De Gournay shows us striking ways to create impact with wallpaper
For rooms with lasting impact...
Looking for wallpaper ideas and inspiration? De Gournay shows us 12 striking ways you can create lasting impact with wallpaper...
De Gournay's luxury hand-painted wallcoverings are coveted by designers around the world, and it's hard to find a wall mural that quite matches up to a de Gournay.
Originally inspired by patterns found in English stately homes, de Gournay's designs now extend to all sorts of patterns, from traditional hunting scenes to tropical Amazon jungles and even Livia's Garden-inspired Mediterranean olive groves.
Hand-painted by specialist artists in studios in China, de Gournay's papers completely transform a space, turning a wall into a hand-painted artwork. This design house means business (de Gournay papers can easily cost up to £12,000 for a full room), and their designs are anything but beige.
Here the design firm shows us its best wallpaper ideas...
Read Also:Our Pick Of The Best Wall Murals
1. Trompe L'œil
Trompe l'œil is a 'trick of the eye' and usually refers to a mural that's made to look real, like a painted bookcase or window, tricking the eye into thinking it's really there. Here, painted faux panelling cleverly disguises the built-in cabinetry, while the striking hunting scene ('La Chasse De Compiegne') transforms the wall of storage into an artwork.
A photo posted by on
Below, a custom-made paper conceals a hidden bar.
A photo posted by on
2. Let the paper set the scene
Below, designer Ken Fulk collaborated with de Gournay to create a bespoke wallpaper that goes on to influence the rest of the decor. Adding to the jungle theme, there's a colonial-inspired column that displays an urn of tangled plants, while the chair is upholstered in a jungle leopard print, and the doorframe and skirting is painted in the same shade of green.
A photo posted by on
Read Also:Living Room Wallpaper Ideas
Using the wallpaper's design to dictate the rest of the room will create a very finished look, as is evident in de Gournay co-founder's children's room below, where shell-shaped wall sconces and a fish patterned rug help tie the look together.
A photo posted by on
A trellis on the ceiling, a lemon-hued pendant and wall lamps help finish the look of this nursery below, featuring a custom de Gournay wallpaper and matching curtains.
A photo posted by on
Even the chest of drawers is made to suit the scheme, with lemon yellow drawer tassels.
Read Also: Fun Ideas for Cool Kids' Bedrooms
A photo posted by on
3. Modern metallics
Kate Moss chose a metallic paper for her bathroom, offering a modern contrast against her more traditional choice of bathroom fittings.
A photo posted by on
A metallic paper will also make a striking contrast against rougher materials, for example when placed next to exposed brickwork as is seen in the master bedroom of this unexpected London townhouse.
Read Also:Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas
4. Wrap around
If budget allows, wrapping a mural around the entire room will transport you to a different place...
A photo posted by on
This bathroom is made to feel like it is set outdoors.
A photo posted by on
Read Also:Wonder Walls: Wallpapered Bathrooms and Cloakrooms
Alternatively, opting for just a feature wall will draw your eye into that space alone, as a window into that place.
A photo posted by on
5. Fifth wall
Don't ignore your 'fifth wall'; the ceiling! In rooms where it might be tricky to wallpaper (for example, in spaces where there are a lot of doorways, windows and fireplaces), you could always place the wallpaper up above.
Read Also:Statement Ceiling Ideas
A photo posted by on
6. Bespoke touches
The bespoke, scalloped bench seating and upholstered dining chairs below add a finished, polished look, where more standard off-the-shelf furniture would have looked out of place.
A photo posted by on
Read Also:Trending: Gorgeous Map Walls And Murals
7. Colour palette
Using the same colour palette as the wallpaper will give a room a designed look. Below, the rest of the bathroom is given the same palette, from the pink tiles to the pink sink, pink vanity and even pink wall mirrors.
A photo posted by on
The bathroom was even given an ottoman in the same shade of pink, adding a luxe touch.
A photo posted by on
8. Contrast
Alternatively, where you're working with a black and white paper, a bright pop of colour will inject instant energy into the space.
A photo posted by on
Read Also: The Best Wallpapers For Teens
9. Go 3D
Did you know that papers can be made three-dimensional? Rather than being painted on, the fish pattern below was embroidered onto the paper.
A photo posted by on
The embroidery makes the fish pop out of the wall and creates a more textural look.
A photo posted by on
10. Pair With Panelling
For rooms with high ceilings, make the most of the wall at eye level by raising the paper and creating panelling below it in a complementing shade.
A photo posted by on
Aside from raising the paper to cover the area that will naturally catch your eye, the panelling also creates a traditional look.
A photo posted by on
11. Full Height
Or, for a floor-to-ceiling effect, create the illusion of a taller wallpaper by painting above it in the same shade.
A photo posted by on
12. Use it in utility spaces
And finally, although a functional utility space might not be a place for hosting guests, if it's where you spend a lot of time then it deserves to be a beautiful, uplifting place.
A photo posted by on
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
-
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe — Learn Everything You Need to Know in 5 Minutes With This Guide
Winter storm caught you off guard? We asked an expert — just how do you thaw a frozen pipe?
By Hugh Metcalf Published
-
The 12 Very Best Silk Bedding Pieces — As Our Style Editor Says: 'It's What Dreams Are Made Of!'
Slumber in lustrous luxury with the very best silk bedding sheets, duvets, pillowcases, and more — your sleep score will thank us later
By Julia Demer Published
-
25 bathroom trends for 2024 - from the color to the quick buy that is making a big design splash this year
The bathroom trends for 2024 include the warmth of honeyed tones to the quick storage fix everyone needs now. Design experts explain how to use these new ideas in your own space
By Pip Rich Last updated
-
Design-forward living room ideas to give your home a refresh
Living room ideas from our favorite homes, filled with designs and trends to inspire
By Amy Moorea Wong Last updated
-
Bathroom tile ideas – 23 creative ways with color, pattern and installations
Use these bathroom tile ideas to add texture, pattern and even a touch of glamor to this very important room
By Hebe Hatton Last updated
-
16 living room wallpaper ideas that'll convince you patterned wallcoverings are the way to go
These brilliant living room wallpaper ideas offer up inspiration for how to apply print, pattern and texture to different areas of your scheme
By Hugh Metcalf Published
-
Crittall-style doors – 20 ideas that prove this timeless trend is here to stay
Fall for the charm of crittall-style doors, windows and room dividers all over again with our gallery of the best ideas
By Lotte Brouwer Published
-
Florist Angela Maynard on how to care for dried flowers and how to style them in a modern home
Knowing how to care for dried flowers means you can have stylish arrangements that last for years. Author and florist Angela Maynard shares her tips
By Angela Maynard Last updated
-
15 cozy living room ideas – how to create a stylish den-like space in your home
These cozy living room ideas are sure to make you want to curl up, surrounded with throws and cushions, no matter what the time of year
By Hebe Hatton Last updated
-
Bathroom wall tile ideas – from bold and bright to subtle and sleek
Bathroom wall tile ideas are what give your bathroom personality, adding color, texture and depth – here are our favorite looks
By Hebe Hatton Last updated