Wallpaper - Goldfish Chillin

In this design by Kate Jarvik Birch, a vibrant orange goldfish glides above a pale blue ground against a deep petrol blue backdrop. What we particularly like is the rich contrast between the luminous orange scales and the cool aquatic tones, complemented by floating bubbles and a distinct cast shadow that lends a subtle sense of depth to the painted composition. The painted, gouache-like texture gives the subject an expressive, characterful quality that stands out immediately on the wall. Our custom wallpapers are printed made-to-measure on PVC-free paper with a subtle physical surface structure.

In the room

We see this wall mural working particularly well as an accent wall where its large-scale central subject can take centre stage. In a bathroom or a powder room, the aquatic theme feels natural while the saturated palette brings warmth and personality. It also works wonderfully in a creative home office, bedroom, or living area where you want a playful yet considered focal point. Because the goldfish is positioned centrally with generous open space around it, we recommend placing it on an uninterrupted wall where furniture will not obscure the main figure or its cast shadow.

Styling it

To let the expressive artwork lead the room, we would keep the surrounding interior clean and relatively understated. Contemporary furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes balances the playful nature of the illustration without competing for attention.

• Pair with light oak or blonde wood finishes to complement the golden tones of the fish without darkening the room.
• Introduce crisp white or matte black accents in lighting and hardware to echo the graphic contrast found in the painting.
• Keep nearby fabrics and upholstery in quiet, solid textures like plain woven wool or cotton rather than busy patterns.

Colour combinations

The wallpaper is anchored by a bold dialogue between warm and cool tones: vivid orange, tangerine, and warm ochre against deep teal, slate blue, and soft powder blue.

To create a balanced scheme, we recommend taking cues from the background with painted adjacent walls in muted slate or soft off-white. For a bolder, more enveloping feel, dark petrol blue cabinetry or trim works beautifully to extend the depth of the upper background. If you want to introduce subtle warmth in soft furnishings, small accents in terracotta or apricot will tie directly back to the fish's glowing scales.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our mural wallpapers are made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions, which helps reduce unnecessary excess wallpaper compared to standard rolls. Produced on PVC-free paper with a light paper structure, our wallpapers are designed to be straightforward to hang in any home.