Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas: How to Use Pattern and Colour to Transform Your Kitchen

The kitchen may not be the first room that comes to mind when you think of wallpaper but perhaps that’s precisely why it feels like such a delightful revelation. There’s something quietly transformative about adorning the “soul” of your home with a pattern that speaks to your spirit. You'll be surprised at how refreshing it is to decorate a kitchen with wallpaper, the room where you spend the most time with family and friends. The added bonus is that the pretty pattern or bold statement that you've chosen will also distract from the sometimes messy business of cooking and play in this area that ideally be an inviting heart of the home.

Is Wallpaper a Good Idea in Kitchens?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is wallpaper a good idea in kitchens?”

The answer is a confident yes of course, with a little practical thought and care.

Wallpaper in kitchens offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce pattern, colour, and character to spaces that can otherwise feel dominated by hard surfaces and functionality. Wallpaper is ideal for creating a more layered, lived-in, and elegant feel, especially in homes where the kitchen flows into dining or living areas.

Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may not have a full wall to decorate however,  There are plenty of imaginative ways to incorporate wallpaper into your kitchen. Many of our clients choose to wallpaper areas like pantries, breakfast nooks, kitchen islands, or behind open shelving to bring visual interest and a sense of warmth to their kitchen interiors.

To ensure it’s also practical to wallpaper your kitchen walls that are prone to splashes, such as behind sinks or hobs, consider installing a simple acrylic panel to protect the paper while still allowing the design to shine through. Elsewhere, particularly in high traffic areas, a coat of clear decorator’s varnish can add a discreet layer of protection, making wallpaper a surprisingly durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional tiles.

Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas to Inspire You

Here are some kitchen wallpaper ideas for giving your kitchen some serious panache and transforming it into your favourite room in the house.

Apple of My Eye is one of our favourite kitchen wallpapers. A fruity wallpaper featuring apples shown here in Mint, but also available in Pale Blue.  

Wallpaper Behind Open Shelving

Adding wallpaper behind open shelving instantly transforms a practical wall into a curated, design-led feature. Botanical wallpapers or marbled wallpapers work beautifully here, providing a soft, natural backdrop for ceramics, glassware, and books.

Add some Character to Pantries

Pantries are no longer just practical storage they’re design opportunities. A lining of wallpaper brings joy and charm to these smaller hidden spaces.  Consider florals or whimsical motifs for a delightful surprise every time you open the door.

wallpaper for Dining Nooks, Breakfast Corners & Kitchen Islands

Wallpaper can help define dining zones within open-plan kitchens. A carefully chosen design can complement kitchen units, chair upholstery or tie into colours used elsewhere in the home for a cohesive flow from room to room.

For islands and seating areas, wallpaper behind stools or banquette seating to add depth and visual character.

Unexpected wallpaper Touches - Panels, Kickplates, or Kitchen Cabinet Interiors

For those who love a detail, wallpaper can line the sides of islands, kickplates, or even the interiors of glass-fronted china cabinets bringing personality to these unexpected corners.

Botanical and floral kitchen wallpapers

Bring the outdoors in with a botanical or floral kitchen wallpaper which will create a wonderfully light and breezy kitchen. Try our leafy Vines wallpaper for example.

If you're considering wallpaper in your kitchen, think beyond the obvious. Wallpaper offers a wonderful way to tell a story in your home to add depth, personality, and artistry to spaces where people gather and memories are made. 

At Milola, many of our most beloved designs from delicate botanicals to more whimsical wallpaper prints have been used in kitchens to bring joy, beauty, and a touch of the unexpected.

If you'd like help selecting the perfect wallpaper for your kitchen, or to discuss a bespoke colourway we'd be delighted to help.  Explore our suggested wallpapers for kitchens and order samples HERE