Wallpaper is the fastest way to add a dramatic transformation to a room. You can add atmosphere, vitality and light by selecting the right color and pattern. It is all about creative application, so experiment by hanging paper horizontally or using blocks of color to create a specific mood or theme. Because of technological advances, textured effects such as plaids, natural fabrics, tiles on a roll and crackle glaze finishes are much improved. Instead of fixing picture or dado rails, add interest to a solid wall by using border papers. If you don’t feel confident in matching colors, most manufactures have coordinating wallpaper, borders, paint and accessories.

There is a huge range of patterns and textures available from traditional wallpaper (some pre-pasted), paper backed vinyl, embossed papers suitable for painting over, and textiles. First consider where you are going to hang it in the kitchen and bathroom, for example, wall coverings must withstand condensation. For children’s rooms you may wish to choose one of the many novelty papers or sponge able types to remove scribble. Some even allow you to build up scenes, by sticking animals onto a background. However, avoid being too adventurous if this is your first attempt: stick to medium weight or vinyl papers with random patterns, which don’t need matching, such as a mottled paint effect.