Wallpaper used to be something that only your grandma would have in her home. Complete with faded floral pattern and peeling sections just beyond reach. However, with new designs, textures and finishes available in wallpaper today, it’s enjoying a surprising resurgence in popularity, and more people are choosing to incorporate it into their design. Here are our top tips to ensure that you get wallpaper right:

• Do choose one wall to be a focal wall. New wallpaper isn’t a whole room thing. It’s a décor feature, like artwork, and less is definitely more.
• Don’t choose a crazy, trendy or overly unique pattern. Rather, opt for textured grass patters or subtle metallic to give your wallpaper class.
• Do consider papering architectural features, like panel walls, columns, bulkheads or alcoves. It’s even more dramatic, and it’ll act as a frame for your beautiful paper.
• Don’t try to do wallpaper as a DIY project. Painting is something most people can get right, and is easy to fix if they don’t. Getting wallpaper right is literally an art form, and one that takes years to master. Contact a few local experts, and try to get references or referrals from people you know, who have used a particular company.
• Do buy all of your paper in one batch, at the same time. Different runs of the same pattern can vary noticeably, and you will definitely notice if the colors are slightly different. Also, ensure that you buy enough square footage to cover the full area you plan to paper, with a healthy amount to spare. Paper can be damaged when it’s hung, and complicated patterns can mean using more than you think you will need.
• Don’t paper kitchens and bathrooms. Patterned paper can overwhelm small rooms, they’re tricky to paper because of all the immovable objects, and humidity is not wallpaper’s best friend.
• Do buy the best quality you can afford. Wallpaper, unlike paint, is hard to change. In fact, it’s harder to take down than it is to put up. You do not want to be stuck with paper that you don’t love later on.
• Don’t buy wallpaper just because it’s on sale. You’re going to be living with it for years. If you’re only buying it because it’s cheap, you’re probably going to hate it sooner rather than later.
• Do consider mixing papers. Different patterns in the same colors can be used together to amazing effect.
• Don’t dismiss plain white, heavily textured paper. Even though there’s no print on the paper, the subtle pattern effect can look amazing.
• Do combine wallpaper with classic architectural elements like wainscoting, to create a truly classic look. This works amazingly well in formal dining rooms, where traditional décor can be used to great effect.
• Don’t overlook specialized wallpaper like paintable bead board paper.  It can be used to create architectural charm where you don’t have any.
• Do opt for non-woven backing if you want to be able to strip the paper a little easier in future. It’s easier to take down when you want a change, and it’s usually quicker to apply too.

Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be able to incorporate wallpaper into your new home décor in a manner that is stylish and contemporary. Be sure to look online and in magazines for more ideas for wallpaper and creative wall finishes, particularly if you’re designing a new home or remodeling. The more information you have, the more options you can consider.