Is Wallpaper In or Out?

Wallpaper has been around for a long time, but lately we’ve been seeing it make a noticeable comeback in new homes. The good news? You don’t have to cover every wall in your house to enjoy it.

At Buffum Homes, we’ve seen several clients choose wallpaper for smaller, more unique spaces where they can have a little more fun with their design choices. A half bathroom, mudroom, laundry room, or even a small powder room can be a great place to bring in wallpaper without making it feel overwhelming.

In larger spaces, paint is still a very common choice. It keeps things clean and simple and gives you plenty of flexibility with furniture, lighting, and other finishes. But in some of those smaller spaces, wallpaper can add something that paint simply can’t.

It can be subtle and sophisticated, or bold and playful. It can bring in a pattern, texture, or color that gives the room a little more personality.

Where can you use wallpaper?

There are plenty of places to consider it:

• Half bathrooms and powder rooms
• Mudrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Home offices
• Kids’ rooms
• Entryways
• Accent walls
• Small hallways or nooks

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in. Wallpaper can be used in one small room or even on a single wall to create a focal point while keeping the rest of the home more neutral.

So, is wallpaper coming back?

We think it’s less about wallpaper being “in” or “out” and more about how you use it.

Today’s wallpaper options range from understated textures and simple patterns to bold designs that completely change the feel of a room. For homeowners who want their house to feel personal and unique, it can be a great way to introduce some character without changing the overall style of the home.

If you’re building a custom home, these smaller spaces are a perfect opportunity to try something different. You can keep your main living spaces timeless and neutral while giving a half bath, mudroom, or laundry room its own personality.

Sometimes the most memorable spaces in a home are the ones where you decided to have a little fun.