Can You Put Wallpaper In Your Kitchen? Designers Weigh In

The kitchen might be the heart of your home—where conversation, community, and cuisine come together—but it should never compromise style. When turning a kitchen into a statement-making space, most people will focus on colorful cabinets, gorgeous materials for the countertop, and even a bold, beautiful backsplash. But wallpaper? Though a riveting repeat can bring plenty of personality to any room of the house, wallpaper is often left out of the kitchen conversation. Until now, that is.

Today's designers would argue that the tides are changing—and wallpaper can actually be a key ingredient in your culinary quarters. For Stacey, the reason is simple: This revered room has taken on a whole new meaning. "Kitchens are no longer just utilitarian," she explains. "They’ve become spaces where people gather and enjoy time with family or guests."

Incorporate Personality

Burkle approves of this pairing—he says that wallpaper is "the perfect canvas to incorporate color and texture into your rooms and show off your home’s personality"—but it's important to err on the side of caution. It might sound counterintuitive, but he believes that wallpaper shouldn't be the focal point of a kitchen's design. "Your kitchen should be about featuring your built-ins and appliances as well as highlighting the functionality of the space," he says. "Your wallpaper should work for you as a stunning background that makes the rest of the room shine." In one of Burkle's recent projects, a windowpane repeat oozes warmth without upstaging the curved oven alcove or verdant cabinets and trim.

Carefully Consider Placement

Placement is also something to consider: Wallpaper might get damaged near sinks or stoves, so you might want to install a durable, tiled backsplash near heat and water sources. However, if you do want to place wallpaper near your sink, Stacey says to be careful about wallpaper materials. "I wouldn’t recommend grasscloth, as it’s prone to spotting and can be difficult to maintain in a kitchen setting," she adds.

Tips For Picking Kitchen Wallpaper

With so many patterns to choose from, where does one even begin to look? For Burkle, it's important to look around the rest of your home. "Believe in the color story of your home," he advises. "Your kitchen is just another room in your house, so carry through the aesthetic you have in the rest of your space to the heart of the home."

Meanwhile, Stacey stays the rest of your kitchen decor can clue you in on the best print to pick. "If you have white or very light cabinets, I wouldn't suggest dark paper, it will create a lot of contrast and will be unsettling," she shares. "A safe route is to use something with a ground that has a good amount of negative space like in the image and then has some smaller areas in your cabinet color." In one kitchen project, Stacey used a warm botanical print to highlight the ruby red trim and cabinets without overshadowing the framed artwork hung on the walls.

"I love a rich palette that adds depth, like burgundy, forest greens, or navy blue," the Austin designer adds. "They pair wonderfully with natural elements like wood and can ground the space while still feeling sophisticated and inviting."

Whether you select stripes, florals, or paisley, proper installation is key. After all, it's a small wallpaper mistake with huge consequences. "If you are working with a plaid or repeating pattern, ensure your lines match up perfectly at every corner and seam," Burkle shares. "It takes a little extra effort on the front end but creates a gorgeous environment for the long term."

Related: 8 Rules For Designing A Functional Kitchen