Home decorating is both a challenge and an opportunity to be creative. I’ve discovered three interesting places where you would expect to see wallpaper. A kind of way to tell a story about who you are, your life and how you see your home. As always, my view is very much that your home is your personal space, and your style and preferences are all that really matter – not whatever weird and wonky trends the designers fancy in the moment! But there’s no harm in exploring different ideas to see what chime for you.
Ceilings
For most people, painting the ceiling white is the go-to easiest option. The detail for the room’s décor is in the choice of wallpapers or wall paint, and accessories like wall lamps. The maximalist trend loves ceilings painted the same colour as the walls, or a dramatic (but harmonious) contrast. Imagine teal walls with a teal ceiling in a small room…. Too much? Actually, the effect is stunning. Cosy, and deeply comfortable.
But what about wallpaper? Clever, but simple, ideas can transform what designers consider to be ‘the fifth wall’ Wood panel effect or rustic brickwork paper in the kitchen or entrance way for that comfy ‘farmstead’ vibe. Or you could have a patterned paper of tiles or stripes (not too busy, of course. You don’t want to get a headache looking at it!) that picks up one or more of the colours on the walls.
How about the kids’ playroom with striped ceiling paper to look like the inside of a Big Top tent?
I’ve seen a picture in a House and Garden article where an entire bedroom is decorated in a single elaborate floral pattern. Walls, ceiling, curtains, bed cover, the works. It’s not to my taste – but each to his own!
Top of the stairs
Possibly one of the neglected, boring ceiling spaces in the home.
How about using patterned wallpaper to add interest and energy to your upper floors? Perhaps a complete contrast, if your stairwell walls are white or neutral, to give a pop of colour. Or a design that has the same colours as your stairwell walls or banisters.
Then there’s the smallest room in the house.
Functional. Practical. Often a substitute cupboard for muddy wellies and shoes.
It doesn’t need to be that way! Be brave! Make that downstairs loo like a secret doorway into a magical world – a forest, a Turkish spa, a seascape…. Whatever and wherever your imagination takes you. Extravagant lighting? Why not!
The ceiling can be an extension of the wall décor – or something totally different to add a mysterious touch. Like midnight blue. Or deep green. Or black. No, I’m not going mad. Imagine, for example, that your downstairs loo is a doorway to a nightscape of stars and galaxies. A black ceiling is simply continuing the story!
Last touch – get that shoe and muddy welly storebox and tuck it away where it’s most useful!
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