The pandemic has caused many of us to spend much more time staring at the walls of our home than we ever had previously. We shifted to doing things like working, exercising, and even zoom socializing, all from within the confines of our homes. After more than two years in this state, (and a local real estate market that gives little room to shift homes completely), you might find that things feel a little stale at home. To help inspire you on the quest for a refresh, I’ve compiled six ideas for jazzing up your walls that will help you not only “think outside the box” but make your interiors feel renewed.

Idea #1: Wallpaper. Now, hear me out. I’ve had many clients bristle at my suggestion for adding wallpaper to their spaces. Yet every single client has absolutely loved the outcome. If the last time you saw wallpaper in a home was in the 80s or 90s, things have come a long way since then. There is a stunning array of textures, colors, and tones available in wallpaper today that create a rich sensory experience and truly elevate a space beyond what regular paint can deliver.

Idea #2 Wallpaper…on the ceiling. The ceiling has been trending over the last several years as a plane for adding unique and interesting design to a space. It’s still relatively uncommon, though, so adding wallpaper to the ceiling is a surprise move that is sure to inspire. Depending on the paper chosen, the outcome can range from ethereal to dramatic. For those wanting to play it safer, a simple paper with no pattern but a gentle luminosity is a wonderful choice. For a bolder option, a well-chosen pattern or texture is sure to please. Some great looks to explore are faux bois (wood/bark texture), handsome geometric patterns, and even imitations of old-time tin ceilings. Whether it’s wallpapering a wide-open plane white ceiling or papering inside the boxes of a coffered ceiling, it’s a wonderful design opportunity worth exploring.

Idea #3: Metallic wall paint. Metallic wall paint is a truly underrated material that many homeowners simply don’t know about or haven’t seen in person. There are many manufacturers of high quality metallic paints including Benjamin Moore, Meoded Paint & Plaster and Modern Masters. Much like wallpaper, the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to the finished look that can be achieved with metallic paint. The paint can be rag rolled, used with a stencil, painted in an ombre effect – the list goes on. One thing to note when it comes to the application of metallic paint – much like wallpaper, it’s best to enlist a professional in its application because applying metallic paint generally requires skill and experience to ensure a uniform and professional finish.

Idea #4: Art upgrade. I can’t talk enough about art. I just returned from the Art Exposition of Chicago which featured a diverse range of works of art from top galleries all over the country. It was absolutely amazing to see the endless creativity of fellow human beings, hear their stories, and witness their talents up close and in person. Art’s ability to inspire, sooth, excite and connect us is truly amazing. Art is also not limited to paintings, drawings or photography. I’ve seen phenomenal works of art in mediums such as fabric (tapestries), macrame, paper, metal, glass - the possibilities are endless. Some great resources to peruse and find unique art that speaks to you are artfulhome.com and etsy.com, Even Crate & Barrel and West Elm have tapestry, wood and paper art options available.

Idea #5: Hanging plates or baskets. Explore art in 3D by creating a gallery wall of plates or baskets. Your walls will seem to come alive with the addition of these pieces on a vertical plane. Have you been collecting beautiful dishes or baskets, perhaps antique or that showcase a certain culture’s art? You don’t need to relegate them to the safety of a cabinet. Creating a wall display is an easy DIY home enhancement and there are many videos on YouTube which show how to do it.

Idea #6: Build a green wall. There are so many options available for artful ways of displaying plants on walls. Whether faux or real, installing plants on a wall with hanging planters is an easy yet impactful way of bringing life and energy into a space. Start by determining the size of the hangers that would look best in the space by marking it out with painter’s or washi tape. Then, source wall plant hangers in that size that have a style and color that aligns with the space that you’ll be installing them in. If you need inspiration, a quick image search on Google for “wall plant hanger” will give you lots of ideas.

I hope that these six methods for renewing your wall’s style has resonated with you and inspired you to refresh a space in your home. If so, send me a photo or two! Is there a design question or dilemma you would like to see featured in this column? If so, please email me at info@interiorharmony.design.