Pattern play: How to pick the right wallpaper – and what to avoid

With so many beautiful options available, it’s important to make the most of your choice: Adele Cardani with top tips from the experts

De Gournay hand-painted River Scenes of Bengal on sterling silver gilded paper

(Christopher Horwood)

I’ve just returned from Bath, which is in many ways a visual feast for those of us who prefer ornament over simplicity. Named for its ancient Roman spa, the city’s wisteria-clad Georgian architecture and splendid interiors serve as the backdrop to some of Britain’s best-loved period dramas – most recently, Shondaland and Netflix’s newly released prequel series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

As I wandered the halls of No 1 Royal Crescent and feasted on the famous buns (made to the same recipe since the 17th century) at Sally Lunn’s tea house, decadent wallpapers in macaron hues quickly became a recurring theme. From repeat damasks and chintzy florals to large-scale scenes like hand-painted murals, Bath’s walls favoured the feminine and frilly, offering a perfect antidote to the weekend’s drab, soggy weather. In that spirit, this week I’ve asked four interior design experts to share their tips on picking the right wallpaper for your space and what mistakes to avoid.

Tulips wallpaper by Andrew Martin

(Andrew Martin)