With wallpaper on the rise in kitchen design, we’re looking at how you can use it to add whimsy to your space…
My February evenings are booked and busy with the return of the fourth season of sensation series Bridgerton. I can’t help but swoon over its romantic, regal interiors every time, with one particular design element always catching my attention – the wallpaper. And while this feature has been fairly popular in spaces like the bedroom or the downstairs loo, it’s now starting to gain popularity in the kitchen, too.
Even radio presenter Jo Whiley recently said she’s considering it in her renovation on her podcast with Zoe Ball, Dig It, which got me wondering: how practical is it, and what should you be aware of before committing to wallpapering your entire kitchen? I’ve asked the experts to find out.
Should you use wallpaper in the kitchen?
“As the kitchen’s role as an open-plan cooking-dining-living space continues to grow, it is natural that it is at the heart of our interior schemes and reflects our tastes,” says Richard Moore, creative director at Martin Moore, who sees wallpaper as a great tool for bringing in a touch of personality. It is also ideal for softening the look of your kitchen, and adds another layer of interest to the space. However, choosing the right type of paper is crucial in such a hardworking, busy room.
Choosing the right type of wallpaper
Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages, tells me that in a well-ventilated kitchen, most wallpapers will work. “But avoid fabric or heavily textured options, as they can absorb grease, moisture, and odours, making them hard to clean,” he advises, adding, “Wallpaper works best on walls away from splash zones, avoiding exposure to heat, water, and grease. Using it too close to a sink or hob can lead to peeling, bubbling, or staining from splashes, shortening its lifespan.”
With that in mind, you can still use classic wallpaper in your kitchen, but it needs to be topped with a coat of decorator’s varnish to protect it. “Available in dead flat, gloss, or satin finishes, varnish adds a durable barrier against splashes. We love the dead flat for a completely matt look, but for extra protection near sinks or hobs, try a satin coat first, then a layer of dead flat.”
Richard also recommends vinyl wallpaper as it is more durable and resistant to humidity, while for areas close to hobs and sinks, he suggests opting for protective stone or mirror and tiled splashbacks.
Get creative
Ultimately, it is your kitchen, so your rules. In the project below by Guild Anderson, for example, the homeowner of this Wiltshire cottage favoured practicality over a picture-perfect design, using whimsical wallpaper by Polly Fern as a splashback. Just beware that if you opt for a regular, non-durable wallpaper and don’t seal it, you might have to renew it sooner rather than later.
For something truly unique, remember, wallpaper is not purely reserved for walls; even if the word is in its name, it can be used elsewhere in the kitchen, too. “Add character by lining the backs of open shelves or glass-fronted cupboards – little glimpses of pattern that make the space sing. I also love using a print above a dado rail or panelling, or a playful contrast inside a pantry door,” says Annika Reed, founder of Annika Reed Studio.
And don’t forget to look up to the kitchen ceiling, too. How about drenching your fifth wall in wow-factor colour and pattern and let the wallpaper do all the talking?
Little Greene.
Don’t forget…
Before purchasing your rolls of paper, Annika also advises testing a sample in the room first. “Light changes everything,” she says. “And don’t be afraid to be bold – kitchens are full of hard surfaces, so wallpaper brings the softness, warmth, and story that every home deserves.”
Lastly, in terms of designs, there are oodles of options available on the market to choose from, depending on your kitchen style. Think William Morris nature-inspired motifs, iconic Liberty florals, Art Deco geometric shapes and forms, regal Damask prints, or more pared-back patterns. Whichever you choose, it will add Bridgerton-level character to your home.
As Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand, says, “We may not all have a Bridgerton budget, but we can certainly borrow its sense of timeless beauty.” And I couldn’t agree more. So, dearest gentle reader, will you add a splash of wallpaper to your kitchen this year?
Spotted on social
Enjoyed this post? Click here for tips on using wallpaper in the bathroom
About Post Author
