Today, I’m really excited to share some amazing wallpaper styling ideas and design advice from Emma Kelsall, of Emma Kelsall Interiors! It’s always so exciting for me to see how others would style one of my wallpapers and Emma has been kind enough to put together some moodboards and talk us through her design process, allowing us a glimpse into the mind of an interior designer! Not only that, she’s styled the papers at three different price ranges, from low to high, including a special reclaimed/vintage version so that there’s something to suit every budget and style!
Here’s what Emma has to say:
Wallpaper Styling Ideas: An Introduction from Emma
In this case, the wallpapers were the starting point in what was a ‘free reign’ of a design process. You might think having a free reign is great for a designer. And it is, as you are not tied to the client’s brief. Having said that, using a client brief does bring structure and clarity. Sometimes complete freedom can be too much of a good thing! Therefore, I did create a slight brief for each design involving budget when I was thinking about these wallpaper styling ideas.
Budget or Lower Cost items
The first, I decided, would be a design involving ‘budget’ or lower cost items. This is a young girl’s bedroom and the design was led by Katie’s Woodland Dreams paper in blue. As the paper has such a delightful pattern, I wanted to keep the rest of the room fairly plain and calm so the paper will come to life in the room.
I used cream and terracotta tones to compliment the blue paper and by using furniture pieces with small details (such as scalloped edges, or the small floral pattern on the bedside cabinet) I created a simple yet pretty room that I think any girl would love.
Striped window dressings add interest without being a pattern clash. The use of wood and rattan keep the look natural, echoing the nature element of the wallpaper.
All the items in this design are from Dunelm, Habitat and John Lewis, with a couple of Etsy finds thrown in. Therefore, to recreate this design would not break the bank which I think is joy to any parent’s ears!
Mid-range Budget
Design number two of the wallpaper styling ideas uses furniture and fabrics of a mid-range budget. When I decided on the budget range for this design, I already had some items from OKA and Pooky in mind. They are suppliers that I return to often for inspiration at least, if not items from their ranges.
The starting point was Katie’s Trailing Leaf paper in blue. I think it is a classic and timeless print which will suit both more traditional styles but also fresh, modern rooms. I went with the more classic style as that is my default (which doesn’t mean I can’t create modern and contemporary looking rooms but all designers have a personal style they fall back on!).
Again, the pattern speaks for itself so I kept things neutral and pattern free on the whole. As before, to echo the natural aspect of the wallpaper, I included wood furniture and flooring which gives a classic look and also has the bonus of being easy to keep clean! An accent colour of deep pink brings the scheme to life. The curtain fabric is from Vanessa Arbuthnott, someone whose designs I love. The simple geometric pattern compliments the leaves in the wallpaper. Products in this design are from Loaf, Oak Furniture Land, OKA, Pooky and Kes Lighting.
Reclaimed and Vintage Options
For the third and final design I decided to use some reclaimed, vintage items. Like Katie, I like to work as sustainably as I can and including vintage, second-hand and antique pieces in a scheme firstly allows you to use interesting and unique items and secondly means you are keeping the carbon footprint lower than by buying new.
The wallpaper in this design is Matilda Trellis in terracotta and I thought this paper leant itself well to a cloakroom. I found this beautiful washstand online and the rest of the design came very quickly to create this Victorian style cloakroom. I have used a toilet, basin and lighting from bathroom shops, but variations could easily be found at reclaimation or salvage stores. You just have to hunt them out!
The wall tiles are from Tiled which is based in Southsea and the little framed picture and jug are Etsy finds.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Home
I hope you enjoy these designs and they help you to see how you can incorporate wallpapers into a scheme. Some people find using wallpaper and pattern a bit daunting but there is nothing to be scared of. Katie and I can provide lots of ideas and advice so please do get in contact at any time.”
Isn’t Emma fab?
I absolutely love the different options she’s created – so much so I’m finding it hard to choose a favourite and hope that you too will find some inspiration through these boards. Which of these wallpaper styling ideas are your favourite, the bedroom, living room or bathroom? Drop a comment below and let me know which your favourite is, we’d love to know!
As Emma said, if either of us can be of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either of us.
You can contact Emma here, or follow her on Instagram, and Facebook.
Alternatively contact me here. And if you’d like to see more of what I’m up too at Willow and Woods, you can follow along on Instagram @willowandwoodsdesign
Are you an Interior Designer? Would you like to share how you’d style a Willow and Woods wallpaper? Follow in Emma’s footsteps and get in contact to discuss how.