5 Questions to Ask: When to wallpaper and when to paint

When planning a space, I spend hours, days, weeks, okay months and sometimes even years gathering inspiration, ordering samples, compiling variations of decor with a single wallpaper. I want to see it all and know it’ll work before placing any orders.

My biggest dilemma as of late has been to wallpaper or to paint. Some rooms scream — wallpaper me! While others, could be brightened, energized or structured by the perfect hue of paint color. While I don’t have the magic wand, I do have a few questions that have aided me in times of decision paralysis and hope they may bring some guidance to you as well.

Who will see the room? (if few people, ask yourself if the ones that will see it, really care — because let’s be honest, wallpaper is a commitment)
What are in the rooms adjacent to them? (too much wallpaper can actually be too much wallpaper)
Why do you want to wallpaper? (is it because your friend is doing it or because you can’t find the right paint color — neither, as you might suspect, are good reasons to invest and commit to something so permanent. if you think paint could work, carry on in your search for the perfect shade.)
What else needs to be done to the room? (decor like lighting, wall art, rug, trim paint, etc. — factor that in as you are determining ways to add character and design to the room)
Do you have a set budget and if so, are you including the price of not just the paper (calculated rolls (plus some) and shipping) but also priming the walls (usually done by a painter) and installation?

After answering all five of these questions for my foyer, I came to the conclusion that indeed, wallpaper was the better choice for this space. The entryway is flanked by two painted rooms with muted undertones. The front door is our main everyday door so I wanted the entry to have personality and character beyond what a paint color could bring. Despite my initial, and I think brilliant idea, to paint it peach, I was swayed away only because ultimately, it would not provide enough interest to the very tall, otherwise, blank walls.

That being said, I tried nearly 10 wallpaper samples and realized a paper with color would takeaway and distract from the two flanking rooms that I have so quickly grown to love — the conversation room and the living room. So when I came across a vertical, neutral pattern I knew it was the one.

I love the details in this room and think the paper will enhance and set them off even more. Installation day is in two weeks and I can’t wait to show you.