In a design world driven by speed and repetition, Porter Teleo stands apart by slowing down and working by hand. Known for high-end, hand-painted wallpapers and textiles, the company has become a favorite among leading interior designers across the country, appearing in everything from grand living spaces to celebrity homes.
Porter Teleo was founded by fine artist Kelly Porter and interior designer Bridgett Cochran, a partnership rooted in curiosity and creative confidence. Cochran explains, “Porter Teleo began very organically, sparked by casual conversation about how hand printed wallcoverings are made.” That conversation quickly turned into action. “I remember two quick sentences between us in that initial conversation: ‘We could do that,’ followed immediately by ‘We should do that.’”
Within weeks, Cochran had left a job she loved, and the pair were producing sample yardage in a shared studio. Early features in Interior Design, Metropolitan Home, and Women’s Wear Daily confirmed that their approach resonated. “In those early days each step naturally led to the next, fueled by just enough optimism to keep us going,” Cochran says.
From the beginning, Porter Teleo rejected the shortcuts common in wallpaper production. “Well first off, we paint our papers. These are not printed,” Porter says. “We actually hand paint everything, inch by inch.” Each wallcovering functions as original artwork, made on paper crafted by master artisans in Japan from renewable kozo plants, hand-mixed in crystal-clear river water. “This artisanal process gives our wallcoverings their unique, velvety texture,” Porter adds. “The very fact that these are made by human beings is valuable and precious in and of itself.”
The company’s signature style emerged from the hand-painted process itself. “Working by hand pushed us to embrace irregularity, nuance and restraint,” Cochran says. “We were creating something completely unique, not following the lead of larger more well-known manufacturers.” Over time, Porter Teleo became known for balancing thoughtful design with subtle imperfection. “Our wallcoverings are truly hand-painted from the start,” Cochran notes. “In many cases our aesthetic is the reference point other manufacturers look to as inspiration.”
Porter explains the creative process: “Bridgett and I work independently at first, as there are countless inspirations and sketches we are working on at any given time. After we get closer to developing an idea we want to launch into an official collection, then we work more collaboratively on color, scale, and thinking about the patterns more holistically.” A single pattern can go through more than 20 iterations before it is ready for production, each iteration refining the nuance, color, and scale to achieve the final vision.
Porter Teleo wallpapers appear in nearly every type of space imaginable. “We have seen them installed everywhere, from elevator vestibules to orangeries,” Cochran says. Dining rooms are often a favorite, as the hand-painted quality naturally sparks conversation, while smaller spaces such as powder rooms and entryways can create some of the most memorable moments.
High-profile clients have embraced the brand’s expressive approach. Porter highlights installations in Gwen Stefani’s home, Demi Lovato’s living room, and residences belonging to Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon, The Weeknd, and other musicians and athletes. “Some of the most memorable spaces have come from the AD TOP 100 Interior Designers,” Porter says, noting their ability to push boundaries with color, texture, and scale through custom palettes and designs.
Despite its reputation for bold statements, Porter Teleo also excels at subtle luxury. “Subtle patterns, tension between textures, refined tactile experiences are all present with our hand painted wallcoverings,” Porter says. Products like Fluid Tones offer a soft, enveloping alternative to paint, creating walls that feel more like textiles than flat surfaces.
Both founders correct a common misconception about wallpaper. “One misconception I’ve heard consistently for the past 20 years is that ‘wallpaper is making a comeback,’” Cochran says. “In serious design, wallpaper never truly went away. It isn’t a trend, it’s a fundamental tool.”
Porter Teleo continues to combine craftsmanship, artistry, and high design to create walls that are both functional and beautiful. In their hands, wallpaper is not just decoration but a statement, a conversation starter, and a work of art that elevates every space it touches.