Wallpaper has made such an interesting return to interior design! No, it’s not your grandma’s old floral prints; it’s bold and beautiful. What we’re seeing now is completely different from what you might remember from decades past. Today’s styles are sophisticated design tools that can genuinely transform a space with color, texture, depth, and artistic presence.
The wallpaper resurgence speaks to something larger that’s happening in residential design. It continues the shift away from minimalism’s restrained white and grey tones, embracing maximalism’s warmth, moodiness, and playful use of color and pattern. It’s all about homes that feel personal, layered, and lived in.
Thinking Beyond Traditional Applications
This contemporary trend is also encouraging the use of wallpaper in unexpected places—beyond a traditional accent wall, but as a bold design statement, or a way to add architectural interest.
We’ve guided our clients to use it to define an inspiring writing nook—a tucked-away space to quietly be alone with your thoughts. Also, a dramatic powder room layered with bold flowers in deep, rich tones above wainscoting creates an environment that’s both inviting and serene.
Stairways, laundry rooms, mud rooms, and every area of the house provide opportunities to add creativity and charm. In open floor plans, wallpaper is being used to define zones, keeping the flow of space open, while adding subtle distinction through design rather than structure.
Perhaps the most intriguing use is the celebration of ‘the fifth wall’— the ceiling—by enveloping the entire room in wallpaper. The ceiling, usually overlooked and simply painted white, becomes an integral part of the design. By covering all 5 walls, or intentionally highlighting just the ceiling with wallpaper, the design gains a sense of cohesion, luxury, and a feeling of immersion.
Finding Your Aesthetic
Wallpaper in 2025 has range! From organic elements, large-scale botanicals to scenic murals, geometric patterns, or subtle plaids, there is a style for everyone to love. Textures that mimic natural materials—grass cloth, linen, even stone—add dimension and warmth you can feel.
From Bold to Subtle: Style Examples
- Earthy, muted palettes create grounded, serene environments that bring the outside in.
- Metallic designs featuring geometric or retro patterns add a touch of luxury.
- Scenic murals offer a hand-painted look, infusing rooms with artistry and depth.
- Traditional plaid brings a timeless, classic feel with tailored sophistication.
- Heritage-inspired prints celebrate the past with a fresh twist.
- Rich saturated colors (think Pantone Mocha Mousse) provide mood and a layered, intimate feel.
- Playful quirky motifs are a great way to express yourself, embrace your personality, and celebrate your individuality.
Creating Something Enduring
The sophisticated use of wallpaper in 2025 enhances architecture and balances other materials. It’s another way to create spaces that feel both current and timeless—rooms with visual interest that you’ll still love years from now. It completes a space.
Take a second look at wallpaper, it’s a versatile design element that can be subtle or bold, traditional or contemporary. The question is really: how do you want to express yourself?
