Breathe new life into your walls: designer wallpaper picks revealed

The impulse to furnish a home often follows a predictable order: rug, sofa, sheets. Practicality reigns supreme. But what happens to those walls, those vast expanses of potential, often relegated to a last-minute splash of neutral paint or a haphazard arrangement of framed photos? It’s time to reconsider. A few well-chosen panels of wallpaper can be a remarkably impactful, and surprisingly attainable, design refresh.

The power of a strong backdrop

Interior designer Oliver Furth, based in Los Angeles, emphasizes the importance of a considered backdrop. “Items rely on a strong background or ‘envelope,’” he explains. “Nothing transforms a space more than a good envelope. I love using wallpaper to create mood or add coziness.” It's a sentiment echoed by many—a powerful design tool often overlooked until the very end of the decorating process.

But navigating the sheer volume of options – textures, patterns, colorways – can be overwhelming. To cut through the noise, we consulted 15 leading interior designers to uncover their go-to wallpaper sources, from textured grasscloths to intricate, bespoke frescos. Here's a curated selection, blending established houses with emerging brands.

Milton & King, according to Gabrielle Bove, offers a compelling combination of style and affordability. “They have a more accessible range of products in a variety of creative prints, from geometrics to murals,” she notes, highlighting their bouquet metallic wallpaper as a particularly striking choice. The depth of color and otherworldly feel make it ideal for high-impact spaces like powder rooms or laundry rooms.

For those willing to splurge, Courtnay Tartt Elias champions de Gournay. “The hand-painted quality is unrivaled—they are truly artisans,” she says. A recent project in a client’s dining room saw the Colony pattern personalized with custom details—a lei of favorite flowers adorning a big cat and a monkey delivering a letter – transforming the wallpaper into a unique narrative element.

Beyond the dazzling, Antoinette Poisson’s romantic and richly detailed wallpapers, inspired by 18th-century French design, consistently impress Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen. The Baies pattern, in particular, is a frequent choice, lauded for its delicate nuance and playful quality.

Claire Staszak's relationship with Isidore Leroy began with admiration for their immersive designs. She now collaborates with the French house, and the Marbré de Venise, a marbled paper inspired by Venetian bookbinding, remains a favorite for its movement and depth.

Melissa Lee favors Greenly Living’s Petal wallpaper, appreciating its versatility for spaces where permanent wallcoverings aren’t an option. Robin Rains, meanwhile, relies on Porter Teleo for bold statements, praising their hand-painted panels and customizable options. The Amitié wallpaper, with its large pattern repeat, promises a lasting impression.

Ryan Saghian champions heritage brands like de Gournay, Gracie, and Little Greene, citing their craftsmanship and history. His pick, Little Greene’s Capricorn, exemplifies the brand’s signature quiet sophistication, adding movement and texture without overwhelming the space.

Chasing Paper, with its vibrant color palettes and flexible material options, is a favorite of Beth Diana Smith. The A Song for Mollie pattern, described as fun, abstract, and curvy, evokes a series of “funky rainbows.” Jessica Risko Smith appreciates the timeless appeal of Morris & Co., noting the perfect proportions and endlessly livable colorways found across their collection.

Cynthia Ferguson’s passion for grasscloth leads her to Phillip Jeffries, drawn to their wide range of colors and durable vinyl options. The Juicy Jute, with its wider weave and phenomenal texture, stands out as a particularly compelling choice.

Jennifer Miller highlights Lake August’s artistic approach, where each wallpaper begins as a hand-painted work. The Fox in the Snow, in the Scots colorway, exemplifies the brand’s whimsical, abstract aesthetic.

Gerald Isaac, in turn, advocates for belarteSTUDIO’s Swedish sensibilities and meticulous scaling process, exemplified by the Clay Marble pattern destined for a La Jolla project.

James Huniford’s affinity for House of Hackney stems from their ability to create immersive, transportive designs, as exemplified by the moody, cocooning backdrop of the Artemis style in Petrol.

Finally, Diana Lombaxrd champions Elworthy Studio, praising their organic, grounded approach and muted palettes, as evidenced by their use in a recent teen lounge space.

From bold statements to subtle textures, the options are vast. But the takeaway is clear: a strategic investment in wallpaper can be the most transformative—and often the most cost-effective—design decision you make.