20 Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas to Refresh Your Cooking Space
New options make it easier than ever to redecorate.
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If you haven't noticed yet, wallpaper is back! For years, it was associated with the old prints in our grandparents' houses, but it has made a huge comeback—and now we have almost unlimited options: bold geometric prints, whimsical florals, and amazing murals in every imaginable color. There's never been a better time to give it a try and experiment with fun placements, even putting wallpaper in your kitchen.
Ree Drummond counts herself as a fan of the trend (you can find glimpses of it in her recent new house tour). Her advice is to really go for it. "If you’re going to wallpaper a room, you need to make it count," she says. "Embrace the drama and movement!" That goes for every room in the house, including these kitchen wallpaper ideas. You can paste it on the walls, inside and outside cabinets, and even on appliances.
Thankfully modern-day wallpapers are easier than ever to source and apply, and you can find tons of great patterns in temporary peel-and-stick form, too. That means you can easily switch from a farmhouse kitchen motif to a bold, modern look in no time. You can even create a backsplash or recreate a look of tile in a few simple steps, making your DIY kitchen décor dreams come true. And don't be afraid to let your imagination go wild. Start with the ideas and get stickin'―a brand new kitchen awaits!
More ways to update your space:
Update Your Backsplash
You don't need to use tile for a colorful backsplash. Try wallpaper instead! You can go for an option that mimics tile or embrace a bold and unique print. If your kitchen is prone to a lot of moisture, look for a water resistant or waterproof option.
Aim High
It’s a daring move, but wallpapering a ceiling can help unify a space—like it did in this Cincinnati kitchen where design firm Neal’s Design Remodel added a section up high to match the island.
Line Your Kitchen Island
Surprise! Adding wallpaper to your kitchen island is a fun and more subtle way to add a pop of color to your space. Here, you can see that the print coordinates with both the top and bottom cabinets, pulling the look together.
Mimic Antique Tile
Antique tiles can be so charming, but they can be expensive and a nightmare to source. You can now buy wallpaper that mimics the look for way less money and hassle.
See more at The House That Lars Built.
Mix and Match Patterns
If you want to go bold, try mixing patterns on different walls. To make it look cohesive, you can shop brands that offer collections that pair well together like Spoonflower so you're not spending so much time trying to coordinate.
Pop an Appliance
Wallpaper isn't just for walls! Try picking a big appliance or two like your dishwasher or even your refrigerator to stand out with a bold print. Its an easy way to update older models that might be a little too expensive to replace just for looks.
Add an Accent Wall
A common theme in this roundup is this: Wallpaper doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Adding a simple accent wall like this adds an instant refresh without a lot of work.
See more at Spoonflower.
Layer Under a Gallery Wall
Don't think you have to choose between wallpaper and your favorite artwork. Designer Kelly Bartley from AvantStay created an eye-catching—and highly Instagrammable—space by layering floral paper under a gallery wall. Look how it pops!
Embrace Your Small Space
Just because you have a small kitchen doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Adding an airy print like this helps brighten the space and open it up without moving any walls.
Cover Your Cabinets
Instead of refinishing your cabinet doors entirely, add a print or pattern instead. It's even easier to do if you have shaker-style cabinets because you can simply follow the shape of the recessed panels.
Add Inside Interest
Oh, did you think you can only add prints to the outside of cabinets? Think again! Lining the back of your cabinets adds such a pretty touch, especially if you have glass-paneled doors. This would work well in a hutch, too.
Beautify Your Breakfast Nook
A breakfast nook is charming enough as it is. But you can make the space even more inviting by framing it with wallpaper. This print is even on the ceiling, creating an extra cozy vibe.
See more at A Beautiful Mess.
Highlight Your Book Nook
You can create a nook if you don't already have one by framing out a space. Chicago-based design firm Studio Gild covered the back of simple black shelves in toile wallpaper for a playful look that draws your attention to the corner.
Carve Out a Coffee Station
Coffee lovers, don't be shy about your favorite beverage. Embrace it by creating a coffee station. Highlighting it with a fun printed wallpaper makes it so personal and inviting.
See more at A Beautiful Mess.
Frame Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are fun and add so much storage space, but they can also feel like they're... well, floating out there. Lining the wall with a print helps give them a more finished look.
Frame Your Cabinets
Why stop at a backsplash? If your cabinets don't touch the ceiling, you can frame them by adding wallpaper on top, too. It adds height to the space by drawing your eyes upwards.
See more at PMQ for Two.
Make a Statement with a Mural
Adding a mural makes a big statement. But you don't have to get one painted. You can search really fun wallpaper options ready to order on sites like Etsy. It's as simple as measuring your wall and ordering accordingly.
Make Your Pantry Prettier
Let's face it, pantries are usually more utility than decorative. But add the "fun" in functional by lining your walls with a print. It makes grabbing that rice for dinner way more enjoyable.
See more at Abby Organizes.
Embrace Country Charm
If you love that vintage farmhouse feel, grab some gingham! This Airbnb space did just that and transformed a kitchen and dining room to evoke pure country charm.
Lean into the Theme
If you love being in the kitchen, embrace it. You can find a whole host of really fun kitchen-themed prints to decorate your space. Just look at that cute little mixer!
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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