If you want to transform a room, add a dash of panache as well as a wow factor, you might want to think about wallpaper. Interior designer Narelle Ross, owner of Brentwood Interiors, has these tips on successfully using this very exciting wall covering.

It was very popular in the ’70s when people wallpapered their whole house using a diff erent paper in each room. Th en, so quick it seemed overnight, the very fashionable trend became not so fashionable. But wallpaper has evolved and is now back in a big way.

Still very popular in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, it’s not surprising some of the most beautiful papers come from these parts of the world. In Australia we’re still getting used to the idea of wallpaper again, with many of us hesitant to try it even though it’s used quite frequently in commercial premises such as restaurants and hotels. My advice is – don’t be afraid, it makes a great feature wall. There’s a wallpaper to suit every style, whether yours is more traditional, French provincial, modern country or modern contemporary. It can also add texture to a room and instantly camouflage any imperfections a wall may have. The pattern can be dominant or subtle – the choice is yours – and there’s a wide range to choose from. When it comes to deciding where to add a feature wall there are a few obvious choices such as a bedroom, formal dining room, living area or, to create that wow factor from the moment you enter the house, an entrance hall. Some of my favourite wallpapers are from Nina Campbell, Osborne & Little, Moko, Designers Guild and Laura Ashley.TOP FIVE TIPS FOR

WALLPAPERING A FEATURE WALL:
1. Choose a neat, clean wall with no windows or doorways.
2. Where possible, select the wall your eye first goes to as you enter the room.
3. When selecting a wallpaper, make sure it will work with the paint colour on the surrounding walls.
4. Choose a shade from the wallpaper and make this the accent colour with which you accessorise your room with cushions, lampshades, curtains and artwork.
5. When selecting a pattern, keep in mind what kind of furniture you’ll be putting in that room. For example, if your furniture is more contemporary with clean lines, choose a metallic, geometric or textured paper. If your furniture is more French in style, there are some lovely romantic patterns, soft stripes, fl orals and toiles, which work beautifully. You can also coordinate your wallpaper with fabric for curtains, lampshades, cushions or an occasional chair. And remember, horizontal stripes can lengthen a wall visually.