I'll be honest: I'm all for playful decor, but layering framed art over wallpaper is a trend I have historically been skeptical of. Leave it to Zooey Deschanel, whose style leans whimsical and delightfully maximalist, to make me believe that this is actually a genius design move.
The actor recently shared a snap of her eclectic wall, and it features a cobalt blue-painted lower third, contrasted by floral wallpaper covering the rest of the surface area. As a final touch, she has placed a framed piece of art depicting a moody, natural scene against the wall, creating a focal point in the colorful area. It's yet another example of why the rule of three never fails.
The area is certainly busy, but delightfully so. The gold frame zones the art from the wallpaper, while the dark blues (a major color trend for 2026) dance together harmoniously.
To achieve the look, begin with a patterned wallpaper that features a hero color that you are looking to work with. Zooey has the Milton & King Dandelions Wallpaper, which features the perfect balance of blues, creams, and reds for a bright and elevated color palette.
Next, source a frame that will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style. This antique one from Etsy is intricate and elegant, ensuring that it will complement any artwork it houses.
Finally, find a complementary paint to add to the lower third of your wall for a color-blocked, cohesive look. If you're going for a blue-dominated aesthetic, we are big fans of Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue, but lighter blues would look just as gorgeous.
Shop the look
Zooey's exact wallpaper comes courtesy of Milton & King, a premium wallpaper brand that specializes in sustainable materials and artistic prints. This dandelion style is no exception, with gorgeous hues of blue and flecks of red for contrast.
This rich, dark blue paint is an editor's pick for good reason. It's moody and sophisticated yet versatile from the living room to the kitchen and beyond.
We love this traditional, ornate-style frame, which gives any artwork a vintage feel (and, as Zooey demonstrates, looks fabulous against patterned wallpaper).
From their gold finish to their leaf shape, these unique sconces come in a perfect pair, making a fabulous addition to a living room, hallway, or den.
A counter lamp is a fun way to bring in a pop of color, and this baby blue design is sure to make a bold statement. It's a playful take on the classic bobbin furniture, bringing in a new form to your living area. This design is also available in pink, yellow, beige, and crimson, so there's a color for every style.
From its deep navy coloring to its vintage-inspired motifs, this rug is a classic and timeless choice for any room. It's power-loomed and features a medium pile that feels soft and comfortable underfoot.
