Wallpaper could be the secret ingredient to your kitchen design success
Wallpaper can be an important (and practical) part of decorating any space. And the kitchen is no exception. Gone are the days when wallpaper was used exclusively in living rooms and bedrooms. With wallpaper technology and design advancing constantly, wallpaper has become so much more than mere backsplash covers in kitchens around the world.
Traditional wisdom tells us that wallpaper, combined with steamy, humid areas like kitchens, don’t mix. But with a little digging and creativity, you’ll find that wallpaper is a great addition to any kitchen, effortlessly able to transform the space.
Versatile and simple to work with, wallpaper is a super alternative for people who want to move away from conventional wall applications. Below, we will ease your mind about most of the myths surrounding wallpaper, and prove that using this multipurpose medium is a practical consideration. Let’s explore the six common questions when it comes to using wallpaper in the kitchen and guaranteeing stylish results.
1. Is wallpaper durable and clean?
Paint and tiles might seem like the most practical kitchen wall choice. Especially with regard to cleaning. Most paint manufacturers offer easy-to-clean, long-lasting options and tiles just seem like simpler alternatives when it comes to keeping our kitchen clean. As we all know, it doesn’t take much to make a mess in the kitchen. So if you’re serious about cooking, you should seriously consider the type of material you use for your kitchen walls.
Traditional wallpapers get dirty quickly and lose their lustre. And because they’re too thin, older wallpapers tend to absorb unpleasant odours. So rule number one is to stay away from fabric-based or overly textured options, in which dirt can build up in the detail of the embossing. However, there’s good news in the form of newer ranges of kitchen wallpaper. Many manufacturers now offer wipeable (and even washable) alternatives. With the correct choice of wallpaper, you can simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth – and even use your choice of mild cleaning products. Just be sure to pay careful attention to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first.
2. What types of wallpaper are recommended for kitchens?
Three main types of wallpaper which are recommended for use in a kitchen are vinyl, Novamura, and washable wallpapers.
Vinyl wallpapers are paper-backed with the colours and patterns printed onto a vinyl surface. Vinyl is a chemical made from ethylene, which is derived from natural gas. These type of wallpapers are hard, washable and they don’t fade when exposed to sunlight. The only disadvantage is that stripping vinyl wallpapers can be difficult because vinyl is largely impervious to water.
Washable wallpapers should not be confused with vinyl wallpapers defined already above. Washable wallpapers have a thin plastic transparent coating covering the pattern printed on the base paper. This coating makes them more resistant to stains and marks and allows them to be wiped down with a moist cloth.
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3. How do I choose a wallpaper pattern and colour?
Fortunately, there’s a large variety of wallpapers to choose from these days. A few have quite simple designs and patterns while others are a real actual burst of energy. Depending on what you want with your choice of kitchen wallpaper, you can either opt for something simple and warm or select something colourful and dynamic that could brighten up the atmosphere in the space. Naturally, the star of the wallpaper design is either the colour or the pattern. An intricate pattern would be better if blended with easy, neutral colours whilst a simple pattern should pair nicely with bold or vibrant colours.
Be sure to select your wallpaper that will go with the current cabinetry, countertops, and hardware colours. It’s essential to also choose a pattern to complement your kitchen’s style without looking outdated over time.
4. How can I create a wallpaper statement wall?
There are so many new ways to use wallpaper in your kitchen. No longer confined to four matching walls and boring prints, modern wallpaper designs provide a lot more. A great way to incorporate wallpaper into your kitchen is, for instance, to create a statement wall. Feel free to use paint or tiles in areas such as behind the sink and the hob, then really highlight your choice of kitchen wallpaper by applying it to a single wall. So which wall should you select? The best choice could be a wall this is relatively uncluttered, but one that you regularly notice, whether sitting or walking into the room.
There are thousands of designs to choose from, so sticking to one wall allows you to play with something a bit more extravagant, colourful, or quirky. A pattern that might overwhelm your kitchen if applied throughout, might make an excellent choice on a single statement wall. Your own creativity is the only limit – maybe consider a colourful floral design or a wallpaper with one of this year’s trendy colours. As an added bonus, even though wallpaper is quite expensive; in a small space, you don’t need much of it to make an impact.
5. Can I wallpaper the back of my shelves?
Yes. Installing wallpaper in unexpected places is an innovative way to add bursts of modern-day energy into your space. You can place wallpaper on the back of cabinets or inside drawers, for example. These elements of surprise will wow your visitors every time and add a unique touch to your kitchen. The application technique doesn’t vary much from applying wallpaper on our wall.
These are a few things to think about:
• Be sure to select your colour scheme very carefully. Wallpapered units look excellent when surrounded by simple interiors so that the wallpaper behind the shelves can stand out. But if you fancy having bold colours on your walls too, you have to choose a wallpaper in a similar colour range.
• It’s recommended to select classic prints – chevron may be in fashion but it can easily become outdated, while designs like spotted prints or art Deco prints will never age.
• You should also choose your accessories carefully – the good option is to stick to a trio of colours for the cleanest look.
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6. Can you wallpaper a backsplash?
The kitchen backsplash is the part of the wall behind the counter or sink. It’s an area that takes a lot of abuse, from water droplets to oil spatter. The backsplash area is a rather visible area in our kitchens, so it has to look good. If we want to add a bit of life and zest to this underappreciated, abused wall, bright or colour-coordinated wallpaper makes a nice change. Wallpaper is often a sensitive item, unable to face the trials of a kitchen’s environment. And that’s especially true around the sink area. But what about vinyl wallpaper you say? Yes, vinyl wallpaper is an inexpensive and interesting alternative to tile – and perfectly suited to kitchen backsplashes.
