For a decade or more, wallpaper was treated as a liability in residential real estate — something you'd have to remove before selling, a design choice that would date your home. That era is over. Wallpaper is back, and it's one of the most exciting tools in the luxury interior designer's arsenal, with a range and quality of product that far exceeds what was available even five years ago.
Why Wallpaper Now
The simple answer is that the product got better. Contemporary luxury wallpaper — from British manufacturers like de Gournay, Cole & Son, Fromental, and Zoffany, and from American manufacturers like Farrow & Ball, Calico, and Flavor Paper — is in a different category from what most people picture when they hear "wallpaper." We're talking about hand-printed, hand-painted, and digitally printed papers with extraordinary depth and quality of surface, in designs that range from classic toile to abstract botanical to architecturally-scaled geometric.
The application techniques have also improved. Peel-and-stick papers allow wallpaper in rental situations. Strippable papers remove cleanly. Vinyl-coated papers are appropriate for bathrooms. The barriers to use have largely disappeared.
The Powder Room as Testing Ground
The powder room is the conventional entry point for wallpaper, and for good reason: it's small, it's a destination room, it doesn't need to harmonize with adjacent spaces in the way a hallway or living room does, and the small square footage keeps the cost manageable even for very expensive paper. More importantly, a powder room is a place where a dramatic design statement is almost always the right choice — you want guests to notice it.
We've used de Gournay's hand-painted papers in powder rooms in Orinda and Lafayette at prices that would seem extraordinary in a larger context but are entirely reasonable for a 40-square-foot room. The effect is unforgettable.
Beyond the Powder Room
The more exciting wallpaper applications are in rooms where it's less expected:
- Dining rooms — a bold botanical or scenic paper in a dining room is one of the most spectacular interior gestures available. The room is used for fixed-duration occasions, which means the intensity of the wallpaper is never fatiguing.
- Primary bedrooms — a mural paper or a large-scale pattern behind the bed creates a headboard effect without furniture, and an atmosphere of depth and richness that paint alone cannot achieve
- Libraries and studies — grasscloth or textured paper behind bookshelves creates a backdrop that makes books look beautiful and the room feel curated
- Stair halls and entry foyers — the transition spaces of a home, where bold wallpaper makes an immediate statement and establishes the home's design intention
Practical Considerations
Before committing to wallpaper in any space, we address several practical questions. Substrate preparation is critical — wallpaper applied to poorly prepared drywall will telegraph every imperfection. We prime and skim-coat walls before wallpaper application as a standard practice. Pattern repeat and room dimensions should be considered together — a large-pattern paper in a narrow hallway can result in significant waste and awkward repeats.
In bathrooms beyond the powder room, moisture management matters. We use appropriate paper types for wet-adjacent applications and ensure proper ventilation is in place before recommending wallpaper.
The Investment Perspective
Good wallpaper is an investment, not a trend purchase. A well-chosen, well-installed paper in a dining room or entry hall will look beautiful for fifteen to twenty years and can be removed cleanly when you're ready for something new. The cost per year, amortized, is modest relative to the impact.
If you're curious about incorporating wallpaper in an upcoming renovation — whether as a bold statement or a subtle texture — our team works with some of the best paper sources available and has the installation network to execute it properly.
How Can You Choose the Right Wallpaper for Your Space?
Selecting the perfect wallpaper involves more than just picking a pretty pattern. Consider the overall aesthetic of your home and the specific function of each room. Here are some practical tips to guide your selection:
- Assess the Lighting: Different wallpapers can look vastly different depending on the lighting conditions. Test samples in the actual lighting of your rooms to see how colors and patterns change throughout the day.
- Consider Scale and Pattern: Larger rooms can handle bold, larger-scale patterns, while smaller spaces may benefit from more delicate designs. For instance, oversized botanical prints can create a stunning focal point in a spacious living room, while a subtle trellis pattern adds texture without overwhelming a compact hallway.
- Coordinate with Existing Elements: Take into account the colors and materials already present in your decor. If you have a favorite piece of artwork or a unique furniture item, select a wallpaper that complements but does not compete with these elements.
- Texture Matters: Textured wallpapers, such as grasscloth or fabric-backed vinyl, can add depth and interest. These options can also help conceal imperfections in the walls, making them ideal for older homes.
What Are Some Unique Ways to Incorporate Wallpaper?
While walls are the most common place for wallpaper, its application can extend beyond conventional uses. Here are some innovative ideas for incorporating wallpaper into your interiors:
- Ceilings: Elevate your design by applying wallpaper to the ceiling. A bold pattern can create a stunning visual impact and draw the eye upward. For example, a soft botanical print can add a serene touch to a bedroom, making it feel more intimate.
- Accent Walls: Create a dramatic accent wall by applying wallpaper to just one section of a room. This technique can break up large spaces and offer a striking contrast against neutral walls. In a dining room, consider a rich, textured wallpaper behind a buffet or dining set to serve as a beautiful backdrop.
- Furniture and Accessories: Wallpaper can also be applied to furniture pieces like dressers, nightstands, or even the backs of bookshelves. This approach allows you to create personalized statement pieces that reflect your style without committing to a full room transformation.
- Paneling or Framing: Use wallpaper within framed panels or as part of a wainscoting design. This method can add sophistication and a custom feel to your interior while allowing for easier changes in the future.
How Do You Maintain and Care for Wallpaper?
When you're ready to explore your project, learn more about our kitchen remodeling services and see what a full-service team can do for your home. Once you've chosen and installed your luxury wallpaper, it's vital to maintain it to ensure it looks pristine for years to come. Here are some essential care tips:
- Regular Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster to gently remove dust from the surface. This prevents buildup and maintains the wallpaper's vibrancy.
- Spot Cleaning: For stains or marks, check the manufacturer's recommendations, as different materials may require specific cleaning methods. Generally, a damp cloth with mild soap can be effective on washable wallpapers.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Be cautious in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Even vinyl-coated papers can be affected by high humidity, so ensure proper ventilation to prolong their lifespan.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly check your wallpaper for signs of peeling or bubbling. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage, which may require professional assistance for repairs.