Your walls are the largest surface area in your home, yet they are often the most underutilized element of design. While paint provides color, a custom wall covering installation introduces texture, depth, and personality that paint simply cannot achieve.

At Forge & Oak, we believe that your home should be a reflection of your unique style. As a boutique design-build firm serving Illinois, we specialize in high-end installations that transform ordinary rooms into curated spaces. Our recent project in Northbrook, IL, is a perfect example of how a bold, artistic wallpaper choice can define an entire room without overwhelming it.

A Tour of the “Scandi-Pop” Sunroom

For this Northbrook residence, the goal was to create a space that felt energetic and playful, yet sophisticated. The homeowners wanted to turn their bright, airy breakfast nook into a focal point. The result is a stunning blend of eclectic modern style and mid-century charm.

The Statement Walls

The most striking feature of this renovation is the wall covering itself. We installed a dense, abstract patterned wallpaper that wraps around the entire room. The design is reminiscent of terrazzo or confetti, featuring an organic, impressionistic splatter effect.

The color palette is earthy but vibrant, set against a pale blush background. Splashes of ochre (mustard gold), teal, slate blue, and soft pink create a “field of wildflowers” effect. Because the pattern is small-scale, it acts as a maximalist backdrop that adds significant visual interest without making the space feel dark or enclosed.

Balancing the Elements

To prevent the room from feeling chaotic, the surrounding elements were kept intentionally simple. The room features a mid-century modern dining set with a sleek, dark-wood round table. Surrounding it are four Eames-style molded plastic chairs. The mismatched chairs—two in matte black and two in a deep peacock blue—were chosen specifically to pick up the accent colors from the wallpaper.

The architecture of the room also plays a crucial role. The space is flooded with natural light from a large sliding glass door and multiple windows. We ensured the crisp, white trim around these openings provided a necessary visual break between the busy pattern and the outdoors. The white ceiling and light wide-plank oak flooring further ground the space, keeping the overall vibe airy and open.

Overcoming Installation Challenges

Every wall covering installation presents unique hurdles, and a pattern of this complexity is no exception.

Precision Pattern Matching

With a dense, confetti-style print, the margin for error is non-existent. The seams must disappear completely to maintain the illusion of a continuous, hand-painted surface. Our team spent considerable time planning the layout to ensure the “splatters” flowed seamlessly from one panel to the next.

Navigating Architectural Details

This sunroom featured significant millwork, including the casings for the sliding glass door and multiple windows. Cutting wallpaper around trim requires a steady hand and precise blade work to ensure there are no gaps or jagged edges. Our installers meticulously trimmed the paper to sit flush against the white molding, ensuring a clean, professional transition between the wall and the window frames.

Why Choose Professional Wall Covering Installation?

While DIY home improvement projects are popular, wallpaper installation is an art form that requires experience and patience. Here is why homeowners in Northbrook trust Forge & Oak with their walls.

How does professional installation ensure longevity?

Proper wall preparation is the most overlooked step in DIY projects. Professionals know how to prime the walls correctly, ensuring the adhesive bonds permanently. This prevents the paper from peeling at the corners or bubbling up when humidity levels change.

Why is pattern alignment so critical?

If a pattern is off by even a fraction of an inch, the eye will immediately catch the break in the design. Professional installers understand “repeat” patterns and how to manipulate the paper to ensure perfect alignment, even if your walls aren’t perfectly plumb (which they rarely are).

Does hiring a pro save on material costs?

Yes. Wallpaper—especially high-end, artistic prints—can be expensive. An amateur mistake can ruin an entire roll, leading to costly reorders and potential dye-lot mismatches. Professionals calculate exact measurements to minimize waste and maximize your investment.

Transform Your Space with Forge & Oak

This Northbrook project demonstrates how the right design choices can turn a simple room into a work of art. The juxtaposition of the chaotic, colorful wallpaper with the clean lines of the furniture created a space that feels curated and artistic.

Whether you are looking for a playful maximalist vibe or a subtle textured finish, Forge & Oak brings artisan craftsmanship to every project. If you are a homeowner or rental property owner in Illinois looking to elevate your interiors, we are here to help.

Contact Forge & Oak today to discuss your next home improvement project.