This is not your grandmother’s ditsy floral pattern – unless you go for that sort of thing! The retro trend of cladding your rooms with wallpaper actually harkens further back to centuries past, when fine homes were showcases for pastoral murals in elegant gathering rooms. I was captivated by such features touring the 1819 residence turned Telfair Academy museum and other historic homes in Savannah last April.
As Millennials and Gen Z embrace hosting, (as earlier generations of proud homeowners have since our nation’s founding), they’re also embracing the wallpaper revival. According to Grandview Research, the global market is expected to continue its growth track of 4.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.
Origins of Wallpaper Revival Trend
The firm notes several contributing factors to the renewed popularity of wallpaper, including a rise in young homeowners spending heavily on their living spaces; the improvement of DIY-friendly, sustainable and low maintenance consumer products; heavier brand marketing to this segment, and even the pandemic’s shutdown months spurring home projects.
“Increasing demand for stain-resistant and eco-friendly wallpapers is creating a huge demand for wallpapers among consumers. Several manufacturers are testing the humidity levels to provide products and solutions to combat issues regarding bacterial growth,” the report observes.
Designers on Wallpaper Trend
A Winter 2022/2023 article in Portland Monthly announced that “Wallpaper is back, baby, but not like before” and quoted local designer Mandy Riggar attributing the wallpaper renaissance to an increase in affordable and accessible versions, like self-adhesive wallpapers that are easy to install and remove.
“In dopamine decor, pillows, rugs, and wallpaper aren’t just finishing touches – they’re the stars of the show! Playful patterns and a kaleidoscope of colors can be introduced through these textile elements,” declared the Down2Earth Interior Design blog in a June 28 post.
“Wallpaper is back in full force,” declared a July 9, 2021 post by the Knof Design Blog, observing, “So many people spent the last year stuck inside their homes, so it makes sense that there’s a huge boost in interest in revitalizing their designs.” (Some of these people spent the pandemic months honing their wallpapering skills, though modern peel and stick products have made the process much easier for the lay person.)
Wallpaper for Wellness Design
Like tile, wallpaper’s extraordinary range of aesthetic choices allows for extraordinary levels of creative personalization and self-expression. Unlike tile, it’s much easier for the average person to apply and generally less expensive and permanent. That ease in shaping your space offers tremendous potential for enjoyment, one of the five facets of wellness design. There are other benefits to your wellbeing too, that fulfill three more facets. (It’s hard to make a case that wallpaper enhances accessibility, the third facet, so I won’t.)
Health and Fitness Facet
Health and fitness is the first of the five, and wallpaper can help support it. For example, nature-inspired patterns of plants, animals and landscapes characterize biophilia, which has proven physical and mental health benefits. Even representations of nature, when you can’t get outside to experience the real thing, provides health enhancements like faster healing from injury and reduced need for pain management, according to an April 2018 Medical Construction & Design article.
Safety and Security Facet
This second facet, also crucial to your well-being, is being enhanced with wallpaper’s new antimicrobial technology. Reducing the potential for mold, mildew and germs that can live on other surfaces makes them safer and healthier.
Functionality Facet
The fourth facet of wellness design is functionality, which includes low maintenance and durability. As a smooth surface without crevices or grout, wallpaper is an easy-to-live-with finish that still delivers a powerful visual punch. There are different compositions with varying degrees of durability and permanence. Peel and stick formats that are helping to ignite the wallpaper trend are designed to deliver style on a temporary basis – ideal for renters and trend followers.
On the other hand, as Wallpaper Boulevard noted in a May 13, 2019 post, “A good, durable wallpaper can last for decades. There are some historic with wallpaper that has lasted over 100 years! But what kind of wallpaper is the right choice? The answer might surprise you. If you are looking for a long lasting and durable option, the clear winner is solid vinyl wallpaper.”
If you’re picturing a 1970s bathroom with shiny walls and shag carpeting, your vision is outdated. “What most people don’t know, however, is that vinyl wallcovering has improved drastically over the years,” the post noted, helpfully offering descriptions and comparisons on the latest wallpaper categories and the relative durability of each.
Comfort and Joy Facet
Like tile, wallpaper’s extraordinary range of aesthetic choices allows for creative personalization and self-expression. Unlike tile, it’s more DIY-friendly and generally less expensive and permanent. That ease in shaping your space offers tremendous potential for enjoyment, the fifth facet of wellness design.
Whether you opt for nature-inspired murals, modern graphics, or go gaga for the Grandmacore trend with retro florals or plaids reminiscent of your childhood visits to grandmother’s home, you’re bringing self-actualization and delight into your space. As House Beautiful explained in a July 11, 2024 article, “… when you think about your grandma’s house, a more laid-back vibe comes to mind, right? That’s what makes it so cozy, and that is the goal.”
Conclusions
As James Mellan-Matulewicz, founder and creative director of custom wallpaper design firm Bobbi Beck, observed in a 2025 top trends to watch release, “The world of interior design continues to evolve, and wallpaper is leading the charge, transforming walls into artistic statements.”
I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been pondering a wallpaper mural since visiting Telfair last Spring.
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