Take It From the Front Door - Wallpaper In My Entryway

Although I purchased my condo nearly 10 months ago, I knew one thing from the get go. I wanted the entryway to be wallpapered with a very specific wallpaper that I had fallen in love with. It’s Thibault’s Luzon, in Pearl. (See it here!)

I had seen it in a bathroom on Pinterest and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was also one third of the price of the Farrow & Ball wallpaper I had used in my previous Beacon Street condo. Swoon, but couldn’t swing it for this much longer hallway. (See it here!)

Side note: Fortunately I have two rolls left of the Farrow & Ball and may use it in one of my bathrooms. 

I loved the Luzon wallpaper so much that it dictated the paint colors I chose throughout the unit, doing something I had never done before in my home. I decided on the trim being gray (to match the wallpaper – that was a custom match) and walls to match the white in the wallpaper. Fortunately, it turned out that Benjamin Moore’s Simply White was a near perfect match, so that’s the way I was going to go. And so I did throughout the unit . . . but it was missing something. 

The history of wallpaper dates back to the 16th century and were first used to decorate small rooms and inside cabinets in ordinary homes of merchants as opposed to the homes of the very wealthy or aristocracy. By the start of the 20th century, wallpaper was being used everywhere in every kind of room from entryways to kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms in every type of home from modest to palatial. 

Here are a few tips when choosing your own wallpaper.

Color

For me, I liked the subtle colors of the Luzon as an indication of what might be to come as you enter my home. I do use color in all of the rooms of my home (not just neutrals) but a neutral is a perfect backdrop to adding color. The paint choices complimenting the wallpaper offer a more cohesive coordinated appearance. 

Pattern

I was once told by my decorating mentor, Joan, that a continuous pattern should be considered when choosing wallpaper. Not a spotty kind of pattern but one that runs on. Some classic runs on patterns are lattice, stripes, polka dots, toile, florals, etc. The Luzon is a toile or Chinoiserie pattern that I seem to gravitate towards for my home. I realize it’s not for everyone and I do have a lot of it, but it’s mixed in with other non-Asian items for a more curated look. 

Texture

I also love a textured wallpaper like the Farrow & Ball Wisteria pattern I used previously. (You can read more about the design process here!) I also love a grasscloth wallpaper as well. The natural texture gives depth to a space and just feels warm. I’ve used grasscloth wallpaper on a living room wall in my Cape condo, but also inside a built-in cabinet in a dining room. I loved them both.

Here’s the start of the entryway with no wallpaper and look at the progression!

I'm so happy!

I hope if you’re considering wallpaper you’ll consider these tips. If you have a decorating dilemma, please reach out for a 20-minute consultation with me. I’m happy to help provide a solution to a challenge. Reach out to me directly at nmichaels@nancymichaelsinteriors.com  

Till next time . . .

Nancy