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I've always had a great affinity for objects. In my early twenties, I discovered hole in the wall flea markets and pop up antique shows and still cherish some of the treasures I snagged. Below, the two painted bowls and a brown transfer ware dish add some character to a bathroom shelf with bold wallpaper. 
As long as I can remember I have been on the hunt for home decor. Do you remember the interior of Barbara Eden's genie bottle? Home to me should feel like that-- a sumptuous den dressed in colorful silks and golden threads. And what better way to dress your own house than collecting beautiful objects that bedazzle the eye.
Once when the budget was tight-which was the norm in my 20s- I dragged a busted up sign to hang on the wall for decor. It resembled "Art" Id seen at the Chrysler museum in North Carolina . Later I learned the term LALA or Looks A lot Like Art. While the pedigree may not be there, the visual satisfaction of hanging something that speaks to you on the wall is a move in the right direction. If you like it, its a treasure and you didn't have to break the bank. 
After several years I decided to make my own Objects des Arts. I experimented in ceramics and grew that into a bustling business importing tole ware and creating fabrics. Above you can see a whimsical folk art sculpture mingling with our Modern Art Bowl still in production. Found objects like these add life to the simple white room. So whether browsing for antiques or scoping out new products in boutique stores, if its truly meant for you , you will circle back, like I did. and make that purchase. The beautiful Stallion platter by John Robshaw below was a reach but it is art I still adore.
Whoever came up with the accent wall? It's definitely cheaper and I'm certainly guilty of an accent wall or two myself. Think of large lobbies and a solid orange wall behind the front desk. Or a hunting scene marking the spot where "Check In" happens. Accent walls are directional for sure but the rest of the room looks forgotten. This trend I think is dying. The beauty of enrobing an entire room in a wallpaper or single color is so much more gratifying. The room is finished- a fait accompli.
No one does wallpapering an entire room better than Cathy Kincaid. I drool when I see her rooms. Everything about them is inviting. The decor draws you in. I don't think Cathy Kincaid would be caught dead with only one wall papered.
In a year or so I plan to offer a new collection of coordinating wallpapers and prints. Its great to find a wallpaper you love but can you put your fingers on a coordinating fabric? When I worked with Stroheim I learned a thing or two about what makes a collection of fabric and wall covering successful. Did you know small prints are some of the hardest patterns to find in the market place? There are tons of statement prints-- designs that span 27" --plus florals and stripes but small prints that are multi directional are few and far between.
Recently faced with the dilemma of finding a particular small print that would suit the fresh, summer cottage look I was after, I decided to create one myself. This design is called Orchard and comes in Green and Blue below. This simple design of lilting sprigs was just what we were looking for to slip cover a pair of barrel chairs.
It would also be a soothing wall covering in the spirit of Laura Ashley. The success of that brand has a lot to do with color and small prints and nodding to a simpler way of life.
So when "Creating a Room", it's smart to think of how all the parts will relate. My advice is to dive in. Don't dip your toe. And covering all four walls with a print or color is the best way to start.
If you think wallpaper is making a comeback, you are right! Striking wallpaper designs are so abundant these days and are widely available from high end and middle of the road merchants like Home Depot and Wayfair. There are bold papers, bright papers, whimsical, dotty and striped papers. Some riff on old world patterns. Others are modern with a jaunty vibe. Choosing from such a wide variety can be daunting.
I like to use this excellent design tool in rooms because adding wallpaper is transformative. It can completely change the character or vibe of a room. From big jobs to small, wallpaper is a fun and easy solution to design challenges.
At our river house I lined a linen closet with leftover paper remnants. 
This pattern called Mum, gives the room a garden feel. 
I like to start by asking myself what kind of feeling do I want to evoke.
It is safe to say, the owner here was going to for a crisp coastal feel.
I used Ditchley panel prints in our master bedroom. The mood I wanted to create was sumptuous haven, something enchanting and unexpected.. I still feel as though i am surrounded by color and twisting limbs and that the space feels almost like a bejeweled forest. The feelings a wallpaper can evoke is priceless.
There are a few considerations before hopping on the wallpaper band wagon.
Its a Commitment
Wallpaper is not for the commitment phobe. Expense aside, if you don't plan to live in your space for more than 5 years its probably not worth the investment. I used Ditchley panels in our master bathroom and I have had no regrets. A total reno was not in the plans but adding this wallpaper made the room much more than what it had been before -a white box. When considering my choices I wanted the space to feel enchanting and unexpected. Eventually we will retile the floor and update the fixtures but this fix for now works.
Consider the Light.
If your room is open and large, consider a large, bold scale like this one.
Be Judicious
Wallpaper has quite an impact so be careful about going overboard. My best advice is to paper less than every other room. More than that and it's going to look like a fun house and not everyone's cup of tea. Wallpaper is a personal choice so keep others in mind-like husbands, kids and guests, when hanging your favorite design.
Try it Out
Live with the paper for a week or so, looking at it in different light. Like paint color, it will change as the light changes. Tape a sample to the wall and "visit" with it for a few days. Like paint color, wallpaper can change due to light.
I think of wallpaper like an expensive fashion accessory like an Hermes scarf or statement jewels. It is going to be memorable.
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