Psst… In case you missed it, we just released brand new winter wallpaper to the GM Home collection, and we have to say, there isn’t a single pattern we don’t love. Between Gray’s bedroom redesign and this exciting new release, we have a major thing for wallpaper right now—and we’re sharing our best-kept wallpaper secrets with you right here on the blog. Let’s start by saying this: we all know how overwhelming it can be to walk into a room completely covered in loud, out-of-place wallpaper… and no one likes that feeling. But nowadays, wallpaper has made leaps and bounds in the interior design world, and it is chicer than ever. So if you’re looking for a few creative wallpaper ideas to shake things up in your space (and maybe even employ our new winter wallpaper), then stick with us! Here are the most creative ways to use wallpaper that we’re currently crushing on…
Inlayed in Wall Paneling
Okay, HELLO most gorgeous master bath… Now that we got that out of the way, the luxe marble and chic lighting aren’t the only things that catch our attention in Gray’s bathroom. This blue bamboo patterned wallpaper is stunning on its own, but feels even more high-end when inlayed in wall paneling. The peek of clean, white paint frames any pattern perfectly—much like a frame on a piece of artwork—and allows the wallpaper to become a true focal point in the space. Not to mention, by breaking up the pattern, it avoids the risk of becoming too overwhelming and taking over the rest of the room.
To Give Your Drawers a Pop of Pattern
It’s common to line drawers and shelves with those basic peel-and-stick liners you can pick up at Target, but have you ever considered taking things up a notch and using wallpaper instead? It can add an undeniably chic touch to your kitchen, dresser, or credenza drawers, and will be a pleasant surprise any time you pull them open. (P.S. Our GM wallpaper is available in several different application types, including a peel-and-stick option perfect for jobs like this one…)
Two Different Wallpapers in the Same Room
Don’t run off just yet! We know that the thought of nailing one wallpaper can be intimidating enough for some, and the thought of coordinating TWO different wallpapers can seem out-of-reach. But trust us when we say it is much easier than you may think! The trick is to anchor your patterned wallpaper with a coordinating solid or neutral (and don’t be afraid to choose something with a little texture!). For instance, in Gray’s bedroom, the bamboo patterned wallpaper is only used in the entry, while the rest of the room is a calm, natural grass wallpaper. This not only allows the entry to shine, but the pattern also pulls in elements from the master bathroom, and textiles throughout the room. At the end of the day, remember these two rules: 1) ground patterns with a coordinating neutral and 2) make sure one of your wallpapers dominates at least 2/3 of the room, so it doesn’t feel too disjointed.
To Put Emphasis on a Reading Nook
Reading nooks are so much fun to decorate and make a cozy focal point, and adding a pop of wallpaper in this area never fails us. It may sound too easy, but adding just a small square footage of wallpaper to draw attention to a recessed wall or nook goes a long way. To go along with the “coziness” of a corner like this, we tend to go to our winter wallpaper options, such as this Snow Polo print. 
As a Bold Background for Artwork
great piece of artwork can easily shine on its own, but if you’re looking for a way to add even more depth and interest to a space, try using patterned wallpaper as a background to your art. Just make sure both your artwork and wallpaper coordinate and color, as well as vary in scale to create balance. If your artwork has lots of tiny details, try pairing with wallpaper that has a bold, large-scale pattern, and vice versa. You might be surprised at how well the two work together!
To Add Some Character to Your Closet
Closets tend to be one of the most overlooked areas of the home, but we’re about to change that. Whether you have a small vanity and just a couple of racks of clothing, or a luxurious walk-in closet the size of most bedrooms, it is sure to benefit from a little patterned wallpaper. Since areas like this tend to be on the smaller side, we like to stick to light and bright options like our Downhill Skiers.
To Dress Up Double Doors
This trick works especially well if your wallpaper also occurs somewhere else in the room, but we love the idea of using a patterned wallpaper to spice up a pair of painted doors. Try inlaying your wallpaper in the center panels of your doors, for a look that is unexpected and unique. Bonus Tip: If you want the wallpaper to look right at home without too much thought, opt for a pattern that has a base color the same as your doors. In this case, the white background in the patterned wallpaper blends seamlessly into the white doors, creating a contrast that is subtle, instead of jarring.
As a Bold Stair Statement
Consider this an update on the ever-popular stair risers adorned with statement tile… Wallpaper will add an unexpected touch to this often neglected detail in the home, and is much less permanent than tile. That way, if you decide to swap it out for a different pattern down the road, all it takes is a little wallpaper update, instead of an entire overhaul. Plus, it looks pretty chic, if you ask us.
Do you have any other creative wallpaper ideas that aren’t on this list?
We highly recommend you pick up some of Gray’s hot-off-the-press winter wallpaper and get decorating…
Xx Team GM
Photos: Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com