plaid wallpaper for small spaces

Tips on Choosing Wallpaper

You don’t need to be seasoned in interior design to make good decisions for your home.

I work with homeowners at all levels — some who are collaborating with designers and builders, and others who are simply trusting their gut and a Pinterest board. Either way, I’m here to guide you. From choosing wallpaper to figuring out where a bold pattern makes sense (just one wall? a whole room?), I’ve got your back.


RAISE YOUR HAND IF ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE:

1) Ohhh I can put wallpaper in our downstairs powder room!
2) …or the entryway!
3) I wonder if I should put wainscoting in my bedroom and wallpaper the top half?
4) Let’s do an accent wall in the kids’ bedrooms!
5) I WANT IT ALL!

It’s simple really, I promise. Take it room by room.
….and I’ll show you how. 

Become A Pattern Pro

The 3-Step Guide to Choosing Wallpaper for Your Home

1. Pick your room and start there.

  • Focus: Choose one room to start with — ideally, a space you spend a lot of time in, like the living room or kitchen.
  • Approach : Don’t try to design your whole house at once. Narrow your attention to one space and observe how it feels throughout the day.
  • Awareness : Notice the light, the energy, the way you use the space. Imagine how you want it to feel — cozy, fresh, vibrant, calm.

Starting with just one space removes the pressure to get everything “right” all at once. It’s about tuning in, not committing forever. You may discover this room doesn’t even need wallpaper — and that clarity is a decision in itself.


Role & Benefits : This first step grounds your process.

  • Eases decision fatigue.

  • Builds confidence.

  • Shifts your focus from overwhelm to intention.

plaid wallpaper byHopeatHome

Subtle Wallpaper Ideas

2. Color Comes First (Or Follows Close Behind)

Before you even think about choosing wallpaper for your space, pay attention to color — whether it’s already in your space or is the color palette waiting on the pattern you fall in love with?


Approach : You have two gentle paths forward:

  1. Choose wallpaper you’re drawn to, then pull colors from the pattern for paint, fabric, or accents.

  2. Or, if you already have a palette you love, choose wallpaper that complements what’s already in place.

Considerations : What colors make you feel at home? Energized? Calm? Excited? Let your emotional response guide you more than the trends.


Note : Wallpaper doesn’t have to fight for attention. When color is thoughtfully considered — either leading or supporting — it creates a space that feels layered, harmonious, and easy to live in.


3. Subtle or Statement?

Decide if you’re drawn to something quiet and textured — or bold and pattern-forward.


What's the vibe? In your first, priority room (like the living room), ask yourself: Do I want this space to whisper or speak up?  Subtle textures add depth without demanding attention, while bolder patterns become conversation starters.


Consider the Room's Role Consider the room’s role. Are you resting here? Hosting? Walking through briefly or lingering daily? Your answer helps determine how much visual energy the walls should carry.


Story : Making this decision in one room sets the tone for the rest of your home. If you choose a soft, neutral texture in the living room, maybe the powder room down the hall can echo those tones with a bolder, more playful pattern. It becomes a rhythm — not a repeat — as you move from room to room.


This step establishes design flow.

  • Balances visual weight between rooms.

  • Helps guide the mood of each space.

  • Makes future pattern choices feel easier and more connected.

wallpaper for living room

Moody Floral Wallpaper Inspiration

The paralyzing fear of wallpaper is so real. As a designer of the product Itself, I even have a hard time making the commitment for my home. Wallpaper isn’t like rearranging throw pillows — it feels permanent. But here’s the thing: it’s not as permanent as you think.

With proper wall prep, traditional wallpaper is far easier to remove than it used to be. Many wallpaper pastes today are formulated with removable agents that allow for a clean, gentle release when the time comes. No scorched earth. No drywall destruction. Just a little water and patience.

So yes — you can fall in love with a pattern today and still evolve your space in the future. I promise.

It never hurts to start dipping your toe in the world of pattern. Grab a sample or two, hang it in your space, then walk in and out of the room a few times to see how you feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is traditional wallpaper better than peel and stick?

In most cases, yes — especially when quality and longevity matter. Peel and stick wallpaper might sound easier, but it’s really just a big sticker. It can bubble, stretch, and leave sticky residue behind. Although, removable wallpaper (which is often different than peel & stick) is great for rentals. Traditional wallpaper, when installed correctly, goes on smoother, looks more elevated, and holds up beautifully over time. It’s the better choice when you’re looking for a finish that truly lasts.

What if I want to remove my wallpaper down the road?

With proper wall prep, wallpaper absolutely does not ruin your walls. Most wallpapers today use modern glues that are designed to be removable, especially when applied over primed surfaces. If you ever decide to remove it, it’s more like a gentle process than a full-on renovation. No damage, just a little steam or water and some patience.

What if wallpaper goes out of style?

In my humbled opinion, wallpaper never left. Wallpaper has moved beyond trend cycles and into the world of timeless design. From subtle textures to bold prints, it’s become a favorite tool for adding personality, warmth, and story to a space. The key is choosing a pattern that feels right for you, not what’s trending on social media this month.

How do I decide on which pattern?

Start with a room you spend a lot of time in — like a living room, bedroom, or kitchen nook. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; even a soft, textured print can transform the way a space feels. Once you’ve lived with wallpaper in one room, choosing patterns for other areas (like a powder room or hallway) becomes so much easier. It’s all about building rhythm and flow, one space at a time.

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