While tiling is an excellent choice for kitchen walls, wallpaper for the space is cheaper and easier to install and comes in a variety of stunning patterns that will brighten your room. It’s also a practical option for high traffic areas as it’s easy to wipe down, especially if it’s vinyl or washable. For extra protection against sticky little fingers, scuffs and stains apply a layer of plexiglass over the top of your chosen wallpaper.
Whether you’re planning to wallpaper a whole kitchen or just accent walls, it’s important to choose a design that will stand up to cooking messes and general use. Look for a water resistant paper or vinyl and consider choosing a washable paint formula to ensure that your kitchen wallpaper ideas can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
For a timeless look, green is an ideal kitchen color. Entwined with nature’s enduring beauty, this versatile shade is full of vitality and energy yet serene enough for everyday living. Alternatively, embrace an Arts and Crafts feel with a surface printed wallpaper that combines the look of hand-painted tiles with a smooth, raised print.
Show-stopping wallpaper can also be used to frame a focal point such as an open shelving unit or a breakfast bar. Here, a floral motif draws the eye up from the woodwork and marble countertops in this kitchen by Megan Pflug Designs and coordinates with black metal accordion sconces.
If you’re hesitant to go bold with kitchen wallpaper, start small by adding the design to a single wall. This is the easiest way to get a taste of your favorite look and can be easily replaced when it’s time for a change.
A kitchen with tall ceilings can benefit from the addition of a textured wall treatment, which helps to break up the space and create a feeling of height. Designer Megan Pflug created a calming backdrop for her open shelves with a geometric Hicks Hexagon wallpaper, bringing the room’s colors together and complementing her natural stone counters.
Another way to add character and a sense of depth to a tall kitchen is to wallpaper above a bespoke back splash. Here, an Arts and Crafts-inspired green print adds a touch of whimsy to the dining area while protecting the backsplash from food splashes and heat.
Wallpaper for kitchen can be applied to all types of surfaces, including woodwork, and is easy to install. To hang wallpaper, the surface needs to be thoroughly clean and dry before starting to ensure that it sticks. For a smooth surface, sandpaper can be used to roughen the surface before applying a wallpaper paste of your choice. For a more absorbent surface, an adhesive like Polyvine Decorators Varnish in Dead Flat can be used.
Once the paste is applied, the wallpaper must be soaked for a specified amount of time to prevent bubbling and to help it set. The amount of soaking time depends on the type of wallpaper and the wall surface, but generally speaking, a minimum of 20 minutes is recommended. Once the paper has absorbed the water, it will shrink to form a thin film that adheres to the wall.