Cool wallpaper alternatives

There are a hundred ways to use wallpaper. But there are also many ways to create a wallpaper effect or to introduce pattern to your walls. I’ve spotted a few interesting examples recently.

I absolutely love the maps used as wallpaper in this bedroom, spotted on Apartment Therapy (where else?!). It’s not a new idea, of course, but this one is executed particularly well. Usually maps make a room look really masculine – and this room does have some fairly masculine striped fabric. But it’s also really pretty with the robin’s egg blue chairs and the lamps.

Vinyl wall art is also really gaining in popularity. I used to associate it with kids’ bedrooms, but then I found Janey Mac‘s shop on Etsy and my mind was changed. This mother/daughter team’s designs are so pretty that they would work in many rooms and still look sophisticated. Plus, they’re super easy to install.

I’ve mentioned Elli Popp on this blog before. The wallpaper designs are stunning. But they also make some wallpaper murals. They still need to be hung like wallpaper, but, instead of a repeat pattern, they feature much bolder designs. They make a real statement in a room. Just look at this pretty Japanese-inspired mural. They also have some cool borders. Could borders come back?

A more committed approach is a wall mural. Check out this beauty by muralist Neece Clark (again on Apartment Therapy, via Decorno). Those poppy seeds are in metallic paint. Very nice…

Finally, check out this stairwell. The 3D flowers are made of wallpaper. The effect is almost like a modern trompe l’oeil. Rather OTT with the mirror and stool – which I don’t like at all – but I can see how a smaller version could look sweet in a simple, airy bedroom.