Gone are the days when wallpaper was limited to making a statement on vertical surfaces alone. Today’s interior designers are thinking outside the box, using luxury wallcoverings like Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper in unexpected ways to create stunning focal points and imaginative design features throughout the home. These innovative applications transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones, proving that wallpaper’s potential extends far beyond traditional wall treatments.

Creating Literary Luxury

One of the most captivating applications for wallpaper is within bookshelves. By applying wallpaper to the back panels of bookcases, you can transform a simple storage solution into a sophisticated display. Choose a metallic grasscloth to add depth and texture, or opt for a bold geometric pattern to create visual interest behind your book collection. When selecting upholstery for nearby seating, consider solid fabrics in colors pulled from the wallpaper’s design to maintain harmony while letting the shelving feature shine.

Dream-Worthy Designs

Create a custom headboard by applying wallpaper to a simple wooden frame or directly to the wall behind your bed. This approach offers unlimited design possibilities and can be significantly more cost-effective than purchasing a high-end upholstered headboard. For a cohesive look, select bedding and window treatments in solid colors or subtle patterns that complement rather than compete with your wallpapered headboard. Consider using textural fabrics like velvet or linen to add depth to the overall design.

Elevating Your Ascent

Transform your staircase by applying wallpaper to the risers. This unexpected detail can turn a functional element into a stunning architectural feature. When working with patterned risers, keep nearby walls neutral and consider runners in solid colors or subtle textures. This allows the wallpapered risers to remain the focal point while ensuring the space doesn’t feel overwhelming. For added sophistication, coordinate your stair runner with window treatments in adjacent spaces using complementary solid fabrics.

Ceiling Statements

Wrapping ceiling beams in wallpaper creates architectural interest overhead while adding unexpected patterns and textures. This technique works particularly well with textural wallcoverings like grasscloth or subtle geometrics. To balance this bold overhead statement, keep window treatments simple and elegant – perhaps using sheer fabrics in neutral tones that allow natural light to filter through while maintaining the focus on your decorated beams.

Cabinet Makeovers

Line the inside of glass-front cabinets with wallpaper to create delightful surprises when doors are opened. This technique works beautifully in both kitchen and living room cabinetry, adding personality to storage spaces. When selecting nearby upholstery fabrics, consider pulling one subtle color from the wallpaper pattern to create a sophisticated connection between hidden and visible elements.

Furniture Transformation

Give new life to old furniture by applying wallpaper to drawer fronts, cabinet doors, or table tops. Protect these surfaces with clear lacquer for durability. When selecting accompanying textiles, choose fabrics that complement rather than match the wallpapered pieces. This creates a curated look that feels collected over time rather than purchased as a set.

Framed Features

Create instant art by framing sections of luxury wallpaper. This works especially well with large-scale patterns or scenic designs. When hanging these pieces, consider the surrounding upholstery and window treatments. If your wallpaper art is bold, keep nearby fabrics subtle and sophisticated to create balance within the space.

Design Tips for Success

When incorporating wallpaper in unexpected ways, consider these essential guidelines:

1. Scale matters – ensure the pattern size is appropriate for your application
2. Consider viewing distance when selecting pattern detail
3. Use professional-grade adhesives appropriate for your specific application
4. Protect high-traffic applications with clear sealants
5. Balance bold patterns with quieter elements in the surrounding space

Coordinating with Confidence

The key to successfully incorporating these unexpected wallpaper applications lies in thoughtful coordination with other design elements. Here are some principles to follow:

• When using bold wallpaper patterns, keep nearby upholstery simple and sophisticated
• Select window treatments that complement rather than compete with wallpapered features
• Pull colors from your wallpaper pattern for other textile selections, but avoid exact matches
• Layer textures to create depth while maintaining pattern harmony
• Consider the overall flow of your space and how each element contributes to the whole

These innovative applications demonstrate wallpaper’s versatility as a design element that can transform any space. By thinking beyond traditional wall applications, you can create unique, personalized features that elevate your home’s interior design. Remember to balance these statement pieces with complementary textiles and furnishings to create a cohesive, sophisticated space that reflects your personal style while maintaining visual harmony.

Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add subtle interest to your home, these unexpected wallpaper applications offer endless possibilities for creative expression in interior design.