Wallpaper - Still Life Still Death

In our Still Life Still Death wallpaper by Kate Jarvik Birch, a striking skull study sits centred within a painted stone-like niche. The composition draws inspiration from classical memento mori artwork, translated through painterly, watercolour-like brushwork in slate, charcoal, cool bone, and subtle steel blue. What we particularly appreciate is how the trompe l'oeil alcove introduces a quiet sense of depth, creating a distinctive focal point on the wall. Made to measure and completely PVC-free, our wallpaper paper has a subtle surface structure that complements the artistic wash of the paint.

In the room

Because of its strong, centred composition and architectural framing, we see this wall mural working especially well on an accent wall where it can be viewed straight on. In a study or home library, placing the design behind a desk or between built-in bookshelves creates an intriguing, contemplative atmosphere. In a dining room or living space, it brings a bold, gallery-inspired presence to a main wall. The balanced contrast between the pale bone tones and the darker recess gives the design strong graphic impact from across the room, while the delicate painterly details reward closer viewing.

Styling it

The classical vanitas theme and clean architectural lines pair naturally with both historic and contemporary interior styles. We suggest leaning into either a moody, eclectic look or a clean, modern aesthetic:

• Contrast the cool grey palette with warm wood furniture, such as dark walnut or stained oak, which brings balance and warmth to the surrounding space.
• Introduce dark metal accents, such as blackened steel or muted iron lighting, to echo the deep charcoal lines within the painting.
• Keep surrounding upholstery and soft furnishings relatively quiet, using matte wool or structured weaves in solid neutrals rather than competing patterns.

Colour combinations

The motif itself is built on a refined palette of cool stone grey, slate, charcoal, and soft bone white, with faint hints of faded grey-blue in the shaded areas. For surrounding walls and woodwork, deep charcoal or slate paint colours create a cohesive, dramatic feel. If you prefer a lighter surrounding space, crisp off-white, pale chalk, or soft stone on adjacent walls will allow the mural wallpaper to stand out cleanly as the main visual piece.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are produced made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions. Printing to your specific measurements helps reduce unnecessary excess paper compared to standard wallpaper rolls. All of our wall murals are PVC-free and printed on a quality paper featuring a subtle physical structure. Our wallpapers are designed to be straightforward to hang, making it easy to bring unique artist-made designs into your home.