Wallpaper is quite on trend and I’m proud to say Katharine and I got in on that early. Years ago we shared ideas, sources, and [strong] opinions on wallpapering our own homes and I may have gone to some extreme lengths to get the right papers for very specific needs. And it was worth it because good spaces = endless enjoyment. Here’s the rundown:
First Off: The Powder Room. This is a space that family and guests use often. It had no redeeming features on its own, and I was in no mood to renovate. Wallpapering was an obvious YES. Plus, the room was teeny tiny, and I chose to embrace the size and source a paper that made it feel cozy and distinct. Enter “Phases of the Moon.” I discovered this after going down a fruitful Pinterest rabbit hole, and despite it being a sold out print from Paris, not shippable to Canada, and only sold to designers, I snagged it. The textured paper gave this antiqued area the right amount of punch. Also fun to note is that it’s made by Bartsch “using traditional printing techniques from the nineteenth century” and this felt like the right way to go. I was an Art History & History Major, after all.
Phases of the Moon in the flesh, courtesy of my iPhone
Bonus: it comes in a few colors:
Next: Our Nursery. To me, this is a room that can feel separate from the rest of the house — like it’s own little world for a baby or kid to be imaginative, learn and grown. Enter “Llamas Doing Things.” I was sold on the name alone, but it didn’t hurt that the paper was fun and whimsical with an illustrative style that would suit our future-art-appreciating son. I also loved that the llamas were doing great activities like roasting marshmallows and going in a hot air balloon. So aspirational.
Photo of installed wallpaper.
Something to note: this line is from Chasing Paper is actually adhesive/removable (but getting a professional installer is still a very good idea).
Most fun fact ever – the llamas have friends: meet “Unicorns Doing Things.”
Finally: The Master Bedroom. The idea here was to make the space seem like 1) ours and only ours, and 2) a relaxing and quiet escape. And in doing so, I wanted it to showcase our stereotypical Canadian outdoor spirit. We found “The Wood” (or as it’s lovingly referred to online as New Contemporary Two?!). It served as an homage to a nearby ravine and our love of outdoor activities. Plus, it successfully made our simple bedroom feel like an escape. This paper was actually designed in 1959 and AFTER we got it, Architectural Digest named it one of “12 Classic Wallpaper Designs: Our All-Time Favorite Wallpaper Patterns.”
Photo of installed wallpaper in our bedroom.
Another great shot of this same paper:
Photo cred: Pinterest
So there you have it. The wheres and whys of our wallpapers that, in reality, are serving as a platform for so many more ideas. And while wallpapering any space can take a bigger emotional leap than a paint job, the impact is that much stronger. Where are your wallpaper go-tos and what sources do you love?
