Interior designers often talk about the value of a “statement piece” in a room. It is an item that becomes the focus of your design. It draws your guests’ eyes when they walk into a room. It sets the tone for your space. It often tells a story.

However, it doesn’t have to be a piece of furniture or an accessory. Why not make a wall a statement piece?

Which brings us to wallpaper. While it’s been with us since the 16th century, it has evolved. Patterns have become larger, bolder, and more eye-catching than ever before. Total wall murals are more available and can make for a huge wow factor. We can add texture with wallpaper, either faux texture with patterns of bricks or stone, or actual texture with grass cloth, glass bead, flock and the like.

Nevertheless, we read about something new, just last month in an Associated Press article by Kim Cook. She wrote that “In the Emmy-nominated opening credits of HBO’s ‘The White Lotus,’ wall-paper-like images told a story: The tropical prints started off innocuously enough, but then turned ominous. Fruit started rotting, fish got tangled in seaweed, and a sense of foreboding set the whole premise of an exotic paradise on its edge. The artist, Lezio Lopes, has said he was trying to evoke the design and themes of the shows resort suites.”

Cook wrote: “It’s a surreal example of a current trend in décor–wallpapers that combine art and narrative qualities to set the mood of a room. Some take us to wild places in nature, others to wild worlds born in artists’ imaginations. They go way beyond your nice stripe or simple floral. They tell a story.”

With wallpaper, in general, back in a big way, as Cook concludes, you might wonder about advice on Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s:

• Consider getting advice: Selecting the right wallpaper for your space can be an exciting but also a daunting task. Professional advice can be very useful.
• Consider the room’s purpose: Keep the function of the room in mind when selecting wallpaper. For example, serene patterns may be more suitable for bedrooms, while vibrant patterns might work in living areas.
• Start with an accent wall: If you’re unsure about using wallpaper extensively, begin with an accent wall. This can be a great way to add a focal point to a room without overwhelming the space.
• Remember the fifth wall: Wallpaper on the ceiling can be a creative way to add drama and interest to a room.

• Test a sample: Your designer can obtain a sample piece of the wallpaper for you to place on the wall so you can see how it looks under different light conditions.
• Discuss the Style: Think about the overall style you want to achieve in the room. Your designer can help you decide whether you prefer modern, traditional, minimalist, bohemian, or something else and will make sure the wallpaper will align with that style.
• Ask about peel and stick: If you are doing a children’s room that you’ll want to change over time, ask about peel and stick wallpaper that is easy to remove.

Don’ts:

• Avoid overusing bold patterns: Yes, they can make a statement, but they also can create visual chaos and overwhelm the space.
• Don’t focus so much on the walls that you ignore the furniture: Your wallpaper should complement, not clash. Your designer can help you consider how the patterns and colors interact with each other.
• Don’t be too trendy: You don’t want something that will quickly become outdated.
• Avoid DIY if unsure: Installing wallpaper can be challenging especially for large areas or intricate patterns. A professional can ensure a neat and smooth installation.

Wallpaper is a significant design element, and a Decorating Den Interiors professional can help you explore different options until you find the one that transforms your space into a beautiful and inspiring environment. To find a designer near you, click here and enter your zip code.