Kimpton Hotel
Say goodbye to beige. Stay away from ecru. Big, bold, but well-chosen walls are now the center of attention. Walls are no longer just a place to hang what we like or what appeals to the eye, but a place to reflect who we really are. From classic wallpapers to new neons, here are 7 ways to make every wall in your home stand out like a museum of your own unique style and spirit.
Photo wall
Guardian of the Wall
Sometimes DIY just means “do it yourself,” and Warren Sturhl, CEO and founder of MyPhoto and Wallkeepers, revealed that the secret to creating a Pinterest-perfect wall is to have it professionally designed and installed.
We've also seen a lot of effort being put into making picture walls look natural, he explains. “We're seeing more people being more experimental with styles and colours when hanging their pictures, and moving away from having all their photos in the exact same style or frame. We recently introduced a new group of frames in different metal finishes, as mixing metals is popular right now in design.”
Statement print
Dormify
The statement fashion trend has spilled over into interiors, so it's only natural that statement walls are becoming the new photo walls. Amanda Zuckerman, co-founder and creative director at Dormify, explains why: “You can't go wrong with a black and white statement wall. We love large grids of quote prints, or display them gallery-style in a variety of sizes and orientations.”
neon
Ampedo & Co.
Neon was once used for commercial signage and was a common theme in dorm décor. Today, it's considered the perfect mix of modern, sophisticated and fun. “Neon adds character to any room and is a great conversation starter,” says Jenn Pau of Amped & Co.
When it comes to using neon in your home, take inspiration from the eclectic design of the Kimpton The Goodland Hotel: Keep the color consistent and focus on one focal point, otherwise it will look cluttered.
wallpaper
Mitchell Black
Wallpaper is back, and it's here to stay. Traditional wallpaper requires skill and lots of glue to apply, but the new “peel and stick” wallpapers have changed all that.
Mitchell Black founder Rinaie Jones explains, “The rise of DIY projects and the power of social media have helped the peel and stick trend take hold. There's no end to the beautiful rooms on Instagram. Peel and stick wallpaper allows anyone to transform a room. It's also repositionable and can be removed from the wall without leaving any residue.”
They're also a great choice for renters. When Gabrielle Knable, founder of GVK Interiors and CEO of startup consulting firm ADM, moved to Los Angeles, she wanted to create a beautiful space without sacrificing her deposit. “I found wallpaper for my dining room on Etsy from a Polish company. All I had to do was pick out the wallpaper, measure the wall, send them the dimensions, and place my order. They sent me the wallpaper custom cut to fit my wall perfectly, and then all I had to do was peel and stick it on like a sticker (slowly and carefully).”
While wallpaper is beautiful on its own, she suggests keeping it simple when pairing it with other decor: “Hanging an elegant or interesting mirror above the wallpaper and a few key pieces of art will complete the look and make the room seem finished without being cluttered.”
It's also more affordable than traditional wallpaper: The Novogratz, an interior and furniture design company, worked with Temper to develop a wallpaper series that starts at just $40 per roll.
Candlestick
Light.com
Entryways make a great first impression, yet are often overlooked. “Most entryways have a main light source, whether it's a chandelier, a foyer pendant, or even natural light pouring in through a large front window,” says Sheva Knopfler, creative director at Lights.com. “But adding a wall sconce to this space can make it feel more cozy and welcoming.”
Wall-mounted lights are also a great choice for super-small bedrooms where you might not have space for a nightstand. Knopfler suggests placing your wall-mounted light “30 to 36 inches above the mattress, or about 6 to 12 inches above your shoulders when you're sitting against the headboard.”
Trophy Head
Y Living
While taxidermy isn't for everyone, modern trophy heads made from ceramic and wire are making a comeback. From Zgallerie's white deer heads to Bend Goods' Wildlife Collection, the style updates classic styles for a less cruel, more sustainable look. YLiving's Adam Busch reveals why these accessories are becoming so ubiquitous.
“Bend Goods' Wildlife collection pays homage to the trophy head with a distinctively modern touch. With a focus on creating wire-made, mid-century modern-inspired furniture and accessories with a distinctive quirkiness, Bend Goods has made a name for itself among interior design enthusiasts. By combining vibrant colors with designs made from iron wire, the brand's chief designer, Gaurav Nanda, has captured a trend that is sure to be here to stay.”
mirror
Garnet Hill
If your space is small or you prefer a more minimalist look, simply add a mirror. According to Wendy King Phillips, creative director at Interlude Home, mirrors are magical. “They instantly add depth and light to any room, making it feel larger and brighter. Experiment with the size, shape and hanging direction of your mirror to achieve different looks. Incorporate decor trends like bone inlay and acrylic to create layered, purposeful interiors in your space.”
But mirrors don't have to look traditional. Wendy Sayer of Garnet Hill approaches their use with spatial levels in mind: “In addition to hanging a mirror on the wall, it's fun to play with geometric shapes. Try leaning a mirror against a mantelpiece or the floor. This creates a more casual look and allows light to reach upwards in the room.”