La Jolla Interior Design and Decoration Entry HallEclectic Hall, San Diego

6. Small-space superstar. Polka dots work brilliantly as wallpaper in an entry hall, dining room or powder room. Any boxy, compact room will be transformed with a graphic print on the walls when there’s little in the way of upholstery or window treatments. Polka dots, especially closely spaced patterns like the wallpaper pictured here, translate almost as textures, much in the same way that a small-scale check and a houndstooth do. They can be a barely there pattern that is both easy to live with and more interesting than a solid wall.

Polka dots. It wasn’t the Derby, it wasn’t even in Kentucky, and she was far from a socialite, but a lot of us will forever associate horse event fashion with a prostitute’s amazing brown and white polka dot dress she bought during the best shopping movie montage in history. Pretty Woman came out in 1990, but the pattern and colors have held up all these years. They look amazing on wallpaper in this smart room. Wallpaper: Watermark, Niesha Crosland

Pattern density. Polka dots that are close together, even touching, will appear “busier” than those that have more space between them. However, dense dots do create drama, as evident in this hallway.It’s best to use close-set dots in simpler spaces that don’t have a lot of architectural changes or intricate functions. Otherwise, the pattern will tire out your eyes and everything may look jumbled.

Embrace graphic patterns. "This hall is actually somewhat small, but instead of reflexively choosing something light, I intentionally opted for something dark," says designer Andrea May. "When you go dark in a smaller space, the corners disappear and it fools the eye into thinking it's a more expansive room." She adds, "I chose the graphic pattern of this paper because it keeps the eye moving. So, again, you don't focus on the size of the space and it sets the tone for a slightly offbeat, eclectic scheme. Graphic patterns like this are a staple for me, and they are very usable in smaller spaces like halls and powder rooms. They're also a great way to bridge traditional and modern elements."Wallpaper: Neisha Crosland

Wallpaper. Hallways can really be a space to have a little fun. Have you been dying to try out a new wallpaper? Make its debut in the hallway. This patterned paper gives this hallway a contemporary, playful vibe.

Acabo de descubrir que me gusta los lunares en papel pintafo