Wallpaper - Once it Was

Captured by Nathan Larson, our Once it Was wallpaper presents a solitary rocky islet resting in a calm, open sea under a softly layered, overcast sky. The composition relies on quiet horizontal lines and an understated palette of cool slate, muted steel blue, and gentle grey tones. With its photographic depth and minimalist balance of negative space, this design brings a grounded, contemplative presence to an interior. Like all of our wallpapers, it is custom made-to-measure and printed on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure.

In the room

We particularly like how the expansive sea and sky create an open horizon, making this design well suited to a bedroom or living room wall where you want an uncluttered backdrop. The solitary rock sits in the lower third of the frame, which means a low-profile bed, sofa, or sideboard can sit in front of the wall without covering the main focal point. In a dedicated study, home office, or guest room, placing this mural wallpaper across a wider, uninterrupted wall gives the full seascape room to breathe. The cool, quiet tones also work well in a bathroom, powder room, or dining room, especially in spaces that receive soft natural daylight that highlights the subtle tonal gradations in the clouds.

Styling it

Because the composition is inherently minimal and atmospheric, we suggest pairing it with clean-lined contemporary or organic modern furnishings that echo its calm character. Low-slung furniture in muted grey, off-white, or washed black keeps the visual weight balanced across the room. Natural textures such as woven wool rugs or simple linen upholstery complement the photographic detail without adding competing visual noise. For accents, matte charcoal ceramics or subtle brushed metal fixtures provide a quiet, refined contrast against the cool slate backdrop.

Colour combinations

The wallpaper is defined by a cool spectrum of slate blue, charcoal rock detail, and atmospheric misty greys. To build a cohesive palette around it, we recommend painting adjoining walls and skirting in soft chalky off-whites or pale stone tones to maintain an airy, expansive feel. If you prefer a richer interior scheme, deep slate blue, charcoal, or cool indigo on woodwork and surrounding cabinetry will pick up the darker rock accents and anchor the space beautifully.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are produced made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions. This tailored approach helps reduce unnecessary excess material compared to purchasing standard rolls. Our wallpapers are PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle physical structure that adds depth to the finished surface. Designed to be straightforward to hang, our wall murals offer an effortless way to transform your home with art-led design.