Years ago, my mom introduced me to Florence Broadhurst prints and specifically, wallpaper. I was tempted to use it in my Los Angeles house, but another wallpaper from Osbrone & Little won out. It would have been right at home in my former mid century abode.

Having said that, I am a big fan of foil and metallic retro-looking wall coverings in the right environment. You must be after that retro 1960′s through 1980′s vibe. Think “A Simple Man” through “Scarface”… It can be really very cool in a powder room and even more so in a main space like a dining room, but you need to be risk adverse and really go for it. Paired with Danish Modern or Mid Century pieces is an obvious winner, but what about with more mixed furnishings, they must be well curated and spare– too much happening amongst this paper would be a headache– but it CAN work with many different genres, really!

I can see lacquered pieces, Roccoco here and there, even uber contemporary pieces like spare Donghia chunky upholstery could work. As my idol, Tim Gunn would say you need to “make it work” by pairing down to the most essential and letting the wallpaper be the star.

1. Ninfa 2. Cockatoos 3. Peacock Feathers 4. Palais Chinois 5. Birds of Paradise 6. Banswara

In case you were skeptical, take a peek below. Use a solid foil paper in gold or silver to give the ceiling a soft shimmer. Notice the office vignette, it gives off the vibe of a grasscloth but has a soft metallic glow—very Tom Ford, “A Simple Man” look. What about the formal dining room, very fancy-glam. If you are scared to commit, then don’t go for the turquoise picture below, but perhaps settle for an application in your closet like the silver nautical-patterned paper. Make it work!

1. Mark Lund Photography via Decorpad 2. Jan Showers 3. Pinterest 4. Pinterest 5. Pinterest 6. Pinterest