Wallpaper may once have been reserved for Grandma’s house, but is now reclaiming its place on the wall — thanks to a range of modern floral, geometric, and metallic designs (not to mention bespoke patterns by celebs like Kate Moss). There’s no doubt that if these walls could talk, we would be seeking out their stylish counsel around the clock.
Interior designer Nara Munro of Munro + Sica shares her thoughts on six of her favorite wallpapers, from girly and glam to neutral and Nordic:
1. Queen of Spain
Source: Schumacher Queen of Spain $1,200 (100 square feet)
The Brief: “The color and sparkle of this wallpaper are eye-catching. It’s chic and dramatic in a cool and easy way.”
How to Use It: “I would use this wallpaper in a powder room, where I would have white wainscoting on the bottom half of the wall and this print on the upper portion. Because of its busyness, I would keep everything else simple with a white vanity, marble top and nickel hardware and faucet.”
2. Blue Bouquet Mural
Source: Anthropologie, $498 (one size)
The Brief: “I love the softness and femininity of this one. It’s a large-scale mural piece, and you can really feel the movement in the flowers.”
How to Use It: “I can picture this print in a girl’s nursery with either a white or light wood crib set up in front of it. I would paint the rest of the room a barely-there pink and add a gold chandelier, rocking chair and some fuzzy white pillows or a pouf for some texture. It’s a wallpaper that is sophisticated enough to stay put as the girl grows, too.”
3. Malva by Scion Wallpapers
Source: Wallpaper Direct, $95 (per roll)
The Brief: “This is a favorite of mine—I have it at home. I love Scandinavian design and the natural geometric pattern of this one, in particular, along with the way the bright leaves meet the off-white background.”
How to Use It: “This would look great in a dining room with a contemporary wood table. Add spindle-type dining chairs to keep it airy, and above it, hang either a white or gold chandelier, depending on the chair colors. If it’s a large room, use this print throughout the space.”
4. Daydream (Green) Tiles
Source: Hygge & West, $58 (per tile)
The Brief: “This wallpaper has a great, natural look, with a soft palette but pops of color with the birds. It’s also removable, which makes it super easy to install and take down.”
How to Use It: “Catch the attention of guests by putting this in an entry way, or go for a whimsical effect in a nursery or kids’ playroom but adding it to a ceiling—which would be especially fitting with the birds and clouds.”
5. Arrows Black and White Horizontal by Sierra Gallagher
Source: Spoonflower, $250 (100 square feet)
The Brief: “Black and white is super-hot right now, especially in a modern farmhouse setting. While this one carries a bold print, its repetition helps to neutralize it, too.”
How to Use It: “I could see this one in a mud room or laundry room as a backsplash feature, and I would add some wood elements around the print to soften the look. It could also be really fun in a boy’s bedroom, where I would keep the black and white theme throughout, with a pop of natural wood in there to break up the monotone colors.”
6. Melika Mural
Source: Anthropologie, $228 (nine feet)
The Brief: “This wallpaper is a little wild, but I love the story it tells through its vibrant colors, nature, plants and animals.”
How to Use It: “I see this working well as a feature wall in a master bedroom with bohemian and modern vibes, with lots of white furniture and wicker or rattan accents. Draw out the nature effects of the print with living plants and funky side tables, and add hanging sconces above each one.”