Zooey Deschanel’s Whimsical Approach to Layering Framed Art Over Bold Wallpaper Proves Maximalism Can Be Brilliantly Balanced

Zooey's floral wallpaper is accented by an antique gold frame housing complementary artwork, while cobalt blue paint ties the whole look together

zooey deschanel wearing blue outside
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot via Getty Images)

I'll be honest: I'm all for playful decor, but layering framed art over wallpaper is a trend I have historically been skeptical of. Leave it to Zooey Deschanel, whose style leans whimsical and delightfully maximalist, to make me believe that this is actually a genius design move.

The actor recently shared a snap of her eclectic wall, and it features a cobalt blue-painted lower third, contrasted by floral wallpaper covering the rest of the surface area. As a final touch, she has placed a framed piece of art depicting a moody, natural scene against the wall, creating a focal point in the colorful area. It's yet another example of why the rule of three never fails.

To achieve the look, begin with a patterned wallpaper that features a hero color that you are looking to work with. Zooey has the Milton & King Dandelions Wallpaper, which features the perfect balance of blues, creams, and reds for a bright and elevated color palette.

Next, source a frame that will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style. This antique one from Etsy is intricate and elegant, ensuring that it will complement any artwork it houses.

Finally, find a complementary paint to add to the lower third of your wall for a color-blocked, cohesive look. If you're going for a blue-dominated aesthetic, we are big fans of Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue, but lighter blues would look just as gorgeous.

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Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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