Go Bold or Go Home: Bold Wallpaper Design Ideas

Bold geometric wallpaper inside a dark green built-in bookcase adds personality to a modern lounge with a leather sofa and floral chairs by Macon interior designer Lesley Myrick.

If you’ve worked with me (or followed along on Instagram) you know I’m all about big moves in design. Wallpaper is one of those magic tools that can totally shift the vibe of a space. Want to make a room feel finished, layered, and full of personality? Wallpaper. Need to breathe life into a boring corner, a forgotten ceiling, or a bland bookcase? Wallpaper again.

I’m a firm believer that your home should feel like you – and for a lot of my clients, that means stepping away from safe and into something more bold, fun, and fearless. Here’s are my favorite bold wallpaper design ideas from several of LMID’s design projects, and why I keep coming back to it as the ultimate design power move.

(Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the video of this blog post here.)

A Bold Built-In Moment

Wallpaper placement: Inside the built-in

This cozy lounge design already has so much going for it – deep green cabinetry, warm wood ceilings, layered textures. But we wanted that built-in to feel like more than just storage. So we’re adding a bold geometric wallpaper in the center panel, and now it feels like art.

Why it works: The deep teal shapes echo the cabinetry color, and the warm tones tie back to the sofa and woodwork. It’s subtle but striking.

Yes, We Put Wallpaper on the Ceiling!

A moody navy blue bedroom with a patterned blue and white wallpapered ceiling, vintage wood dresser, and midcentury decor by Lesley Myrick Interior Design in Macon, GA. — A moody navy blue bedroom with a patterned blue and white wallpapered ceiling, vintage wood dresser, and midcentury decor.

Wallpaper placement: On the ceiling in the primary bedroom

If you’ve never considered wallpapering your bedroom ceiling, it’s a bold wallpaper design idea that you don’t want to sleep on (pun intended!). In this historic home, we painted the walls a rich navy blue and went with an unexpected design element overhead with a graphic blue-and-white mandala-style print. It brought in some energy and made the whole space feel a little more special.

Why it works: It keeps the walls clean and moody while still adding pattern and interest. Plus, it’s just cool.

Happy Walls for a Happy Space

Bright floral wallpaper creates a playful accent wall in a colorful home office with a gold cabinet, turquoise mirror, and vibrant decor. By award-winning Macon interior designer Lesley Myrick. — Bright floral wallpaper creates a playful accent wall in a colorful home office with a gold cabinet, turquoise mirror, and vibrant decor.

Wallpaper placement: Full accent wall

This vibrant floral wallpaper is so cheerful I dare you not to smile when you see it. It set the tone for the whole space – colorful, playful, not too serious. Paired with a turquoise mirror and a bold brass cabinet, it just works. (It’s definitely a home office I’d want to work in!)

Why it works: The wallpaper became the anchor that tied all the wild and wonderful pieces together

Modern Lines, Cozy Vibes

Blue and white abstract wallpaper anchors a modern bedroom with a four-poster bed, round mirror, and layered neutral textures. Designed by Lesley Myrick Interior Design in Macon, Georgia. — Blue and white abstract wallpaper anchors a modern bedroom with a four-poster bed, round mirror, and layered neutral textures.

Wallpaper placement: Behind the bed

We used this blue-and-white abstract print to give a little movement to a clean, modern guest house space. The round mirror helps break up all the straight lines, and the wallpaper keeps things interesting without being loud. (Bonus: did you spot the cat-print wallpaper in the bathroom?)

Why it works: This is proof you don’t need crazy color to make an impact. The pattern does all the heavy lifting here.

Moody Florals for a Chill Bedroom

Overscale floral wallpaper in soft aqua and yellow creates a bold backdrop in a cozy bedroom with a tufted silver headboard.

Wallpaper placement: Behind the bed

This primary bedroom is a total retreat. The large-scale floral wallpaper accent wall behind the bed adds just enough drama without overwhelming the space. We balanced it with a soft palette – pale aqua, fresh whites, crisp gray, and pops of mustard.

Why it works: The symmetry of the bed and the nightstands keeps things feeling calm, even with a bold print.

Why Bold Wallpaper Is Worth the Risk (and How to Get It Right)

Wallpaper is a commitment, but it’s also a huge design opportunity. Whether you go all-in on a dramatic floral, sneak a print into a built-in, or try something unexpected like a wallpapered ceiling, it’s a way to make your home feel more personal and pulled together.

And hey, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. If you’re ready to bust out of boring and try something bold, I’d love to help. Inquire to start your design project.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year.

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.