Wallpaper - Parallel Currents

Created by Kate Jarvik Birch, our Parallel Currents wallpaper captures two koi fish gliding gracefully through deep water beneath floating lily pads. The composition brings together vivid tones of orange, crimson, and crisp white against deep teal and shadowy black waters, balanced by the muted green foliage of the lily pads. What we particularly like is the fluid, painted-looking character of the brushwork, which lends an expressive sense of movement and depth to the wall. Like all Wallism wallpapers, this design is made-to-measure according to your wall dimensions and printed on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure.

In the room

The dynamic curves and rich color contrast make this mural wallpaper an engaging focal point for residential living spaces. We see it working exceptionally well as a feature wall behind a sofa in a living room, above a headboard in a primary bedroom, or framing a dining area. The bold diagonal movement of the koi carries strong visual energy, so we suggest giving the design a wide, relatively uninterrupted wall where the full composition and sense of motion can unfold without being cut off by tall storage units or heavy shelving.

In rooms with steady natural daylight, the subtle tonal shifts in the teal water and the translucent fin details become especially vivid. For a powder room, entryway, or study, the darker water backdrop creates an intimate, enveloping atmosphere that anchors the space without feeling crowded.

Styling it

Because our wall murals carry distinct narrative and artistic weight, we prefer surrounding this design with understated interior elements that let the artwork take center stage:

• Pair the wallpaper with simple, clean-lined furniture in warm natural woods like teak or walnut to complement the glowing orange and coral tones of the fish.
• Incorporate quiet, unpatterned upholstery in cream, oatmeal, or muted sage to ground the room without competing with the lively aquatic scene.
• Select minimal matte black or brushed metal accents in light fixtures and hardware to echo the deep shadows and water ripples in the composition.

Color combinations

Our Parallel Currents wallpaper is built around a striking contrast between the rich orange, red, and white scales of the koi, the calm sage and olive of the lily pads, and the deep blue-green and charcoal shades of the water.

When choosing colors for adjacent walls, trim, or surrounding decor, we suggest working with warm ivory, soft linen, or pale stone to create a gentle, airy contrast against the deeper areas of the mural. If you prefer a moodier, more cohesive look, pulling a deep teal or muted slate from the background onto adjacent painted walls or baseboards creates an immersive, seamless flow. Subtle accents in terracotta or dusty rust can also be pulled into throw pillows or ceramics to naturally echo the warmth of the koi.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, we produce our wallpapers made-to-measure based on the exact dimensions you provide. Producing wallpaper to your specific wall measurements helps reduce unnecessary excess material compared with standard fixed-roll wallpaper.

Our wallpapers are PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle physical structure. Designed to be straightforward to hang, our wall murals provide a reliable, design-led solution whether you own your home or live in a rental property.