Wallpaper - Exit Strategy

Created by Kate Jarvik Birch, our Exit Strategy wallpaper presents a surreal painted scene where a closed red door stands directly in open ocean waters, illuminated by a glowing red EXIT sign overhead. Warm coral and golden light spills across the water's surface, contrasting with the rich teal, deep navy, and dusky mauve tones of the evening sky and rolling sea. The expressive brushwork gives the artwork a painterly quality that creates an evocative focal point in any room. Like all of our wallpapers, this design is made-to-measure and PVC-free with a subtle physical texture in the paper.

In the room

Because of its central focal point and distinct horizon line, we see this wall mural working best on a main accent wall where the entire composition can unfold without interruption. It makes a bold statement in a living room, positioned behind a low-profile sofa, or as a striking backdrop in a home office or creative studio. In a bedroom, placing it behind the headboard centers the glowing doorway, allowing the cooler ocean tones to extend outward and frame the sleeping space. Giving the design an open wall ensures the interplay between the sea, sky, and illuminated reflection remains clear and balanced.

Styling it

When decorating around this design, we recommend balancing its strong narrative imagery with clean-lined furniture and thoughtful material choices:

• Choose low-slung, contemporary seating or streamlined desks that leave the horizon line and central doorway visible.
• Pair the artwork with dark wood finishes or deep charcoal painted furniture to echo the shadowed waves and twilight sky.
• Bring in brushed brass or warm metallic accents on lighting fixtures and hardware to complement the warm glow cast across the water.

Color combinations

The artwork pairs rich oceanic blues and teal with vibrant coral reds, blush pinks, and warm golden highlights. For surrounding walls, deep navy, dusty slate blue, or muted charcoal draw out the atmospheric depths of the sky and sea. If you prefer a lighter, more open space, soft blush, warm taupe, or an off-white with gentle red undertones will pick up the warm light reflecting on the waves without competing with the red door.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, we produce made-to-measure wallpapers tailored to your specific wall dimensions, which helps reduce unnecessary excess paper compared to standard rolls. Our wallpapers are PVC-free, have a subtle physical structure in the paper surface, and are designed to be straightforward and easy to hang in a variety of living spaces.