When You Start With Wallpaper
I recently found three wallpapers I loved and couldn’t stop thinking about them. So I did what I love to do: I pulled from our home color palette, built a mood board around each one, and kept going until I had three complete bathroom concepts.
None of these are rooms I’m planning to build– they’re just an exercise in what’s possible when you let one great wallpaper lead the way. And honestly, it’s one of my favorite ways to practice designing. You learn a lot when there are no constraints and no budget.
Here are the three concepts, mood boards and sources included. Maybe one of them will inspire something in your own home!
Concept 1: Step Right Up
Step Right Up: The Details
This circus-themed design concept all started with what I thought was the perfect wallpaper. I found it on Etsy and was so inspired by the unique artwork that I built an entire room around it.
It wasn’t until I went to share the link that I realized my mistake—it was actually fabric!
I was determined to stay with the whimsical circus theme, so I began a deep dive for the right wallpaper. I was so happy to discover this amazing paper by a talented artist, who offers it in several beautiful colors.
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Concept 2: Whimsy In Bloom
Whimsy In Bloom: The Details
This concept is a little more feminine than the others. Even though our house is full of boys, I sometimes can’t resist a girly touch (as evidenced by my pink bedroom!)
I began with a colorful wallpaper from Chasing Paper and worked to incorporate a variety of colors from it, all of which were already in my home’s palette.
To lean into the playful, feminine feel of the wallpaper, I added a red wavy mirror, a “wiggle” switch plate, and pink scalloped towels. I also included some unexpected elements, like yellow tile and a charming lemon print.
My favorite part of this concept might be the thoughtfulness of embroidered towels. What do we think… Guest of the Home In The Hemlocks? Too much? Just right?
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Concept 3: Grasshopper Hideaway
Grasshopper Hideaway: The Details
I’ve had a sample of this wallpaper saved for years, hoping to eventually use it in the kids’ bathroom. I love the grasshopper design because it feels like a nostalgic nod to childhood.
I recently realized that while I once thought it was too childish for anywhere but a kids’ space, its playful charm is actually perfect for our home.
To complement the wallpaper’s somewhat muted tones, I selected a lively pink tile for the floor and a blue tile for the shower. I also made sure to include a touch of my favorite color (yellow!) by choosing a fun, yellow-heavy print to add a final pop of color to the space.
