Creative Ways We Use Wallpaper to Elevate Every Room

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Wallpaper is one of the most versatile design tools we use to transform our clients’ homes. From adding subtle texture to making bold statements, wallpaper allows us to infuse personality, warmth, and one-of-a-kind character into any space.

While wallpaper was once associated with outdated patterns and difficult installations, modern-day wallpaper is anything but. 

Today’s options include luxurious textures, custom murals, and innovative designs that can elevate your home in ways you never imagined. This month, it is my hope that you will enjoy expanding your imagination with a room-by-room exploration of beautiful wallpaper at work.

Restorative Bedrooms: Soothing Accent Walls

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Wallpaper is a wonderful way to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for any place of respite. We often use wallpaper in our client projects to create an accent wall behind the bed, resulting in a beautiful backdrop that anchors the room and serves as a subtle focal point.

The key here is balance. We thoughtfully select soft, soothing patterns or textures that don’t overwhelm the space—think simple stripes, botanical prints, or subtle patterns. For a truly cohesive look, we paint the other walls in a colour that ties in seamlessly with the wallpaper’s background.

For clients who crave a more immersive, layered feel, wallpapering all four walls in a bedroom can be transformative as well. Imagine falling asleep surrounded by a soft tonal print or a serene textured paper that creates a cocoon-like effect. This approach works beautifully in smaller rooms or guest bedrooms, where the intimacy of the space lends itself to a more dramatic treatment.

Projects: Modern Principle Suite (left) and West Side Family Home (right)

Dining Rooms & Lounges: Immersive Textures & Subtle Details

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Speaking of dramatic treatments, the dining room is an ideal space to experiment with wallpaper, particularly when paired with architectural details like wainscoting, beadboard or shiplap. One of our favourite approaches is to use grasscloth or other textured wallpapers above wall panelling. This combination adds depth and dimension while maintaining a timeless, refined aesthetic.

Grasscloth, with its natural woven texture, works beautifully in dining rooms because it adds warmth and visual interest without being overpowering. For clients who prefer something bolder, we might suggest a patterned wallpaper or metallic accents, adding just a touch of glamour. In spaces with limited natural light, we often use lighter tones and patterns to keep the room feeling bright and inviting.

Projects: West Vancouver Coastal Home (left) and Classic Dining Room in our Kensington Family Home (right)

Kids’ Space: Playful Patterns & Imaginative Murals

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Children’s rooms are a great place to get creative and inject a sense of fun with imaginative wallpaper, quickly turning a child’s room into a magical, inspiring retreat. 

Covering all four walls can create an immersive experience, but we also love using a single accent wall — including murals — for a playful yet balanced look. Whether it involves geometric shapes, a soothing forest landscape, or a scene as vibrant as a giant ferris wheel, they set the tone of the room in a big way. 

Pro Tip: When working with wallpaper in kids’ rooms, durability is key. For high-traffic areas like playrooms, we prefer vinyl wallpaper. It is a practical option that stands up to wear and tear while still looking beautiful.

Projects: Prince Edward Island Estate (left) and West Side Family Home Playroom (right)

Powder Room: A Splash of the Unexpected

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If there is one space in the home where we love to go all out with wallpaper, it’s the powder room. Small and self-contained, powder rooms are perfect for experimenting with bold patterns, whimsical prints, or rich textures. These bolder options might feel overwhelming in larger spaces, but in here, they surprise and delight.

For a recent client, we used a wallpaper featuring whimsical fish in vibrant colours, transforming the powder room into a conversation piece. Whether we are working with a refreshing botanical pattern, an elegant script print, or something entirely unexpected, the goal is always to create a space that feels unique and full of personality.

Projects: West Vancouver Coastal Home (left) Prince Edward Island Estate (center) and SHD’s North Vancouver Studio (right) 

Beyond the Walls: Ceilings, Built-Ins & More

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Wallpaper isn’t just for walls. Some of our most creative designs involve using wallpaper in unexpected places, like on ceilings or in the backs of built-ins. These applications add layers of interest and personality while elevating spaces that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In our recent West Vancouver Project, we used wallpaper on the ceiling of their home office to draw the eye upward, make the room feel more open, and create visual space for thoughtful contemplation. 

Wallpapering stairwells or hallways is another great way to add intrigue to transitional spaces. With the right pattern or texture, these often-overlooked areas can become head-turning design features in their own right.

Projects: West Vancouver Coastal Home (left) and West Side Traditional Home (right)

Ensuring a Flawless Finish

Remember when I said that today’s wallpaper is easy to remove? This is true provided you have expert installation. The key to achieving a flawless finish with wallpaper is in the details. Wallpaper selection and installation require a trained eye and skilled hands to ensure everything is done right. 

From choosing the appropriate pattern scale to properly aligning seams, a professional eye and a skilled installer can make all the difference in the final result. Proper wall preparation, such as applying sizing, ensures easy removal down the road and protects your walls from damage.

At Simply Home Decorating, we guide our clients through every step of the wallpapering process—from selecting the perfect pattern to working with experienced installers who deliver exceptional results. If you are ready to explore the transformative potential of wallpaper in your home, we would love to help you create something truly special.

Yours,

Lori

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Complimentary Guide

Uncover the hidden potential in your home.

Whether you live in a mid-century gem in need of an update or a modern new build ready for personality, these creative solutions will change the way your home looks and lives.

Thank you!