Wallpaper is back—and it’s bolder, brighter, and more versatile than ever. After years of neutral paint dominating home interiors, homeowners are embracing pattern, texture, and color with open arms. If you’ve been on the fence about wallpaper, it might be time to reconsider.
Amanda Nogales of Three Brushes, a local painting and wallpaper installation company, has seen firsthand how wallpaper is transforming homes. “With just a half bath or an accent wall, you can drastically change the entire feel of a space,” she says. So what’s fueling this wallpaper resurgence? According to Amanda, it’s a combination of DIY-friendly products, social media inspiration, and a growing desire for customization.
The Evolution of Wallpaper Trends
Forget the outdated, hard-to-remove wallpaper of decades past. Today’s options include peel-and-stick varieties for the commitment-phobic, hand-painted murals for the artistically inclined, and traditional wallpapers that offer rich texture and depth. Homeowners are gravitating toward bold choices—vintage floral patterns, geometric designs, faux finishes, and large-scale murals. Maximalism is having a moment, with deep colors and daring prints replacing the all-white, minimalist look of recent years.
One of the most exciting developments is the ability to create custom wallpaper. “Just like I can match a paint color to a favorite pillow or artwork, homeowners can now design their own wallpaper,” Amanda explains. This allows for truly one-of-a-kind spaces that reflect personal tastes and stories.
Beyond aesthetics, wallpaper also offers a practical solution for imperfect walls. Instead of investing in extensive repairs to prepare walls for painting, some homeowners opt for wallpaper to mask minor imperfections.
Fear of Commitment? Start Small
For those intrigued by wallpaper but hesitant to go all in, Amanda suggests easing into the trend. “Pick a small space—maybe a half bath or a single wall in an office,” she advises. “The last thing we want is a loud pattern in a commonly used space if the homeowner isn’t in love with it.”
Choosing a simpler pattern or starting with peel-and-stick wallpaper can help test the waters. And if commitment is still a concern, remember that wallpaper removal has come a long way. Unlike the stubborn papers of the past, modern wallpapers are designed to be more forgiving when it’s time for a change.
The Dos and Don’ts of Wallpapering
If you’re ready to dive in, keep these expert-approved tips in mind for a flawless finish:
- Order Samples: Online images can be deceiving. Always order samples before committing to a design.
- Buy Extra Rolls: Slight variations in print batches mean it’s best to have more than you need rather than risk running out.
- Prep Your Walls: The quality of your wallpaper installation depends on the surface underneath. Imperfect walls require proper prepping to avoid a bumpy finish.
- Consider the Room’s Conditions: High-moisture areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, need wallpapers with a vinyl finish to resist humidity and grease.
- Don’t Skimp on Installation: Wallpaper application requires precision. A poor install may not reveal its flaws immediately, but over time, bubbles, peeling edges, and misaligned patterns will surface.
The Perfect Pairing: Wallpaper and Paint
As a seasoned expert in both wallpaper and painting, Amanda sees an opportunity to combine the two for maximum impact. “Wallpaper used as an accent with the right paint color surrounding it creates a bold yet cohesive look,” she explains. Thoughtful placement—like wallpapering a ceiling, using it as wainscoting, or incorporating it into built-in shelving—can elevate a room without overwhelming it.
For those who adore a dramatic wallpaper pattern but fear it may be too much, Amanda suggests using it as a backdrop rather than an accent. “Think built-ins or those little nooks in your home that you just don’t know what they’re for—wallpaper!”
Wallpaper can also be used in unconventional ways to add architectural interest. Covering just the top or bottom half of a wall, mimicking chair rail or wainscoting, or extending wallpaper from the ceiling down onto the walls can create a dynamic and customized effect. These approaches allow homeowners to experiment without covering an entire room, keeping things fresh and balanced.
A Personalized Home That Stands Out
With the rise of social media showcasing stunning, personality-packed interiors, homeowners are more eager than ever to create spaces that feel unique and personal. Bespoke wallpaper designs—whether hand-painted, custom-printed, or layered for texture—allow for an artistic and individualized touch. “Cookie-cutter is out,” Amanda says. “Homeowners don’t want to feel like they’re living in a model home anymore.”
If you’ve been playing it safe with neutrals but longing for something more exciting, consider dipping your toes into the wallpaper trend. Start small, take your time choosing a pattern, and trust the process. You just might fall in love with a little—or a lot—of wallpaper.
Three Brushes Painting
(404) 530-9348
threebrushespainting.com
"Wallpaper isn’t just décor—it’s personality on your walls. Bold patterns, rich textures, and custom designs are transforming homes everywhere."