11 Smart Ways to Transform a Blank Wall

AN ICONIC PATTERNED WALLPAPER

In an apartment designed by Nate Berkus, Martinique wallpaper (an iconic pattern from the Beverly Hills Hotel) sheaths this dining area; the vintage Pace Collection chairs are from Center 44 in New York City.

COLOR-BLOCKED WALLS AND A MIRROR

In a D.C. apartment designed by Nestor Santa-Cruz, a Crate & Barrel mirror hangs above a headboard of walnut and faux suede.

A BOOKSHELF AND ART

The library of a Manhattan loft, which is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath, features a wall papered in a print by Neisha Crosland, and a photograph by Ellen Kooi is displayed in front of modular metal shelves; the chairs and Eclipse light fixture are by Ochre, and the rug is by Odegard.

FRAMED FAMILY PHOTOS

In a study by designer by Gwen Driscoll, Jonathan Adler benches sit in front of a Ted Boerner leather sofa; family photographs hang on the wall.

A MIRRORED WALL

The Syrian chest of drawers in the bedroom of designer Sig Bergamin holds photographs by John Hall (left) and TucaReinés, an antique Chinese mask, and an Indian bone-inlaid box.

UPHOLSTERED PANELS

In a bedroom designed by Iain Halliday, a Saarinen armchair and custom bedside table are paired with a bed dressed in Frette linens; paintings by Anselm Reyle hang on walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Eagle Rock, the swing-arm sconces are from Hinson Lighting, and the carpet is by ABC Carpet & Home.

A PATTERNED PAPER AND TAPESTRY

In the den of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s Florida home, the Butterfield sofa, Beatrice lamp, and Richard Nixon rug are all Adler designs; the wallpaper and the butterfly tapestry are vintage, and the backgammon set is by Albrizzi.

A DIVIDED PHOTOGRAPH

A photo by Peter Margonelli made into a grid in the living area of an apartment designed by Matthew Patrick Smyth; the 1930s French table base has a custom-made top.

A LARGE LEANING MIRROR

A hand-painted wall covering by de Gournay adorns the foyer of a Manhattan apartment designed by Iain Halliday, the antique French mirror is from Bijan Royal, and the rug is by Stark.

BRIGHT VENETIAN PLASTER AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHS

In a Manhattan foyer decorated by Rafael de Cárdenas, fashion photographs by Melvin Sokolsky are displayed above a 1960s Brazilian credenza; the walls are Venetian plaster.

LACQUERED PAINT

A 19th-century French chandelier hangs above a dining table made from a pair of ’70s brass bases found on eBay; the ’40s French dining chairs are upholstered in a Lelièvre velvet, the shades are of a Lee Jofa silk, and the rug is by the Rug Company. The walls were painted with 10 coats of custom lacquer.

Source: ELLE DECO