Wallpaper - A Conversation in Water

Swirling blue and soft lilac ripples flow across the wall in our A Conversation in Water wallpaper, designed by Kate Jarvik Birch. The composition captures a serene underwater scene where a calm face floats among vibrant orange goldfish and fluid aquatic currents. Rendered with the delicate, expressive look of watercolour and ink, the artwork balances sweeping organic movement with striking pops of colour. It is one of our mural wallpapers that instantly establishes an artistic, fluid presence across a room. Printed made-to-measure on our PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure, it offers an expressive backdrop that is straightforward to hang.

In the room

Because this design functions as a flowing narrative mural, we particularly like seeing it on a wider, uninterrupted wall where the full underwater movement can unfold without heavy visual breaks. It works wonderfully across a feature wall behind a bed in the bedroom, or along a main living room wall where the cool blue water tones and vivid goldfish can serve as a natural focal point. In a dining room, home office, or guest room, giving the wallpaper an open surface allows the delicate interplay between light and deep water to create a calm, immersive atmosphere. In more compact areas like an entryway, dressing room, or powder room, wrapping a wall in these flowing blues brings an intimate, creative depth to the space.

Styling it

The expressive underwater illustration carries significant artistic weight, so we recommend pairing it with considered, relatively quiet furnishings that give the motif space to breathe.

• Balance the cool aquatic blue and lilac tones with warm, natural materials such as mid-tone wood furniture or understated woven accents.
• Pick up on the vivid orange of the goldfish through subtle decorative details, such as a small ceramic piece, warm accent cushion, or tailored upholstery.
• Keep surrounding architectural lines clean and uncluttered to let the fluid, hand-painted aesthetic of the wall mural remain the primary visual statement in the room.

Colour combinations

The palette of our wallpaper is anchored by deep blues, aquatic teals, and soft lilac ripples, punctuated by popping orange and coral tones in the goldfish. When selecting paint colours for adjacent walls, skirting boards, or cabinetry, muted off-whites, soft cool greys, or gentle slate blues create a seamless and cohesive backdrop. If you prefer to lean into warmth and contrast, surrounding the design with earthy terracotta accents, warm ochre, or muted peach draws out the rich tones of the fish while balancing the cooler depths of the water.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are produced made-to-measure to fit the exact dimensions of your wall. This tailored approach helps reduce unnecessary excess wallpaper compared to standard rolls, giving you a custom fit for your specific room.

All of our wall murals are PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle, refined surface structure. Designed to be straightforward to hang, our wallpapers offer versatile options suited to different interior spaces and living situations, whether you own your home or rent.