Wonder Wall

Today’s wallpaper designs are a far cry from your grandmother’s, which helps explain the revival wallpaper is having in the world of interior design. Wallpaper can be cozy, invigorating, whimsical, luxurious and much more.

“Yesterday’s wallpaper patterns were generally uninspiring small repeats and patterns, intended to blend in rather than stand out and make a statement,” notes Lauren Love, co-founder of wallpaper design studio Abnormals Anonymous in Poulsbo. “Current wallpaper patterns are designed to be expressive, creating spaces that feel lived-in and evoke an ambiance or emotion that even the most saturated paint hue cannot deliver.”

Among designs now trending are large botanical and landscape wallpaper that play into biophilic design themes, providing a visual connection with nature and the outdoors. Wallpaper murals composed of large panoramic scenes are also gaining popularity, cancelling the need for wall-hung art.

Vibrant color is part of the wallpaper renaissance, which tracks with “interior design following the fashion world,” according to Sarah Gordon, a textile and wallpaper designer on Bainbridge Island. She’s fond of wallpapers that complement a room’s overall color palette and believes it is especially well-suited for alcoves and accent walls.

Art-Deco inspired wallpaper pattern, Love You More, by Abnormals Anonymous