Gone are the days when wallpaper was reserved for your grandmother’s house or a new baby’s nursery… Wallpaper has experienced a major glow up over the past few years, and we are HERE for it. Instead of kitschy patterns and outdated florals, there are now hundreds of chic wallpaper options on the market, and today our expert design contributor Kate Lester is showing us how to pull off this trend in the 21st century. Keep scrolling to see how she incorporated her brand new Ocean Waves wallpaper from the Gray Malin Home line into her studio space, along with a few tips and tricks to go along with it…
Newsflash! Wallpaper is back and it’s better than ever. This is not your grandmother’s wallpaper we’re talking about here, trust me. My childhood walls were a yellow wallpaper with a print of teddy bears on a picnic. Seriously. So if anyone can recover from that unscathed and embrace a wallpaper trend… it’s me.
Today’s wallpaper is not only easy to source, it’s simple to install AND quick to remove if you tire of it faster than your latest Insta-crush. Okay, you say. But maybe you are still worried that wallpaper is just too much of a décor commitment, or that it’s too busy, too bold or too trendy. I am here to save your day. Below I have compiled my three basic guidelines for using wallpaper; I’ll tell you where to use it, when to pair it, and the best ways to style it. It’s as simple as that, and after reading this post you will be ready to click, ship and stick all of these fab new Gray Malin x Mitchell Black wallpapers all over your home! (Ok, maybe not ALL over, but in a few select rooms for sure!)
Where to Use It
My personal opinion about wallpaper (amongst other things) is that more is more. Some of the best places to display a show-stopping pattern are powder rooms, entryways, kids rooms, playrooms, guest Rooms, dining Rooms and ceilings. I know it’s tempting to lean toward an accent wall to “ease” into the wallpaper trend, but I would usually advise against it. Pick your pattern, own your selection and run with it throughout the whole room! It’s much more impactful and interesting. My general feeling is that not everyone has to love what you selected, as long as you do. When décor evokes a response it’s a win. I would much rather someone leave my powder room saying something than being otherwise uninspired.
When to Pair It
Please don’t be afraid to layer patterns and colors when using wallpaper. You don’t have to keep everything else solid just because you have one pattern in play. Grounding a wallpaper with a textured, striped or patterned rug (or duvet, or drape) is a great way to make sure the space feels cohesive and curated as opposed to the wallpaper just taking over. It sounds crazy, but I swear it’s the truth! Just remember the rules of scale when doing this. If the wallpaper has a smaller scale repeat or design, then make sure your other pattern has a larger one and vice versa.
How to Style It
First of all, whatever you do, please don’t be afraid to style it! A wall that’s just wallpaper is not a statement, it’s a backdrop, so add in some depth. If you are new to the wallpaper game, often times a mirror is the easiest way to get your feet wet. Select something with an interesting composition or shape. Another great option for styling wallpaper is photography. Clean and simple photographs or black and whites are such an easy way to accessorize without taking away from the wall covering itself.
However you decide to incorporate wallpaper, do it with confidence and gusto. Your home should be a direct reflection of the person who lives there, so grab some paper and make it yours!
What are your thoughts on the modern day wallpaper trend?
We’re obviously on board—especially with Gray’s newest wallpaper options in the GM Home line! Click here to shop all four permanent and temporary wallpaper prints.
And per usual, make sure to follow along with Kate’s stunning work and interior design advice by browsing her website and following her on Instagram.
Xx Team GM
Photos: Lauren Pressey