Wallpaper ideas: Five unexpected ways to use it!

I’m a massive fan of wallpaper. When it comes to making a relatively inexpensive statement, you can’t really go past it and aside from the obvious feature walls there are myriad ways of using it according to Graham & Brown’s design and trends expert Paula Taylor. From the stairs to the ceiling, lampshades and more, we caught up with Paula recently to talk all things wallpaper.

Graham & Brown wallpaper — Graham & Brown Hula Swirl wallpaper in gold noir

Stair risers
“Stairways are often ignored and unloved as they are a means to getting somewhere else and they’re not a place we tend to linger. With a little bit of effort however, they can look really beautiful. Using wallpaper livens up the forlorn and creates a conversation piece, which will intrigue your guests,” says Paula who believes anything goes when it comes to wallpapering stair risers. “When wallpapering stair risers, either stick with one pattern, or create a hotchpotch of pattern and colour,” says Paula.

Wallpapered stair risers — Stair risers styled by Andrea Groot

The ceiling
Wallpapering the ceiling is a trend I’ve noticed appearing more and more and Paula is a huge proponent. “Along with the stairs, the ceiling is another commonly overlooked area when decorating. The truth is, a beautifully patterned wall above you can create mesmerising interior impact. Don’t be daunted by thinking it will be a hard task. Graham & Brown’s ‘paste the wall’ technology means that this can be created with ease so it’s time to stop neglecting the ceiling,” says Paula.

Graham & Brown Kingdom Lion wallpaper — Graham & Brown’s Kingdom Lion wallpaper looks fabulous on both the walls and ceiling in this powder room

Door panels
“Wallpapering your door panels is a great way to add a little colour and pattern to a room. Adding wallpaper to the panels creates a picture frame around the pattern, changing it from a simple door, to a piece of art,” says Paula.

lush green wallpaper has worked an up cycled treat on this set of white drawers — Graham & Brown’s Yasuni lush green wallpaper has worked an upcycled treat on this set of white drawers

Lampshades
“You can apply wallpaper to the inside or outside of lampshades, or both!” says Paula who favours this technique for continuity of design. “It’s a great way to create a truly customised coordinated feel to your mood lighting,” says Paula.

Decoupage
A classic upcycling technique, decoupage involves decorating an object by gluing paper cut-outs onto it. “It’s a great way to reuse wallpaper and create stunning bespoke pieces of furniture. It can reinvent tired old pieces or liven up new inexpensive furniture and create something completely new and beautiful,” says Paula.