I know some of you are still having flashbacks to the ‘90s—those floral nightmares and overbearing borders that felt like they’d swallow you whole. Believe me, I get it. But hear me out: it’s time to let go of that trauma because wallpaper has made a major comeback, and it’s better than ever.
Why do I think wallpaper’s so fantastic? Two reasons, simple as that. First, the sheer variety. The colors, patterns, and designs out there now are jaw-dropping. You can make a space feel dramatic, lush, or anything in between.
Second, it’s way easier to convince people to give it a shot nowadays. Back in the day, I had to beg and plead with my clients to even think about wallpaper. Now? People are practically running to try it out.
Being from the South, wallpaper has always been a must for me. It’s not just décor—it’s tradition. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I’ve always pushed for wallpaper in my projects.
There’s a richness, a depth you just can’t replicate with paint. Honestly, I used to feel like I was waging a war every time I suggested wallpaper. Most clients would begrudgingly let me put some up in a bathroom or maybe a dining room if I was lucky. But now? Forget it. We’re wallpapering every surface that doesn’t move.
What Wallpaper Really Does?
It makes a room feel like it belongs. Like it’s been there forever. In my house, I’d paper every single room if I could. There’s something about it—it gives a space a sense of permanence. Paint? That feels like a temporary fix.
Wallpaper is a commitment, and because it’s a process—picking the pattern, ordering it, having it installed—it makes the result feel special. You put in effort, and you feel it in the final look.
And the design possibilities? Endless. With wallpaper, I get to play with patterns in ways paint can’t touch. Pairing a geometric print with floral upholstery or a striped rug creates this layered, lived-in vibe that makes a space feel welcoming. It’s the secret ingredient to rooms that people don’t want to leave.
Are You Ready to Test the Wallpaper Waters?
Great. But how do you pick something you’ll still love years from now? Let’s be real—wallpaper isn’t cheap anymore. Those $10 rolls you used to find? Long gone. Today’s wallpapers are high-end, luxurious, and worth every penny. But because they’re an investment, you’ve got to choose carefully. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got some tips to make sure you nail it.
Rule 1: Big Prints Shine in Small Spaces
You’ve heard this before, but let me explain. Got your eye on that oversized tropical leaf print? Put it in a smaller room where it can pack a punch. Powder rooms are perfect for palm leaf wallpaper. Large patterns distort the edges of the space, making it feel bigger. Plus, you won’t spend hours in a powder room, so you won’t tire of the design.
Bonus tip: Paint the trim to match one of the wallpaper’s main colors. It creates a seamless look that tricks the eye into thinking the space is larger.
Rule 2: Small Patterns Are Underrated
A “ditty,” as some call it, is a small pattern repeated across a solid background. Don’t overlook these—they can transform large spaces. Small-scale patterns are subtle, creating texture without being overwhelming. In my bedroom, we used the sweetest little ditty that’s so soft and vintage. It’s like a quiet surprise every time you notice it.
Rule 3: Grasscloth Is a Must
Grasscloth adds texture and richness that paint simply can’t. Whether it’s chunky, earthy grasses or silky fine threads, it’s a timeless choice. But fair warning: never, ever use it in a bathroom with a shower. Moisture ruins it and creates an odor you’ll never forget.
Rule 4: Love a Fabric? Use It Anyway
If a fabric you adore doesn’t come in a wallpaper, don’t let that stop you. Have it laminated or backed and hang it as wallpaper. It’s not the same as upholstering a wall, but it’s just as impactful. A great installer can make it look seamless.
Rule 5: Prints Work Wonders in Bathrooms and Dining Rooms
Bathrooms and dining rooms are boxy by nature—lots of straight lines and hard surfaces. A bold print softens those edges and makes the space feel warm and inviting. Trust me, it’s magic.
At the end of the day, a perfect wallpaper for your walls hides flaws, pulls together color schemes, and transforms spaces. So go for it. Find a pattern you love, commit to it, and let it breathe life into your home. You won’t regret it.
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