Wallpaper - First Steps

Created by Julia Purinton, our First Steps wallpaper brings the warmth of a quiet rural pasture into the home through an intimate portrait of a mother donkey and her foal. Rendered with the visual character of traditional oil painting, the design balances rich earthy browns in the animals' coats against soft, blended greens and pale meadow tones in the background. The composition is calm and figurative, making it a distinctive focal point that feels classic and grounded. Like all Wallism wallpapers, this design is custom made-to-measure on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure that complements the painted appearance of the artwork.

In the room

We see this wallpaper working wonderfully on a primary feature wall where the painted donkey motif has room to be appreciated in full. In a nursery, child's bedroom, or family playroom, the gentle subject matter sets an inviting and reassuring tone without feeling overly juvenile. The design also feels right at home in rustic or country-inspired living rooms, entryways, and dining spaces. Because the visual weight is concentrated in the figures while the upper meadow and foliage remain airy and open, we recommend placing it on an uninterrupted wall behind low furniture, such as a bench, crib, or sofa, so the connection between the mother and foal remains visible.

Styling it

The traditional, pastoral feel of this design pairs naturally with farmhouse, cottage, and English country aesthetics. We would lean into simple, unpretentious furnishings that echo the rural subject matter rather than sharp contemporary pieces.

• Pair with warm, natural wood finishes such as rustic pine, weathered oak, or reclaimed timber to complement the earthy palette of the motif.
• Choose textured natural fabrics for upholstery, cushions, or curtains, using materials like undyed linen or chunky woven wool in neutral tones.
• Keep wall decor and decorative clutter on the surrounding walls minimal so the painted artwork remains the central visual story.

Colour combinations

The wallpaper features a grounded palette of deep chestnut, warm taupe, soft meadow greens, and muted cream. To build a cohesive room around it, we suggest looking to the gentle undertones of the painted background. Off-whites with warm, creamy bases work beautifully on adjacent walls and trim, keeping the room light while honoring the painting's soft lighting. For trim, cabinetry, or painted furniture, muted olive tones, sage, or soft woodland greens create a seamless connection with the grassy foreground. If you prefer deeper contrast, accents in rich espresso brown or charcoal pick up the dark tones of the donkey's coat and ears.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, all our wallpapers and wall murals are made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions. Producing each order individually helps reduce unnecessary excess paper compared to standard rolls. Our mural wallpapers are printed on durable, PVC-free paper with a subtle physical structure, and they are designed to be straightforward and easy to hang in any home.