It’s especially powerful in earthy tones like stone grey, clay, or mushroom, where the softness of the color adds to the feeling of calm.

3. Fabric-Covered Walls for Cozy Elegance

Fabric walls aren’t just for old-school glamour. Wrapped in linen, velvet, or even boucle, they absorb sound and add a luxurious tactile element to a space. In bedrooms or reading nooks, they bring an enveloping warmth you just can’t get from paint or wallpaper.

Stick to muted hues or tonal patterns to keep the effect elegant rather than overpowering.

4. Tongue and Groove Paneling for Subtle Texture

For a touch of understated cottage charm or modern Scandi minimalism, vertical tongue and groove paneling adds dimension without drama. It draws the eye upward, adds rhythm to a wall, and looks just as good painted white as it does in a deep, stormy grey.

Use it in entryways, bathrooms, or behind a bed to create a visual focal point without needing artwork.

5. Monochromatic Wallpaper with Depth

Not all wallpaper has to shout. Textured or tone-on-tone prints in a single color can add elegance and movement to a space while still keeping things calm. Think grasscloth, silk, or embossed patterns in oatmeal, slate, or inky blue.

It’s the visual equivalent of a whisper—present, but never overpowering.

6. Built-In Niches and Recessed Shelving

Architectural wall cutouts and shelving niches can transform an empty wall into something quietly sculptural. Whether backlit or left raw, they invite styling with intention—books, ceramics, or even left empty as a visual pause.

They add character, utility, and design depth, all in one subtle move.