Do it on the floor
Here’s more proof that wallpaper isn’t just for walls (or tabletops): Modern Mechanix has posted a 1948 Popular Science article (shown here) that advocates the use of wallpaper on floors. Though it may seem impractical, the then-editors PopSci gave the project a test drive for durability; after 5 months of heavy foot traffic, they found no noticeable wear and tear.
How to: Choose a heavy stock wallpaper with little or no white in its design. Prep the floor by filling in cracks filled and smoothing uneven spots. You can use regular wallpaper paste to apply the paper, but make sure to protect it with two layers of shellac and one layer of varnish.
This paper experiment might work well in rooms that were built for utility (i.e. the concrete floors of basements and sheds) as well as in more heavily trafficked areas. Perhaps you could install [faux] wood floors with a wood grain pattern or go the natural route with a river stone design. Or you could just go crazy by using a more traditional floral print on the floor and hanging a rug on the wall. Who doesn’t need a little Dada in their home life?
