making plain walls more interesting without molding or wallpaper

A few weeks ago, I shared some of my favorite rooms with white walls. Many of them didn’t contain any molding or wallpaper, which, IMO, is usually the best way to add visual interest to plain walls. But there are plenty of creative and visually interesting ways to dress up your walls in non-permanent ways (i.e. that don’t involve molding or wallpaper).

After removing the accent wall molding in our living room, I found myself really digging deep creatively to figure out how to make the most of our long, empty, boring walls.

Some of these are obvious, but wanted to share examples that inspire me.

.01 // SHELVES + BRACKETS

Shelves and brackets are a great way to add depth, and you can really have fun with placement. I’m obsessed with these Trellis Brackets from Mainly Baskets Home as seen in this stairwell:

Via Mark D Sikes (I know the wallpaper is negating the point of this post, but even without it, I think the brackets collectively would make a massive impact).

Via Mark D. Sikes

Mark D. Sikes

The Pink Pagoda

.02 // PLATES AND SMALL TRINKET DISHES

I’m a big fan of a plate wall. You can scatter plates around art, bunch them super close together or farther apart, or display them on top of a bracket/shelf (like in the above images)

A great example of how plates can be displayed on shelves/brackets via Tory Burch

white-walls-white-off-white-paint-colors

Via Alexander Interiors. I’m planning to display my own Wedgwood collection similar to this. I just love it!

Via Jenkins Interiors

Via Nina Marie Nash

Via Nicola Bathie

Via Jennifer Beeker Hunter

Cathy Kincaid

.03 // LARGE SCALE ART/GALLERY WALL

The more that art takes up wall space, the more of an impact it makes – whether that’s in the form of a large-scale gallery wall or a single large piece. It takes up visual space without taking up real estate!

I’m always drawn to a large-scale gallery wall, it almost acts like wallpaper…

Via Paloma Contreras

Via Alice Davenport Interiors

white-room-white-paint-colors-white-interior-design-ideas

Via Paloma Contreras

Via Anna Louise Wolfe

.04 // WALLPAPER BORDER

Hear me out – while this is (or could be) permanent, it isn’t a fully wallpapered room type of commitment. I only have one example of this but I adore it:

I’m obsessed with the way Whitney McGregor is designing Lauren Neff’s D.C. home – how sweet is this entry?! Love the contrast molding, doors, and ceiling, which leads to my next tip…

.05 // CONTRAST DOORS + MOLDING

White trim and doors are classic, but a monochromatic/contrast wall and trim color scheme always make a statement in a subtle way

All three photos via Sabbe Interior Design

Via Thrills of the Hunt

Via Leeann Thornton

.06 // FRAMED WALLPAPER PANELS

Large, framed wallpaper/mural panels are probably one of my favorite ways to create the look of wallpaper without the commitment. This is great for a rental, a non-forever home, or anyone who’s afraid of commitment.

I did this in our dining room and the best part is that if we ever move, I can take them with us!