IN YEARS PAST, WE WERE TEARING IT ALL DOWN — NOW IT’S GOING RIGHT BACK UP

Everything old is new again, and wallpaper’s resurgence in popularity is proof positive. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it didn’t return unchanged.

Wallpaper of old was often decorated with smaller, more delicate patterns, in stark contrast to the bold designs of today. This new trend has also been marked by far more reserved usage, as savvy decorators tend to use wallpaper as an accent rather than on every available surface. Here are some additional design ideas.

WRAPPING THE FIREPLACE

Fireplace inserts tend to be plain and uninspiring. That’s where wallpaper comes in. Wrap your insert with an exciting design in order to make it the focal point it should have always been. You’ll make a star out of an element that used to get regularly overlooked.

JAZZ UP YOUR BACKING

Highlight your collection by inserting some fun into the back of your bookcase. Then take this concept into the rest of your home. The same trick works to bring excitement under and inside kitchen cabinets, in the closet and on otherwise utilitarian shelving units. And because they’re tucked away inside your larger room design, you can afford to be bold with patterns and colors.

CREATING A HEADBOARD

If your bed doesn’t have a headboard, frame it with wallpaper instead of splurging on one that might look like a million others. Frame the space with molding in whatever shape and size is preferred, then place wallpaper inside to create a unique look.

STAIRCASE UPGRADE

Feeling even more adventurous? Place sealed wallpaper directly on the steps of your staircase for an exciting upgrade, or lay in strips of wallpaper along the front of each one. Together, they can provide a whole new way to experience these colors and patterns.

ACCENT ON FUN

Instant upgrades to small spaces might mean nothing more than adding wallpaper to one wall or space, while painting the other walls in a less dramatic, complementary color. But whatever you choose to do, enter into the process with the intent of having fun. These accent walls, stairs and headboards are meant to breathe fresh ideas into everything that surrounds them. Don’t be afraid of huge flowers, bright colors or wide regimental stripes. Then build outward with paint colors, accessories, linens and other smaller decor items that complete everything.