Wallpaper Wisdom: Picking The Perfect Paper

Wallpaper Wisdom: Picking The Perfect Paper

Wallpaper isn't stuck in the 1980s - it's having a serious style moment and you should definitely get involved. Lisa Cowan reports on the cutest and quirkiest prints

When it comes to finishing touches for your home, a roll of wallpaper might just be your hardest-working ally.

And guess what? It's having a serious style moment in the world of interiors and there's a deluge of patterns and colourways to suit any taste and every budget. Pretty florals, dark drama, illusionary illustrations or bold brights, whatever you're after, you'll be bowled over by the choice (and variation in price) in the marketplace. Beige and boring - be gone!

Wallpaper is no longer about just papering over the cracks - it's a statement about your home, your taste, your imagination, who you are. No pressure, right? Read on for our favourite picks.

If you like your interiors with a side of humour, a cute pooch-adorned paper could be just the ticket. Perfect for a hallway, living room or even a kid's room.

Exposed brick walls = big news but if your budget doesn't stretch to the real deal, fear not. Faux brick wallpaper styles are stocked in lots of high street and online stores. You just need to pick the colour that works best for your home. We can see this lightly coloured design working well in a bathroom or study.

Further along the faux path is the fake log look, the ideal wallpaper design if you want to bring a touch of country chic to your living room. Scatter lots of throws, cushions and candles around the room and you have your very own cosy haven.

If elegant and delicate is more your thing, the pretty pale shade of the Camberwell Beauty wallpaper complete with ornate butterfly design will add a ladylike touch to any room. We'd happily have this in a formal sitting room or bedroom.

Nature-inspired paper brings the outdoors indoors. We love this vibrant purple and green design from Cole & Son. Dark wooden furniture will work exceptionally well with this style.

Beautiful blooms have the ability to brighten up any space, no matter how small or dark. Apply this happy wallpaper on walls in large spaces or in a room that needs a blast of cheer.

Graphic, highly styled prints, like this cool cobalt design from Habitat, will add a flourish of interest to a kitchen, dining room or bedroom. Mirror the colour in your choice of accessories for a real statement look.

Vintage lovers can also find a wallpaper to suit their retro taste in today's slew of wallpaper designs. We adore this old-school cabinet paper - just add coloured glass table lamps and a vintage gramophone to complete the look.

Love books but don't have a living room big enough to display all your bookish treasure? Don't dismay - create an impressive library with the swish of a paste brush. Pretty impressive, right?

If you'd prefer to pledge allegiance to just one publisher however, perhaps this wall of Penguin classics might suit you better?

For those who love to travel, bring a dose of geography to your walls - local or global - with these eyecatching styles from Digetex Home. Who knew maps could create such a style statement?

Romantic styles come in various shapes and sizes, but none more emotional than this love letter design. We'd add this to a quiet, cosy space where we could stretch out, read books and be alone with our thoughts.

Oriental patterns have a calming influence on their surroundings, hence why we'd happily stare at this exquisite bamboo pattern in the comfort of our bedroom or living room. Add a couple of orchids and you have a perfect oasis of tranquility.

Feeling inspired? Click through our gallery to discover more details about each style and where to buy them.

LOVE THIS WRITER? Follow her on Twitter @BeautyScoop.

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