn’t need to mean wishy washy. Choosing deeper tones of rust, navy or emerald impart richness and drama that will give your bedroom a whole new lease of life especially when teamed with textured silks and velvets on throws and cushions, creating a sumptuous environment in which to relax.
But remember, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to the design of your home, so look at what works for you in terms of style, budget and practicality and focus on creating the home of your dreams.
World renowned 19th century designer William Morris perfectly summed up the importance of wallpaper.
He said:
Whatever you have in your rooms, think first of the walls for they are that which makes your house and home.
So have fun, be bold and enjoy injecting your own style and personality to create the home of your dreams.