Decorate a large, blank wall— How to Start

FEATURE AN ICONIC PATTERNED WALLPAPER

In an apartment designed by Nate Berkus, Martinique wallpaper (an iconic pattern from the Beverly Hills Hotel) sheaths this dining area; the vintage Pace Collection chairs are from Center 44 in New York City.

USE A COLOR-BLOCKED PATTERN

In a D.C. apartment designed by Nestor Santa-Cruz, a Crate & Barrel mirror hangs above a headboard of walnut and faux suede.

SHOWCASE A BOOKSHELF AND ART

The library of a Manhattan loft, which is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath, features a wall papered in a print by Neisha Crosland, and a photograph by Ellen Kooi is displayed in front of modular metal shelves; the chairs and Eclipse light fixture are by Ochre, and the rug is by Odegard.

DISPLAY FRAMED FAMILY PHOTOS

In a study by designer by Gwen Driscoll, Jonathan Adler benches sit in front of a Ted Boerner leather sofa; family photographs hang on the wall.

INSTALL A MIRRORED WALL

The Syrian chest of drawers in the bedroom of designer Sig Bergamin holds photographs by John Hall (left) and Tuca Reinés, an antique Chinese mask, and an Indian bone-inlaid box.

USE UPHOLSTERED PANELS

In a bedroom designed by Iain Halliday, a Saarinen armchair and custom bedside table are paired with a bed dressed in Frette linens; paintings by Anselm Reyle hang on walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Eagle Rock, the swing-arm sconces are from Hinson Lighting, and the carpet is by ABC Carpet & Home.

CHOOSE PATTERNED PAPER AND A TAPESTRY

In the den of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s Florida home, the Butterfield sofa, Beatrice lamp, and Richard Nixon rug are all Adler designs; the wallpaper and the butterfly tapestry are vintage, and the backgammon set is by Albrizzi.

HANG A DIVIDED PHOTOGRAPH

A photo by Peter Margonelli made into a grid in the living area of an apartment designed by Matthew Patrick Smyth; the 1930s French table base has a custom-made top.

USE A LARGE LEANING MIRROR

A hand-painted wall covering by de Gournay adorns the foyer of a Manhattan apartment designed by Iain Halliday, the antique French mirror is from Bijan Royal, and the rug is by Stark.

ADD BRIGHT VENETIAN PLASTER AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHS

In a Manhattan foyer decorated by Rafael de Cárdenas, fashion photographs by Melvin Sokolsky are displayed above a 1960s Brazilian credenza; the walls are Venetian plaster.

USE LACQUERED PAINT

A 19th-century French chandelier hangs above a dining table made from a pair of ’70s brass bases found on eBay; the ’40s French dining chairs are upholstered in a Lelièvre velvet, the shades are of a Lee Jofa silk, and the rug is by the Rug Company. The walls were painted with 10 coats of custom lacquer.