Wow wallpaper – 10 decorating ideas

Wallpaper is a great way of making a statement with your interior and the design can dramatically transform the way a room looks.

Choose the right pattern and dark colours can still feel fun and vibrant, such as a green palm-tree print setting the scene for a tropical modern bedroom.

Small spaces can also be perfect for an intriguing design or pattern – think flamingo or dragon wallpaper designs – you might not consider these bold patterns for your living room, but they could be a quirky choice for the cloakroom.

Another great way to make an impact is with trompe l’oeil wallpaper. While your book collection may have been whittled down in favour of e-books in recent years, with a gorgeous bookcase-print wallpaper, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the traditional look of books in alcoves by the fireplace. Want to create a vintage look? Choose a trompe l’oeil wallpaper depicting vintage suitcases. A luggage theme works well alongside leather pieces such as a trunk and leather sofa. Add quirky accessories such as an oversized wall clock or table lamp to create an authentic feel.

Be inspired by Arts & Crafts designer William Morris and go for one of the archive papers from Morris & Co’s collection. Choose deep rich shades and enhance the look with timeless leather furniture and classic accessories.

Or why not layer up large-scale pattern? This can look effective if you choose patterns from one colour palette, such as soft grey, heather and sage. Alternatively, large-scale wallpaper can breathe new life into a neutral colour scheme. Use on a bedroom feature wall as a backdrop to painted furniture and neutral soft furnishings. Vary the textures, by adding wool throws, or an ottoman upholstered in velvet.