Breathe new life into your walls: designer wallpaper picks to revamp your home

Let's be honest: your walls are probably screaming for an upgrade. While we diligently invest in plush rugs and comfortable sofas, the crucial task of wall styling often gets sidelined, relegated to a last-minute decision fueled by decision fatigue. But a few panels of thoughtfully chosen wallpaper can dramatically transform a space, injecting personality and style where once there was only bland neutrality. Forget the quick coat of beige – it’s time to embrace the power of pattern.

Finding the right 'envelope' for your space

Interior designer Oliver Furth, based in Los Angeles, emphasizes the importance of a strong background. “Nothing transforms a space more than a good envelope,” he explains. “Wallpaper is a powerful tool to create mood or add coziness.” But with a dizzying array of brands, patterns, and colorways, navigating the wallpaper landscape can feel overwhelming. We’ve consulted with 15 leading interior designers to pinpoint their go-to sources – from textured grasscloths to intricate frescos – ensuring you find a statement-making option that resonates with your personal style.

The experts' secret sources for stunning wallpaper

Milton & King, according to Gabrielle Bove, offers a compelling combination of beauty and accessibility. “They have a more accessible range of creative prints, from geometrics to murals. Their bouquet metallic wallpaper, with its otherworldly color story, is a particularly striking choice for high-impact spaces like powder rooms or laundry rooms.” But the true magic, as Courtnay Tartt Elias of Elias Interiors reveals regarding de Gournay, lies in customization. “In one client’s dining room, we used the Colony pattern and made it completely their own: The big cat wears a lei of her favorite flowers, while a monkey delivers a letter addressed to their actual home.” The result? A room that tells a unique story.

For those seeking a touch of romanticism, Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen consistently turn to Antoinette Poisson. “Their ability to blend florals and geometrics while maintaining a storied, historic quality gives their patterns a depth that feels both timeless and distinctive,” they note, highlighting the Baies wallpaper as a perennial favorite.

Claire Staszak champions the immersive quality of Isidore Leroy, a French wallpaper house she even collaborated with to create her own collection. The Marbré de Venise, inspired by Venetian bookbinding traditions, adds “incredible movement and depth.” Melissa Lee favors Greenly Living’s Petal wallpaper for its versatility, particularly in spaces where permanent wallcoverings aren’t an option.

Bold statements & heritage brands

Robin Rains enthusiastically recommends Porter Teleo, praising their hand-painted and fully customizable panels. “We prefer large pattern repeats for a bold statement that adds movement to a space,” she says. Ryan Saghian, meanwhile, draws inspiration from heritage brands like de Gournay, Gracie, and Little Greene, noting that their craftsmanship and history add “a layer of depth you just can’t replicate.” Little Greene’s Capricorn, with its “quiet, rhythmic quality,” is a repeat favorite.

Looking for a pop of color and pattern? Beth Diana Smith suggests Chasing Paper, especially their collaboration with David Quarles. Jessica Risko Smith appreciates the timeless appeal of Morris & Co., whose patterns have remained in production for over 150 years. Jennifer Miller highlights the artistry of Lake August, where each wallpaper originates as a hand-painted work, imbuing it with “a depth and soul.”

Gerald Isaac favors belarteSTUDIO for their scaled-to-fit approach, minimizing waste and ensuring a seamless installation. Diana Lombaxrd praises Elworthy Studio for its artistic and deeply considered designs, particularly their muted palettes and sense of movement. The result? Walls that aren’t just covered, but transformed – a testament to the power of a well-chosen wallpaper.