Comfortable, stylish, fresh yet familiar and “at home” is what most of us try to achieve as we’re decorating our homes. For me, I’m all about creating a space that reflects those living in it in the most authentic way but then taking it up a notch to add a bit more because decorating should have a bit of an oomph element to it, don’t you think? That’s why I’ll be a forever friend of wallpaper. I don’t need it in every room because I like some visual breathing space, but pattern does add extra life to a space and on the walls, it adds style and dimension. Have you heard of Pennsylvania-based wallcoverings company called York? They recently started to print two and three-color designs on their centuries-old surface print presses with a distinct painterly effect and a modern vibe. A few of my favorite patterns are shown below. To see many more, visit their website for the complete range.

So yes, wallpaper… it’s a big bold YES PLEASE on my decorating to-do list. I love it but must confess to currently having none in my home. I know, I know… I feel rather uncomfortable saying that given how often I suggest it to friends, select it for others and gape almost stupidly at it while shopping or surfing online. I need to put my love into action and slap some on my walls one of these days but I have a problem that I’m willing to bet lots of you face, too. The problem (also known as an excuse!) is that I have massive ceilings and huge rooms so to paper a single wall would be a very big undertaking – quite labor intensive and expensive – and since I still rent my property and am unsure as to how long I will remain in this space, it’s something I keep battling – should I or should I not? Recently I decided to try some alternatives which I will show in my next book now that Decorate has been on the shelves for 7 months already – I feel 100% eager to take on another decorating book project and in it, you’ll see my home and the ways that I will be applying wallpaper in unexpected ways.

Do you have wallpaper? How do you use it at home – on walls, ceilings, in cabinets, in drawers?

(images: york)