Wallpaper 101: how to use wallpaper to bring your new home to life
Put down your paint rollers – wallpaper trends are everywhere in 2024, as we become bolder with our interior décor choices. Here’s a guide to using wallpaper to add personality to your new home.
Our homes should represent who we are, what we love and what makes us happy. A new build home is no exception to this – what better opportunity than a completely blank canvas to express yourself?
Interior trends are constantly changing, but wallpaper is an effective way to embrace a new style with one simple change. The concept of completely altering your space could be daunting to some, however wallpaper gives you total control over the transformation. You simply choose a style you love, decide where to place it, and let the design do all the talking.
The practical choice
If you are looking to stamp your walls with personality, wallpaper is a practical and durable solution. Well-applied wallpaper is generally thought to last up to three times longer than a painted wall, making it a great choice for high traffic areas of your home.
Applying it - whether you hire a professional or have a go yourself - is straightforward, and it’s also simple to clean and maintain. You also have the flexibility of covering as large or small an area as you want – simply buy as many or as few rolls as you need.
2024 wallpaper trends
In 2024, wallpaper trends have seen the best of both innovation and nostalgia. From classic heritage prints to colourful maximalism and large-scale murals, this year has seen homeowners get braver and more expressive with wallpaper choices.
Here are some of the key trends that have emerged in 2024:
Murals and large-scale art
Wall-sized murals and large-scale artistic designs have seen a huge rise in popularity, transforming walls into dramatic focal points. These can range from abstract art to scenic landscapes, making a bold and personalised statement in any room.
Sustainable and eco-friendly options
With the rise in awareness of environmental issues, many brands are now producing eco-friendly wallpaper options. These can consist of sustainably sourced paper, or natural fibres like hemp and bamboo, paired with water-based, non-toxic inks.
Nature inspired designs
These designs look to bring the outdoors in. They create a tranquil and refreshing space that connects the interior of your home to nature. Botanical, floral and wildlife-inspired prints are all remarkably popular at the moment.
Heritage prints
Beautiful and timeless, heritage wallpaper certainly isn’t reserved for period properties. In fact, adding a classic design such as a William Morris pattern to a new build home can be the perfect way to inject character and charm into your blank space.
Retro wallpaper
70s décor saw a major resurgence in 2023, and the interest in retro-inspired interiors has continued into 2024. Fun psychedelic patterns in joyful colours capture the essence of the popular dopamine décor trend, bringing a boost of happiness to our homes.
Versatile stripes
Stripes never go out of style when it comes to fashion, and the same goes for interiors. There’s a striped wallpaper out there to suit every taste, especially in 2024. Whether you favour a subtle ticking stripe, bold stripes in primary colours, or a playful wavy stripe, the wallpaper world is your oyster.
Textured wallpaper
You don’t necessarily need pattern to create a beautiful look, and when it comes to wallpaper, texture can be just as effective. Grasscloth, linen and silk finishes are rising in popularity due to the dimension and expensive look they provide. A great way to give your home a sophisticated edge.
Metallic accents
To create a touch of glamour in your new home, try a wallpaper with some metallic accents. You could opt for a pattern with shimmering fine lines, or make a statement with a coppery aged metal effect. Either way, they will bounce light around your space beautifully.
Where to start with wallpaper
So you’ve decided to wallpaper your room. Whilst we’ve spoken about wallpaper being versatile and practical, there are also some key factors you’ll need to take into consideration. Remember you want it to complement and enhance the room, instead of taking it over.
- Functionality: It’s important to understand what style of paper will best compliment your room. Think about the why you are using it. Do you want to add warmth and texture, or invigorate the space? Do you want to increase the depth of your walls?
- Scale: Then, you need to think about the scale of the space you are adding it to. A smaller room, like a downstairs WC, might work better with a smaller pattern, as you’ll find a large pattern will swallow the space. Likewise, using a small delicate patterned wallpaper in a large bedroom might get a bit lost.
- Pick a style: The fun part! Pick a style of wallpaper that will align nicely with the aesthetics of your home. For example, if the rest of your home is calming and neutral, you might be better off with a simple textured wallpaper than a busy pattern. Also consider the colour pallet, and if your wallpaper will help open the space up instead of closing it off.
Finding the right type of wallpaper for your home
You may have already spotted a wallpaper design you love, but before you click order it’s worth considering whether the type of paper is suitable. The moisture levels in the room, level of durability required and ease of removal are all important to consider, to make sure you don’t have to redo the job in a year’s time.
Here are some of the different types of wallpaper available, along with their benefits:
Vinyl wallpaper: Vinyl wallpaper is a popular choice due to its durability, easy maintenance, and water-resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Non-Woven wallpaper: Non-woven wallpaper is breathable, tear-resistant, and easy to install, allowing for a hassle-free application process and long-lasting results.
Embossed wallpaper: Embossed wallpaper adds texture and dimension to walls, creating a sophisticated and elegant look while hiding any imperfections.
Fabric wallpaper: Fabric wallpaper adds luxury and sophistication to walls, offering a unique and elegant design.
Peel and stick wallpaper: Peel and stick wallpaper is convenient and mess-free, making it a great choice for renters or anyone looking for a temporary decor solution. It’s easy to remove and reposition without damaging the walls.
Grasscloth wallpaper: Made from natural fibres, grasscloth wallpaper brings a touch of nature indoors, adding warmth and texture to any space.
How to install wallpaper
It’s finally time to bring your vision to life. Any wallpaper you buy should come with instructions, but if not:
- Prepare the walls: Ensure the walls are clean and smooth.
- Measure and cut: Measure the wall height and add a few inches for trimming. Cut your wallpaper into strips, aligning the pattern if necessary.
- Apply adhesive: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply adhesive to the paper, or directly to the wall for peel and stick options.
- Hang the wallpaper: Start from a corner and gently press the wallpaper against the wall, smoothing out any air bubbles.
- Trim and finish: Use a sharp knife to trim excess wallpaper at the edges and corners neatly. Repeat the process for each strip, ensuring seamless alignment.
- Let it dry: Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before moving furniture back and enjoying your newly transformed space!
What next?
Decorating the walls of your home is only the beginning. For more inspiration on adding personality and style to your new space, take a look at these other blog articles: