If you are looking to put a stamp of personality on your home, wallpaper is one of the least intimidating ways to make a room feel fresh, stylish and like it’s yours. Here in Christchurch, we have a multitude of homeowners electing to wallpaper their homes plus put personality on their living spaces affects from a subtle texture for the cosy lounge through to a bold statement in the feature wall that’s the first thing you notice when you walk into the room.
For over 35 years, DJ Parkyn Painting & Decorating has brightened and transformed the homes of families and renovators across Christchurch with professional wallpapering and decorating work. We have built so many styles over the years that suit Christchurch homes perfectly, especially with a combination of classic villas, modern builds and warm light-filled spaces.
This guide will take you through the best designer wallpaper ideas, easy design tips and a few things to know before planning gets underway. If you’re considering giving a room a makeover, this will guide you in selecting wallpaper that suits your home and lasts for years.
Why Designer Wallpaper Is a Great Fit for Christchurch Homes
There’s plenty of charm to be found in Christchurch homes, from character houses in St Albans and Merivale, to modern open-plan dwellings in Wigram or Rolleston. I think wallpaper really sings in this home; it brings warmth and depth without feeling overbearing when you put it into a room like that.
A lot of families come to us looking for another way to decorate their homes without daring a bold wall colour. Wallpaper offers the perfect middle ground, soft patterns, natural textures, lines that are clean or just something a little dramatic, placed on one well-thought-out feature wall.
Applied correctly to a properly prepared surface, wallpaper yields a sophisticated, long-lasting result that paint can rarely duplicate.
Top Wallpaper Styles That Can Be Used in Christchurch Dwellings
Below are a few of the top wallpaper ideas we suggest for different types of homes, natural light and feel.
Modern Living Room in Textured Neutrals
If your house is modern and open with a lot of natural light, ht textured wallpaper can look great. Consider soft linen looks, gentle patterning or a light stone texture. These styles provide heat without overwhelming the room.
Botanical and Nature-Inspired Prints
Christchurch residents just can’t get enough of bringing the outdoors in, and who could blame them? Pale greens, leaf prints or even soft florals are in keeping with the coastal-meets-garden vibe of many Christchurch suburbs. These papers are particularly effective in living rooms, dining rooms and boudoirs.
Clean, Modern Look with Geometric Patterns
Geometry vibes offer character itself without overdrawing the space. They’re a great option for hallways and stairwells, and even home offices. But a skilled wallpaper hanger can match the pattern, so that everything lines up neatly.
Feature Walls That Bring Drama (In the Best Possible Way!)
Occasionally, a wallpapered room full of doesn’t need the whole room; just one wall will do.
4.“A dark feature wall behind a bed, sofa or dining table adds depth and drama to a space and serves as the perfect accent wall. Anything in deep shade or mural, or a bold designer print works here.
Classic Patterns for Character Villas
A lot of character homes in Christchurch look superb with high ceilings, wood trims and details. Stripes, damask or gentle heritage prints add to the home’s natural charm.
Do I Need to Hire a Wallpaper Services Installer?
We get asked this question a lot, and the short answer is: yes, if you want a clean, long-lasting arrival.
Wallpaper hanging and installing may seem easy, but for it to turn out well, you’ll need a steady hand and some practice. After all, you need to strip old wallpaper correctly; prepare a smooth surface on which new wallpaper can hang; and line up everything perfectly when dealing with patterned designs.
When you partner with a skilled wallpaper installer, scenarios such as these are prevented:
- Bubbles
- Crooked seams
- Peeling edges
- Misaligned patterns
- Visible old wallpaper underneath
They have fixed many a DIY job over the years, and what people most often say after:
“I should’ve called you first.”
How Many Hours Does It Take to Wallpaper a Room With a Decorator?
Well, it will totally vary depending on the size of the room and the walls being in or out of shape, but as a rule of thumb:
- One focal wall: 2–4 hours
- A small room: Half to a full day
- A bigger room or an awkward space: 1–2 days
The biggest factor is preparation. If we need to remove old wallpaper or repair damage and smooth out rough surfaces, the job may take a little longer, but it also guarantees that your wallpaper looks perfect.
Which Is Better to Strip or Steam Wallpaper?
This is a frequent inquiry when folks desire to update their home.
It would depend on what type of old wallpaper and how it was installed originally.
- Steaming is especially effective in older houses where wallpaper glue has solidified, or when there are a few layers of paper.
- Hand-stripping is usually best for modern wallpapers that are supposed to peel off cleanly.
When we get there, we’re looking at the walls. The objective is to get the wallpaper off without hurting what’s underneath. A clean, levelled surface is necessary for a neat and durable installation.
If you’re not sure what kind of walls require, speak to someone knowledgeable so you don’t run the risk of ruining plasterboard or causing more prep work than is required.
How to Pick The Perfect Wallpaper For Your Home
So here are some straightforward tips that are practical and realistic – taken from our experience cleaning in Christchurch homes!
Take the light into account.
Both dramatic and subtle styles work in rooms with lots of sun. Darker spaces might need lighter shades to prevent feeling closed in.
Match patterns to room size
Big patterns work well in big, open spaces, and fine prints can work in small rooms, like hallways or bedrooms.
Compare the samples against your wall.
It depends on witnesses seen only a computer screen. This way, you can get a feel for how the colour reacts in your surroundings.
Think long-term
Pick a version you’ll love forever, not just for now.
Why Proper Wallpaper Installation Matters
It’s all about the installation when it comes to wallpaper. No matter how beautiful it is, designer wallpaper can look cheap if it’s not hung well.
And this is exactly where a professional wallpaper hanger comes into play. We ensure:
- Clean, smooth surfaces
- Strong adhesion
- Perfect pattern alignment
- Neat, almost invisible seams
- Long-lasting results
Proper installation also discourages peeling, lifting and bubbling down the road.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
If you’re thinking about giving a room a refresh, wallpaper is one of the best ways to dramatically change the look and feel in a space without knocking down any walls. From soft textures to in-your-face feature walls, we can help advise you on the best style and have them installed perfectly.
At DJ Parkyn Painting & Decorating, we offer top-quality wallpaper hanging and installation across Christchurch. Whether you’re making an update to a single wall or redecorating the entire house, we want to make your project easy and seamless, from start to finish. If you need recommendations for the best design for a project, or if you’re ready to start planning your next endeavour, get in touch with us. The best part we’re always here to provide recommendations and assist you in making your home a place of inspiration with wallpaper that perfectly fits your space.