Adding wallpaper to your kitchen can introduce a unique charm and warmth to the space. With a variety of textures and patterns available, even a small application of wallpaper can completely alter the ambiance of your kitchen.
The trend of personalized kitchen designs is gaining momentum, emphasizing that these areas serve a purpose beyond mere functionality. With a plethora of beautiful wallpaper options available, finding the perfect design for your kitchen has never been easier.
From designs that cover entire walls to subtle accent panels, we consulted interior designers to gather their favorite kitchen wallpaper ideas that can make any space feel more inviting. Here are options that cater to every interior design style.
11 Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas to Consider
Although wallpaper might not be the first thing that comes to mind for kitchen decor, it can play a significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetic. A well-chosen wallpaper design can inject character, charm, and visual intrigue into your kitchen.
1. Add Charm with a Small-Scale Print on an Empty Wall
If you have an unused wall in your kitchen—like the one near the window—consider applying a delightful wallpaper to bring it to life. A small-scale print can introduce character without overwhelming the other design elements present.
'Kitchens often feature stark elements with hard surfaces and reflective finishes. Wallpaper can introduce texture, softening these spaces, and adding patterns that enhance the design,' explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.
'A versatile all-over small-scale print like 'Ditsy Block' is excellent for busy kitchens, even if you only cover a small area,' she continues. In the pictured kitchen, a golden yellow wallpaper with a subtle pattern adds warmth and visual interest.
2. Stay Thematic with Fruit-Inspired Designs
The kitchen is all about food, so why not reflect that in your wallpaper? Fruit-themed designs are classic choices that resonate with the kitchen environment.
'Opt for a striking wallpaper pattern, like Pomegranate in Bazaar, which serves as a standout feature when applied to a single wall. Pair it with vibrant colors like 'Citrine' and 'Portland Stone Pale' on adjacent walls to create harmony within the space,' suggests Ruth.
While pomegranate designs are lovely, any fruit wallpaper you select should coordinate with the overall color scheme of your kitchen.
Available in four color options, this whimsical wallpaper showcases pomegranates, flowers, and botanical elements.
This vibrant fruit design by Morris & Co. offers a bold way to incorporate a food-themed print into your kitchen.
This lively wallpaper features oranges and small white flowers, perfect for adding a cheerful vibe to your kitchen.
3. Make a Statement with Dark Kitchen Wallpaper
While the design of your kitchen wallpaper is crucial, the color palette is equally important. 'Selecting the right color is vital when designing a kitchen to match your family's lifestyle. Choose hues that resonate with your style, whether playful or sophisticated,' says Chloe Vince from House of Hackney.
'Green is a reliable choice for kitchens, creating an invigorating yet refined atmosphere. In our Castle Kitchen, we collaborated with deVOL, drawing inspiration from nature. PLANTASIA was the ideal print for this setting.'
This wallpaper wraps around every wall, with functional areas like the stove adorned in a complementary green tone, resulting in an elegant and timeless space for gathering.
4. Embrace Classic Elegance with Floral Patterns
For a feminine and sophisticated touch, consider a vintage floral design like the Hollyhocks wallpaper by Sanderson—perfect for a country-style kitchen.
As an archive print from the 1930s, this wallpaper comes in fresh, contemporary colors, making it suitable for period homes or vintage decor.
For a more subtle pattern, try placing wallpaper above a large backsplash to protect it from damage. This technique works wonders in kitchens with tall ceilings, creating a cozy and intimate feel.
5. Incorporate Wallpaper into Kitchen Paneling
If traditional wallpaper isn't your style, adding wallpaper within kitchen paneling can create an eye-catching focal point.
This kitchen features a classic style of wall paneling, providing a fun frame for inserting wallpaper. By using a wallpaper that complements the kitchen's color scheme, the space remains bright and open while gaining visual appeal.
This method is particularly effective in kitchens with high ceilings, where filling wall space can be challenging without sacrificing style.
6. Mix Dainty Florals with Sleek Lines for a Quirky Touch
If you've followed the latest kitchen trends, you may notice a resurgence of ditsy floral wallpaper, which adds charm to any kitchen.
A delightful approach is to contrast delicate floral prints with modern cabinetry, as seen in this kitchen. The deep green cabinets pair beautifully with the archive Sweet Pea Lathyrus Odoratus design from Cole & Son.
The blend of contemporary and traditional styles makes this wallpaper suitable for a variety of kitchen aesthetics, from quaint cottages to sleek modern homes.
7. Opt for Stripes for a Timeless Appeal
While bold floral or geometric patterns may be tempting, kitchens often represent a significant investment, and subtle designs can be safer. A delicate stripe wallpaper can introduce just the right amount of pattern.
Stripes are a classic choice, ensuring your design remains timeless. You can choose wider stripes for more impact or narrower ones for a traditional look. Plus, stripe wallpaper complements many kitchen tile designs, allowing for a playful and personalized feel.
This wallpaper features classic pinstripes, perfect for a timeless kitchen aesthetic with a mix of thin green and slightly wider white lines.
This unique ikat design introduces an interesting zig-zag pattern on alternating stripes.
This retro stripe wallpaper presents a quirky design that adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.
8. Create a Cohesive Look with Matching Wallpaper and Upholstery
Pattern drenching is a popular trend that enhances character in any room. In the kitchen, using matching wallpaper and upholstery in the same print and color creates a fun and cohesive look.
Dramatic wallpaper can tie the room together, extending to walls and even the ceiling, while coordinating with softer furnishings like barstools or rugs.
If you choose this wallpaper idea, consider varying the scale of the patterns to create rhythm. In this kitchen, the Anna Spiro fabric on the chairs makes a statement, while the smaller print on the walls offers a more subdued visual.
9. Use Wallpaper to Define Spaces in a Kitchen-Diner
Kitchen diners can sometimes look cold and uninviting. Wallpaper is an effective way to delineate a dining space within a kitchen, giving it a distinct identity while remaining part of the overall design.
Consider selecting a color from your chosen wallpaper for cabinetry to unify the appearance, or incorporate decor in that hue to brighten up a neutral kitchen.
This kitchen utilizes a vibrant William Morris wallpaper to enliven the designated dining nook, making it a more appealing place to linger.
10. Honor Design Heritage with Archive Prints
If you appreciate history or reside in a period home, consider wallpaper inspired by archival designs. Little Greene offers a variety of options, including this Vine design from the archives at the Whitworth Art Gallery.
This wallpaper exudes an Arts & Crafts vibe and is printed using traditional surface techniques, resulting in a luxurious, hand-printed appearance. If you choose a surface-printed design, avoid placing it near the sink or stove to prevent damage.
11. Apply Ornate Paper Above Painted Paneling
Given that kitchens are high-traffic areas, wallpapering all the way down to the floors may not be practical, especially with children and pets around.
For a more durable option, consider placing wallpaper above wall paneling or a section of painted wall using a washable finish. Alternatively, you could experiment with wallpaper on the ceiling for a unique touch.
This approach allows for a classic pairing of paneling and wallpaper. Ensure the two elements share a consistent color palette; in this case, green is the dominant color.
Is Wallpaper Suitable for Kitchens?
Decorating with wallpaper in a kitchen is an excellent way to express your personal style since it's one of the most frequented areas of the home where guests gather. Wallpaper is easy to apply and can transform the look and feel of your kitchen through color, pattern, and scale.
While kitchens provide a fantastic canvas for vibrant colors and patterns, practical considerations must be taken into account when choosing the right wallpaper.
What Kind of Wallpaper Works Best in a Kitchen?
The ideal wallpaper for your kitchen largely depends on your taste, but since kitchens are functional spaces subject to moisture, it's essential to consider the wallpaper's material and durability before making a selection.
'Kitchens are humid environments, so opt for washable or vinyl wallpapers that can withstand moisture,' advises Shalini Misra, an interior designer and founder of Shalini Misra Ltd.
'If you decide on regular wallpaper, you can treat it to make it suitable for kitchen use. Avoid hand-painted or embroidered wallpapers, as they're more prone to damage,' she adds.
Nowadays, many wallpapers are designed specifically for kitchen conditions. 'Vinyl-coated wallpapers are ideal for kitchens with higher humidity, but avoid placing them directly next to sinks or stoves,' states Paula Taylor, a head stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.
To safeguard against splashes and grease, consider placing wallpaper above a durable splashback rather than flush with kitchen countertops. Another option is to add a perspex screen over the wallpaper.
Where Should You Apply Wallpaper in the Kitchen?
'Depending on the wallpaper's quality, consider installing it in areas less exposed to moisture to prevent peeling,' suggests Amy Stansfield from Wallsauce.
'You might also consider placing wallpaper next to a breakfast bar, which helps to visually separate the dining area from the cooking space, creating a cozy nook. If your kitchen is open-plan with a dining area, install wallpaper on the wall adjacent to the dining table for a similar effect.'
What Color Wallpaper Looks Best in a Kitchen?
'Mid to large-scale patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and a neutral color palette typically work best in kitchens,' suggests Lisa Rickert, Creative Director and CEO of Jolie Home. 'Ensure that the colors in your wallpaper coordinate with your cabinetry and adjacent painted walls for a cohesive look.
'For country kitchens, I recommend warm whites, beiges, and earthy greens. Layering different shades of the same color works beautifully—for example, a deep green wallpaper pairs perfectly with lighter green cabinets or walls.'
With so many stylish kitchen wallpaper ideas at your disposal, you can easily create a space that reflects your personality. Whether you incorporate subtle accents or bold patterns, wallpaper is a simple yet effective way to infuse character into your kitchen.
