The only thing we love more than catching a glimpse inside a celebrity home is when the figure breaks a decorating rule. Such is the case with Cardi B, who has not only introduced wallpaper to her guest bedroom – but she has done so in an excessive fashion. Needless to say, therefore, the result can be categorized as controversial.
The answer to whether bathroom wallpaper is still on trend – or simply whether it's a sensible idea – depends entirely on the designer you consult. However, it would appear that Cardi B is a firm supporter. While many may risk wallpaper on one bathroom wall, the rapper chose to cover the entirety of her room in the black and white patterned print. The result is audacious, but it's a look that, some designers say, is worth the risk.
'It’s a myth you shouldn’t use wallpaper in a bathroom, if it’s properly ventilated it will be fine. We love to use wallpaper in a guest bathroom – it has more drama, and feels luxurious and special,' comments Louisa Eggleston, the creative director at Humphrey Munson.
'Depending on the wallpaper you pick it can also feel more fun. The guest bathroom is the one area in your home that guests are pretty much guaranteed to visit and spend a few minutes so make it worth their while! Don’t worry if you choose a small or large format, just choose what you love and you’ll always enjoy it!'
Y’all like my guest bathroom? …..it’s the only room in my house that got red. pic.twitter.com/xuMoYIzQjIOctober 6, 2023
Eggleston is not alone in her argument. Though Cardi B's look is indisputably brave, it's a reminder of just how powerful of a statement patterned wallpaper can make. Sophie Clemson, the director and co-founder of The Living House, agrees.
'We recommend being bold and wallpapering more than one wall. If you're really committed, you can wallpaper the entire space (except for areas next to the bath or shower). This approach works particularly well in a downstairs loo, where you can even extend the wallpaper to the ceiling,' she says. To take things even further, Cardi B has played with the unexpected red theory – seen through her red pampas grass in a vase on her veined marble countertop. It's the only time she uses this tone in her home, as she notes in the caption.
Investing in red pampas grass (or similar dried flowers) is a striking way to follow Cardi B's lead. However, we also love these accessories that bring just the right amount of vibrancy to your bathroom countertops.
To get the Cardi B bathroom aesthetic (without worrying about wallpaper), we recommend arranging red bunny tail grass in a glass vase. It's a vibrant twist on a natural classic and makes a statement in a black-and-white space like Cardi's.
Bursting with the scent of bitter black cherry, this reed diffuser by Brooklyn-based brand Apotheke blends essential and perfume-grade fragrance oils for a continuous, long-lasting scent experience.
If you like your towels to match your bathroom decor, these towel sets offer the greatest color variations to fit into any space. It's the perfect way to introduce the unexpected red theory into your bathroom (without it feeling over the top).
Alternatively, if you want to flirt with bathroom wallpaper but don't want to go as bold as Cardi B, Clemson explains that softer neutrals can look beautiful.
'You don’t always have to go for bold prints either– muted colors, subtle patterns, or textures can also work beautifully,' she says. 'Wallpaper adds depth and interest to the room, helping create a well-designed look. It works especially well in a downstairs loo, where you can go bold and surprise your guests when they visit.'
