There’s one thing in home spaces that interior designers say are due for a comeback, and it’s something you might not expect. The Spruce, in conversation with professional designer Abigail Morris, is predicting the return of old-school elements for home interiors. These are furnishings and finishes that you think are dated, but when brought to your spaces with a sense of intentionality, become a striking inclusion. One of these are wallpapers, and future homes are finding ways to incorporate it with a better sense of style.
The Renewed Flair of Wallpapers
Wallpapers have always been a mixed bag when it comes to designing interiors. Homes with this kind of finish benefit from the multitude of patterns and motifs that you can bring in without it occupying floor space. But, it’s exactly this abundance of visual elements that makes people avoid it. In the last years (the last decades, even), people are moving to more minimal, less cluttered looks.
The re-emerging interest for wallpapers, though, is a sign that more people are less averse to patterns, and in fact, embracing them. More and more homeowners want personable spaces. Especially since there are so many talented wallpaper designers who bring out their artistry in their work, there’s surely a design out there that one would want to bring in their homes.
The twist is more thought out means to incorporate patterns. The way interior designers are enjoying using wallpapers? Not on walls, in fact. On ceilings!
This is not really a new technique, but you can expect more homes to try it out. Small areas like powder rooms and reading nooks benefit from this type of shake up.
Using wallpapers as borders for walls and around doors are also ways to use wallpapers without committing too much to it. The difference, as Morris says, is all about scale, which is honestly what today’s homes are all about—curated selections and careful inclusions of the things we love.
Mixing wallpapers with panelling and framing also allows you to enjoy various designs while creating a final look that’s high-end and sophisticated.
Certain designs and patterns may not be suitable for shared spaces, but if it works for you, you can always get wallpapers for your own room.
Surface Prep Tips for Installing Wallpapers
Wallpapers can make an impact when the surface you are working on is in its best condition. Keep your walls smooth, even and dry.
When starting with bare concrete, you have to first prime with Boysen Permacoat Flat Latex B-701 White. Correct imperfections with a size of up to 1 mm with Boysen Masonry Putty. For imperfections up to 2 mm, use Boysen Perma-putty.
Once the priming process is done, apply a full coat of Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion. This layer functions as a barrier to protect your wallpapers from dampness coming from the concrete. You can also use this for drywall.
Take note that Clear Acrylic Emulsion cannot be used as a sealer against moisture for wood surfaces.
Wallpapers in 2027: In or Out?
Maybe wallpaper finishes are just another fad that’s bound to lose popularity in favor of more minimal looks that can still have depth and variation. Concrete textures anyone? For lovers of patterns, there are also other ways to get it for different areas of the home. Tile finishes and textiles, like through curtains and cushions, can help you create the interiors that fit your vision.
The key is always to know yourself. If you want finishes for the long-term, wallpapers can look amazing, with the right surface preparation, of course. Though, know your tastes before you decide on major home design choices. Don’t just follow trends, use them as guides to materialize your own personal vision. After all, wonderful wallpapers for your home will hit different.
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