4 Clever Ways To Bring Color And Prints Into Your Rooms With Fabric, Wallpaper and Paint

Looking to refresh your home?
Bring color and prints into your rooms with fabric, wallpaper and paint. Start small with these clever ideas — most can be done in a weekend!
1. Create A Feature Kitchen Wall
This simple, functional Ikea kitchen in our own House & Home office was elevated to a fashion statement with the addition of wallpaper above the shelves. Look for a pattern that’s a good background for art and curated accessories. Cavern’s Tapestry wallpaper in Zuni inspired the runner and artisanal-look jugs and pots.
- Photographer Stacey Brandford
- Designer Gillian Atkins, LRDS, Styling by Stacy Begg
2. Choose wallpaper
Wallpapering a small sink wall in the kitchen is an easy way to freshen up a space. Choose a wallpaper in an allover pattern that works with your cabinets. Style tips: Paint the inside of the window frame black for a graphic pop. Use a peel and stick option for quick and easy installation that’s also rental-friendly.
- Photographer Leslee Mitchell
- Designer Elly Poston
3. Paper A Closet Niche
Transform a coat closet into a cozy reading nook by removing the door and hinges, and building a custom bench. Wrap the space in an oversized botanical wallpaper, upholster a bench cushion in a fresh, allover print, and toss on a few throw pillows. The addition of a modern wall sconce pulls it all together.
- Photographer Nate Sheets
- Designer Kobel + Co
4. Try Skirted Storage
Skirted lower cabinets are having a big moment — and not just in English-style kitchens. Designers are adding them to dressing tables, pantries, mudrooms and bathrooms in creative and modern ways. A quick weekend sewing project will get you the look and allow you to cleverly conceal what’s beneath. Removing a cabinet door and adding a drapery rod that matches the hardware in your kitchen makes a gathered skirt feel more intentional.
- Photographer Malcolm Brown
- Designer Hailey Wiggins