Wallpaper has officially shed its dated reputation. Once considered a relic of the past, wallpaper is now a powerful design tool used to create impact, add texture, or infuse personality into a space. At Melissa LaRosa Interiors, we love using wallpaper strategically—not just for drama, but also for cohesion, mood, and storytelling within a home.

Whether you're new to wallpaper or considering it for your next design refresh, here's how we think about when and where to use it.

1. Use Wallpaper to Define a Focal Point

Wallpaper can instantly draw the eye and define the “hero moment” in a room. Whether it’s behind a headboard in a primary bedroom, on a fireplace wall in the living room, or wrapping an entry vestibule, wallpaper acts as visual punctuation. It's perfect when a space needs a strong identity or a touch of drama without adding physical clutter.

Melissa’s Tip: For clients who want a bold but livable look, we often choose wallpapers with organic motifs or painterly textures—elements that feel layered, not loud.

Bathroom, Cozy, Floral, Granny chic, Batten and board, pedestal sink, sconces, mirror, designer — Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story through prints and patterns can make all the difference.

2. Make Small Spaces Shine

Think powder rooms, hallways, and laundry rooms. These spaces are often overlooked but are ideal spots to experiment. Wallpaper transforms these pass-through or utility areas into moments of delight. Because these rooms are typically smaller and enclosed, they can handle deeper tones, metallics, or large-scale patterns without overwhelming the rest of the home.

Why it works: Small spaces don’t require a huge investment in square footage—so you can choose a luxe wallpaper without the commitment of covering a whole room.

multicolor, leaf wallpaper, designer, closet, bold, chic — A Closet Too?

Absolutely… another great way to add a little flair.

3. Add Texture and Warmth Without Heavy Furnishings

Not every wallpaper is patterned or bold. Grasscloth, silk, and linen-textured wallpapers create subtle depth and warmth that paint alone can’t achieve. For clients who prefer a neutral palette but still want richness and sophistication, textural wallpaper is often our go-to.

Perfect for: Dining rooms, offices, bedrooms or any space where you want quiet luxury.

Linen, Grasscloth, wallpaper, quiet luxury, modern, soft, sophisticated, elegant, timeless, classic

4. Create a Mood with Color and Pattern

Wallpaper has the ability to completely shift the energy of a room. From romantic florals in a bedroom to geometric prints in a playroom, the pattern and palette you choose will influence how the space feels and functions.

At Melissa LaRosa Interiors, we start with the emotional tone the client wants—calm, cozy, energized, elegant—and build from there. Wallpaper can help you express that mood more vividly than paint or furnishings alone.

modern, geometric, mid century, browns, neutrals, chandelier, sofa, armchair, footstools, wallpaper, parkay floors, windows, natural light — Add the wallpaper….

And let it create the mood.

5. Think Beyond Walls: Ceilings, Nooks, and Built-ins

One of our favorite ways to surprise and delight? Using wallpaper in unexpected places. Think ceilings, the backs of built-in shelves, or inside closets. These applications create depth and detail without dominating a space. It’s a designer’s secret weapon for adding “layers” that feel custom and curated.

wallpaper, attic, ceiling, cozy, floral, black and white, lounge chair, velvet, black, white, walnut, wood chest, doors, windows

When Not to Use Wallpaper

While we love wallpaper, it’s not always the right solution. In high-moisture environments like poorly ventilated bathrooms, you need the right materials and expert installation to ensure longevity. And in very open-concept homes, too many competing wallpapers can feel chaotic rather than cohesive. That’s where thoughtful, edited design comes in.

wallpaper, peeling, green, pattern, green chair, old building — Not sure if wallpaper is right for your space?

Let Melissa LaRosa Interiors help.

Final Thoughts

Wallpaper is about more than decoration—it’s about experience. When chosen well, it tells a story and transforms a space from generic to memorable. Whether you’re designing a moody den, a joyful nursery, or an elegant dining room, wallpaper might just be the element that brings your vision to life.

Looking to explore wallpaper in your home? Melissa LaRosa Interiors can help you find the perfect pattern, texture, and placement for timeless impact.

wallpaper, decorative headboard, trendy, bedroom, sconce, pillows, floral, nightstand, desk lamp, white sheets

Bold, Subtle, or Somewhere In Between? When (and Why) to Use Wallpaper in Your Home