Dare to decorate: 4 reasons to go bold with wallpaper

We admire showy, large-patterned, and colorful wallpapers, but often end up painting our walls white or choosing a safe small pattern or a solid color. We tend to think the bolder the pattern and color, the faster we’ll grow tired of it. However, that seems to be a misconception, because in reality bold wallpapers bring joy year after year, and parting with them even during a renovation can feel bittersweet.

Here are four reasons to wallpaper boldly:

1. Like an artwork the size of an entire wall

If choosing wallpaper makes you nervous, think of a large-patterned wallpaper as a piece of art that frames everyday life. Many people gain the courage to paste their first dramatic wallpaper on a wall that’s not in the home’s main spotlight. In that case, be prepared for that wall to become a surprising focal point: the entryway, hallway, or dining area can suddenly turn into the home’s most interesting space.

A classic pattern, such as William Morris’s Pimpernel wallpaper suits many homes. You can also find large-patterned wallpapers, for example, in the collections of the Swedish Midbec and Boråstapeter, or the Finnish Pihlgren ja Ritola.

This photo is from a wooden house built in 1927 that Maiju and Juha renovated with great care. Environmental sustainability mattered to them, so the house uses wood materials from the insulation all the way to the wood fiber panels on the surfaces. The walls are covered with paper wallpaper or clay paint. In the entryway, visitors are greeted by William Morris’s Pimpernel wallpaper, which comes in many different colors.

Sanna and Tero’s bedroom wall became a jungle. A deep background hue and lush flora create a fairytale-like landscape. This wallpaper tells a story that you want to admire for a long time. It’s Mischievous Monkeys by Rebel Walls, and the dark green shade for the rest of the walls was chosen from it.

Often, furniture looks more interesting next to a daring wallpaper. A bold choice gives a home real character, which is why you don’t easily tire of it. In Sophia’s second home, the Folkfloral Denim Blue Birds wallpaper by Arthouse was put up by previous owners.

2. A careful choice stands the test of time

Worried that a wallpaper will soon feel outdated? According to the people we’ve interviewed in our home features, their experience is quite the opposite: a carefully chosen favorite wallpaper doesn’t follow trends but rather expresses something about the inhabitant’s taste, sense of humor, and courage. A distinctive wallpaper creates an atmosphere in a room that a neutral solution can’t match. This thought can be encouraging, too: if you’ve been dreaming of large-patterned classic wallpapers for years and that wish finally comes true, the result often turns out surprisingly well and becomes dearer by the day.

In her home in Tammisaari, Petra didn’t just opt for a striking wallpaper—she also added a bold paint color. The guest room’s wallpaper is Seasons by May Saffron by William Morris, and Petra found the rolls at a secondhand store.

In KAJ member Axel’s home, the dining room’s showpiece is the Anemone wallpaper from Midbec, designed by Hanna Wendelbo. Its dramatic pattern beautifully highlights the piano. Axel explains, ‘We wanted to create a home that truly reflects our own style.’

3. Warmth and personality in an unexpected space

Especially in Finland, the kitchen is often neutral white, gray, or sometimes, thanks to trends, wood-toned or black. You don’t typically see wallpaper in the kitchen except in the dining area, and even then, it’s usually understated and calm in tone.

A colorful wallpaper can highlight cabinets and countertops, adding warmth, a welcoming feel, or a playful vibe. It makes the kitchen more than just a place to cook—it becomes a spot where you love to linger. A large-patterned floral wallpaper can soften a modern kitchen, and a lush botanical design can bring the feel of a green oasis. A colorful bird or fairytale-forest wallpaper adds energy and joy to everyday life.

When interior designer Inge Uotila suggested the Friviva floral wallpaper by Boråstapeter to Minna and Konsta, they fell in love right away. Minna and Konsta also introduced other colors to their kitchen besides the wallpaper. A glass panel protects the lower part of the wallpaper from splashes.

Read also: Add color to your restroom! 8 different wallpapering ideas for the WC

4. Courage breeds more courage

Once you dare to install a single colorful or large-patterned wallpaper in your home, the floodgates open, so to speak. Wallpaper quickly sets the mood and makes your home feel uniquely yours. Especially white surfaces begin to look like opportunities to add coziness and make the home even more personal.

If you still need encouragement to wallpaper, take a look at this home! Eetu and Bettina’s log house from 1908 in Turku sets an example, as nearly every wall is covered with one stunning print after another. The blue floral wallpaper is Duron’s Hudiksvalls Teater, and the living room ambiance comes from the Hip Rose wallpaper by Boråstapeter.

The more Tiia used color in her décor, the paler the white areas appeared. She finds playing with color especially enjoyable in her home. The lovely patterned wallpaper in the dining area is from Pihlgren ja Ritola’s heritage wallpaper collection.

Anna and Kevin’s functionalist-style apartment in Helsinki’s Olympic Village is filled with Svenskt Tenn prints designed by Josef Frank. The bedroom wallpaper is placed on the back wall so that it’s visible from the living room too.