Framing the Walls

I love wallpaper these days, just not necessarily stuck on walls. Framed patterns can give life and color to a room, but without being overwhelming in a small space, or expensive in a large one. And, if your landlord isn't into "love and leave it" with how you treat your walls, framed wallpaper is your best bet to getting a personalized look with panache. Great website Design Your Wall has hundreds of marvelous papers - and most are purchasable by the single roll. Grab a few inexpensive frames from Hobby Lobby or your local consignment store, and wah-la, you're in business! Below are some example rooms, and paper choices for your aspirations (all papers from Design Your Wall).

Graphic punch in a plain space. An easy way to coordinate your look. And if you already have a collection of colors for a room, just find a paper that matches!

Vintage zebra print

Silver bamboo screen print

Alice leopard print

A new twist on "framed paper" - a stunning accent wall with frames that enhance instead of cover.

British fox hunting vintage print

Botanicals can look stunning - a little abstract, a little natural.

Banana and palm leaf tropical print

Framing a chinoiserie pattern can be lovely - many of the papers available feature large scenes that make perfect pictures.

Pea hens and roses chinoiserie

Blue and white chinoiserie

Even Bunny Williams gets into the act with a few choice metallic prints. By varying the patterns and framing in glass, the look becomes textured and luxurious.

Bronze metallic florals

All wallpaper from designyourwall.com. Room images: apartment therapy, myfantasyhouse.blogspot.com/2008/03/framed-wallpaper-that-is-art.html, stylecourt.blogspot.com, www.gaitainteriors.com/blog/?tag=framed-wallpaper.