Wallpaper - In or Out?

I was at Pottery Barn the other day and overheard the sales guy telling a woman all about wallpaper making a "comeback." The woman seemed so surprised and I think it's because wallpaper has been given such a bad wrap over the last decade...with the over-the-top floral designs in awful colors and wallpaper borders displaying pieces of fruit or teapots or grapevines...whatever the case, I feel in general, there's a bad association with wallpaper (click here to view some very "scary" photos of wallpaper actually hurting a space rather than helping it!). Well, I would definitely have to agree with the gentleman at PB because wallpaper is coming back and it's here to stay! The trick is to think outside the box in terms of it's application! I found some truly inspiring photos of how wallpaper can transform a space from blah to wow!

This geometric pattern adds interest and depth to this space. The bold contrast adds drama and interest, making this room feel very special.

The beautiful geometric pattern above the crisp white wainscoting really makes this foyer a special space.

I'm loving the very subtle striped wallpaper. Instead of painting this room just a soft blue, the designer chose to add more interest with wallpaper and it makes the room that much more fabulous! Tip: to save some $$, tape off sections of your wall and paint alternating stripes yourself - get as creative as you want with 2 or 3 colors and play with different sized stripes.

Wallpaper can be beautiful when used on the ceiling. Shown above in a subtle metallic finish, the wallpaper looks like tin ceiling tiles and adds a classic elegant touch to the space.

I love stripes!!! They can add so much to a space, creating a bold statement like the chocolate and white stripes above. A subtle stripe is also a nice way to add pattern and color.

Photo credits: Thibaut, Schumacher, Romo, Design Public, Anna French, Domino Magazine, and York Wallcoverings.