Wallpaper is back, and the latest designs are a long way from the dated prints of decades past. With an extraordinary range of colours, patterns, textures, and finishes now available, it has re-emerged as one of the most effective and versatile tools in interior design. Whether you are looking to create a dramatic focal point, add warmth to a neutral room, or do something entirely unexpected, wallpaper can get you there faster and more affordably than almost any other single change.
Wallpaper has a longer history than most people realise. It began in the 1400s as an affordable alternative to tapestry, and by the early 1800s, with the arrival of steam-powered printing presses, it became accessible to households across Britain and beyond. It remained enormously popular for well over a century before falling out of fashion in the late 1980s. Today, with so many new types and finishes available, it is once again appearing in contemporary homes to spectacular effect.
One of the most exciting developments in modern wallpaper is the ability to print your own photographs directly onto it. Feature a favourite image, a cherished family moment, a favourite poem, or a set of words that mean something to you. A personalised feature wall is entirely unique to your home and impossible to replicate anywhere else. It is also a genuinely meaningful alternative to hanging a framed print.
A full-wall image is one of the most dramatic things you can do to a room, and it does not require a large budget to pull off. Choose a scene from nature such as a rainforest, a seascape, or a botanical print for a calming, organic atmosphere. Opt for an urban skyline or an abstract graphic if you want something with more edge and energy. Because the wall itself becomes the visual centrepiece, the rest of the room can remain relatively neutral, which actually makes styling the space easier, not harder.
For those who love texture as much as pattern, there are genuinely innovative options now available. Wallpaper made from woven strips of recycled newspaper, for example, produces a three-dimensional, tactile finish that is as interesting to touch as it is to look at. These sustainable options are becoming increasingly sought after and add a layer of character that printed wallpaper simply cannot achieve on its own. If you are drawn to natural materials and organic textures in your interiors generally, this category of wallpaper is worth exploring.
Iconic wallpaper designs by Florence Broadhurst remain a favourite for good reason. Bold, graphic, and unmistakably Australian, they add instant personality to a room. For maximum impact, carry the same pattern across coordinating soft furnishings such as lampshades or cushion covers. The repetition turns a single design choice into a complete, considered look rather than an isolated feature.
Children's rooms deserve a little more imagination, and wallpaper is one of the most practical ways to deliver it. Interactive designs featuring oversized frames that children can colour in, draw on, or use to display their own artwork are a playful and genuinely useful way to involve them in their own space. These designs grow and change with the child in a way that a painted wall never can.
For those who want something truly special, there are wallpapers available that incorporate metallic finishes, textured weaves, and even crystal detailing into their construction. The result is a surface that catches the light in a way no paint finish could replicate. Used on a single feature wall, a wallpaper like this becomes the undisputed centrepiece of a room. Hang an ornate mirror or a curated collection of framed pieces on top to add further layers of interest.
Modern wallpaper is far easier to remove than older varieties. Non-woven paper can be sprayed with water and peeled away cleanly, and in many cases reused elsewhere. This makes it a far less permanent commitment than many people assume.
Wallpaper also works hard for the proportions of a room. Large prints in warm tones draw walls inward and create a cosier, more intimate atmosphere. Smaller prints in lighter colours open a space up and make it feel more generous. As a practical bonus, wallpaper conceals cracks and surface imperfections that paint alone cannot disguise.
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Do not be afraid to use wallpaper in unexpected places. Lining the back of a bookshelf creates a surprise moment of colour each time a book is moved. Covering the door panel of a cabinet adds a considered detail that elevates a piece of furniture from ordinary to interesting. A Dulux colour consultant can also help you find a wall paint that complements your chosen wallpaper if you are mixing the two in the same space.
The possibilities are genuinely endless, and the commitment is far smaller than most people expect.
If you would like to explore wallpaper options for your home, get in touch. We would love to help you find something that works beautifully for your space.
