Wallpaper - The Open Sea

Our The Open Sea wallpaper captures the raw, energetic movement of an open ocean through fluid watercolor brushwork. Designed from artwork by William Henry Holmes, the composition balances rolling crests of deep sea blue, foam white, and muted coastal green beneath a dramatic, clouded sky layered with taupe and earthy brown undertones. The sweeping horizon line and expressive paint strokes give this wall mural an immersive visual depth, making it a compelling focal point across residential walls. Like all Wallism wallpapers, this design is made-to-measure according to your specific wall dimensions and printed on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure.

In the room

Because this mural wallpaper carries strong horizontal movement and rich tonal contrast, we especially like giving it a wider, uninterrupted wall where the full expanse of the seascape can unfold naturally. In a living room, it works wonderfully as a main feature wall behind a sofa, anchoring the seating area without feeling visually crowded.

In a study, home office, or library, the moody sky and deep ocean palette bring a contemplative, grounded atmosphere that pairs well with quieter moments. For a bedroom or guest room, placing the design behind the headboard allows the dramatic sky to draw the eye upward while the darker wave crests sit comfortably behind the bed. We also see this working well in a dining room or hallway, where generous wall length lets the rolling rhythm of the water guide the visual flow of the space.

Styling it

When decorating around this design, we prefer to keep the larger furniture pieces simple in silhouette so the fluid brushwork of the ocean remains the primary statement in the room.

• Pair the deep ocean tones with warm, natural woods such as walnut or mid-tone oak, which bring out the taupe and earthy shades in the sky.
• Balance the expressive motion of the waves with simple, unpatterned upholstery in cream, soft grey, or sand tones to maintain a calm visual equilibrium.
• Incorporate matte black metal or aged bronze accents in lighting fixtures and hardware to complement the darker storm tones in the upper composition.

Color combinations

The wallpaper is built on a rich foundation of deep sea blues, coastal greens, and foamy whites, set against cloudy taupe and subtle brown earth tones.

When choosing paint colors for adjacent walls, trim, or cabinetry, pulling out the warm taupe and sand tones from the clouds creates a seamless, softened transition that lets the wallpaper stand out naturally. For a more dramatic, immersive room scheme, deep navy or slate blue on adjacent doors and millwork echoes the deepest points of the ocean waves. If you prefer a lighter, more open feel, muted off-white or soft warm grey on trim keeps the surrounding space fresh while framing the watercolor artwork cleanly.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are produced made-to-measure to match the precise dimensions of your wall. Custom production ensures the design scales appropriately for your room while helping reduce unnecessary excess wallpaper compared to standard fixed rolls.

Our wallpapers are PVC-free and printed on a paper substrate with a subtle physical structure that adds depth to the printed artwork. Designed to be straightforward and easy to hang, our wall murals provide a reliable decorating solution for homeowners and renters looking to bring distinctive character into their living spaces.