Forget stark white walls, eclectic wallpaper is making a comeback

Almost monastic minimalism has had a long stint in the spotlight, but the tide is changing and stark white walls are being painted or papered over in favour of vibrant hues and bold patterns. 

Patterned wallpaper has been on both ends of the style spectrum. Once considered the epitome of chic design and an almost ubiquitous staple in homes around the world, the advent of mid-century modern design and the shift towards practical design saw patterned wallpaper become an object of derision; something relegated to heritage homes in dire need of an interior makeover.

Whether applied to the entirety of a room or used to create a feature wall, a patterned wallpaper can be an easy way to add depth and vibrance to a room, altering the feeling of a space and imbuing it with personality. From dainty florals and whimsical nature scenery to geometric prints and subtle textures, these are the wallpaper trends to look out for.

Sometimes new isn’t necessarily better. Classic and heritage design has entered the fray of late, with troubling times leading to a sense of nostalgia. Inspired by the craftsmanship and detailing present in fine porcelain from the 18th century, the Porcelaine de Chine wallpaper collection by IconRadford features intricately rendered florals and foliage that appear as if handpainted. Striking the perfect balance between old and new, modern renditions of archival wallpaper suit classic and contemporary homes alike.

If you’re hesitant to incorporate wallpaper into your next project for fear of appearing dated, a geometric patterned iteration can be an excellent place to start. Fresh and distinctly contemporary, the best geometric patterned wallpaper lends a modern touch to any room. The IconRadford Geo Moderne wallpaper puts a playful twist on classic symmetrical patterns, instead opting for a mishmash of shapes that take on a mosaic style effect. Ideal for creating a feature wall, this abstract pattern comes in both colourful and neutral hues.

Still desirous of a minimal aesthetic? Textural wallpaper can be an easy way to add depth and interest to a space while still retaining a clean, minimalist feel. Crafted from heavy vinyl, the Shinok wallpaper by James Dunlop Textiles lends an earthy, grounded element to any space courtesy of its linen-like effect and muted tones. Meanwhile, the velvet-style Johara wallpaper in deep, moody shades adds a touch of luxury to living and entertaining spaces.

No longer restricted to the ceilings of heritage European buildings, the rise of digital printing has made a fresco-style effect possible within any household. The Great Masters collection by IconRadford features a plethora of covetable artistic designs, from all-over architecture to heritage-inspired nature scenes, while the Scenes II Murals collection comprises beautiful bucolic scenes and conceptual nature imagery from the likes of John Derian and Christian Lacroix.

Patterns inspired by biophilia don’t always have to be hyperrealistic, with abstract botanicals merging contemporary art with nature. Ideal for those who find traditional floral patterns a tad too fussy, the La Palma wallpaper by James Dunlop Textiles offers a funky take on a tropical style, while the Seville collection by IconRadford blends Mudéjar architecture with diverse flora and fauna to create captivating patterns that are set to enliven any space.

Words by Tanisha Angel