Interior Design
Notes On Design By Nicole Salvesen
This week we’re talking all things paint & wallpaper with Nicole in the latest in our Notes on Design series.
Getting the paint & paper right can have such a huge impact on a scheme, with that in mind Nicole shares her thoughts on what stage to choose your paint colour and considerations when wallpapering bathrooms.
Paint & Wallpaper
Where do you stop your paint/wallpaper on a shared wall?
This can be a tricky task, especially when working on staircases, where there often isn’t a clear or natural spot to stop one finish and begin another. The best approach is to avoid making a change on a shared wall whenever possible, when necessary, we often rely on architectural techniques to create a more seamless and deliberate transition. One effective method is adding an architrave detail, which helps break up the space and provides a logical dividing point. If this isn’t an option, we recommend making the transition at a natural break in the wall, such as a defined corner or a clear endpoint, to ensure the change in finish looks intentional and well-integrated into the overall design.Would you wallpaper up to the ceiling where there is a picture rail and no cornice, or stop at the rail?
The decision on how to treat the space above a picture rail largely depends on both the height of the room and the overall visual effect you wish to achieve. In most cases, we recommend applying wallpaper above the picture rail, as this can create a sense of added height, making the room feel more spacious and well-proportioned. When the space above the picture rail is simply painted, particularly in a contrasting color, it can sometimes make the room feel a little squat or visually compressed.However, in certain areas of the home, such as hallways, which are naturally narrower spaces, you may want to take a different approach. In these cases, reducing the sense of height can help create a more balanced and harmonious look. To achieve this, we suggest using a color above the picture rail that closely matches or blends with the ceiling. This technique helps to subtly lower the perceived height of the walls, making the space feel more cohesive and well-proportioned without overwhelming the eye.
Best advice for wallpaper in a bathroom?
We often get asked whether it’s a good idea to use wallpaper in a bathroom, and in most cases, we don’t see an issue with it provided that the space has good ventilation and the wallpaper is applied correctly. When installed properly, wallpaper can hold up well, even in a bathroom setting. In fact, we often recommend wallpaper in bathrooms because these spaces are typically smaller and more functional in nature. Adding wallpaper is a great way to bring warmth, personality, and style to the room, helping to soften its often utilitarian feel. With the right choice of wallpaper and proper care, it can be a fantastic design element that enhances the overall look of the space.Would you wallpaper the ceiling in a sloping ceiling attic room?
Wallpapering the ceiling in a sloping attic room is a great way to create a sense of cohesion and make the space feel more intentional. If you choose to paint certain sections instead, you may find that it highlights the unusual angles and irregular shapes of the room, making them more noticeable rather than blending them into the design. By extending the wallpaper seamlessly from the walls up and over the ceiling, you can create a more unified and visually harmonious look.When selecting wallpaper for a space like this, it’s worth considering small-scale patterns, as they tend to be more forgiving when applied to sloped or angled surfaces. Large, bold patterns may become distorted, and stripes, in particular, can be tricky to align properly. By choosing an appropriate pattern and applying it consistently throughout the room, you can achieve a cohesive aesthetic that makes the attic space feel warm, inviting, and well put together.
How to choose a paint colour for all walls of a large room, where the natural light varies around the room.
A spacious room, especially one that is filled with plenty of natural light, has the advantage of being able to handle a deeper, richer color without feeling overwhelming. Natural light helps to balance out strong shades, making them appear more vibrant and dynamic rather than heavy or oppressive.It’s important to think about what other elements will be present on the walls, including fabric features such as curtains, decorative bed treatments, furniture pieces or pieces of artwork that will add their own colors and textures to the space.
If a significant portion of the walls will be covered by these elements, this actually creates an opportunity to be more adventurous with your color choices. Since the entire wall won’t be on full display, a bolder shade can be used without it feeling too overpowering. Instead, it can add depth and character to the space, complementing the other design elements while making a strong yet balanced statement.
Would you choose paint colour first or last?
We always recommend starting with a general idea of the shade or tone you’d like to use, however, it’s best to hold off on making a final decision about the exact paint colour until you have settled on the rest of the room’s design elements. The reason for this is simple, it’s much easier to find a paint colour that complements your favourite fabrics than to hunt for fabrics that match a pre-selected paint shade.In some cases, builders or contractors may encourage homeowners to select their paint colours very early in the process, but this usually isn’t necessary. As long as you have a rough idea of whether you want a light, medium, or dark paint color, the specific shade can be chosen later once the rest of the room’s design has been finalised. This approach allows for more flexibility and ensures that all the elements in the space work together harmoniously, rather than forcing other choices to fit around a pre-determined paint colour.
How do you determine whether a room would benefit more from paint versus wallpaper? Which factors do you consider?
If you're deciding between paint and wallpaper, it’s important to think about the overall feel of a home and how the colours of paints and patterns of wallpapers might flow from one space to another. Paint is a great option for most areas because it’s versatile, easy to update, and works well in high-traffic spaces like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. Wallpaper, on the other hand, adds character and warmth, making it a great choice where some added interest might be required and can be suitable in any number of rooms throughout the house, where you want a little more personality. Budget and maintenance are also worth considering; paint is usually more affordable and easier to refresh, while wallpaper offers a unique look but takes more effort to change. The key is making sure the transitions between painted and wallpapered spaces feel natural, therefore ensure that you avoid feature walls and instead wallpaper full spaces but finish the paper at a natural breaking point typically a door or architrave.Can you recommend a bedroom wallpaper that doesn’t have a white cream base?
I may be biased, but our caramel and raspberry Floral Trail wallpapers are an excellent choice for any bedroom. The coloured bases are a great way to use a floral without feeling too blousey or overlly feminine.
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