Wallpaper Isn't Dead: You're Just Doing It Wrong

Wallpaper Isn't Dead: You're Just Doing It Wrong
How to Make a Trend Feel Timeless

At Designer’s Brew, we’ve watched wallpaper ride the design rollercoaster from your grandmother’s chintz to peel-and-stick TikTok fads. But here’s the truth: wallpaper has never gone out of style. It just needs to be used with intention.

Yes, wallpaper had a “moment.” Bold prints, maximalist murals, and wild patterns took over Pinterest boards and powder rooms everywhere. But just because something is trending doesn’t mean it can’t be timeless if you know how to do it right.

I believe wallpaper is one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s kit. It adds texture, depth, and soul to a space. The key is choosing prints and applications that speak to your story not the algorithm.

Our Timeless Approach to Wallpaper:

• Go beyond one wall. A well-placed ceiling treatment or fully wrapped room can feel immersive, not overwhelming.

• Think texture, not just pattern. Grasscloth, faux leather, suede, and even subtle metallics can add sophistication without shouting.

• Keep scale in mind. Oversized patterns feel modern, while smaller, repeating motifs tend to read more traditional. Either can work, but it depends on the architecture and furnishings.

• Don’t be afraid to layer. Wallpaper doesn’t have to be the main character. It can be the quiet background that makes your art, furniture, or lighting sing.

We use wallpaper in ranch homes, boutique hotels, and modern Western interiors because it brings warmth and a sense of permanence. When chosen well, it doesn’t just make a room it tells a story.

A Few of Our Favorite Wallpaper Sources:

• Katie Kime – Bold, playful, and perfect for adding personality to powder baths or statement moments. Her Western collection is a favorite around here.

• Spoonflower – Ideal for one-of-a-kind patterns from independent artists. We love using it when a client wants something truly special.

• Mind the Gap – Moody, worldly, and always a little dramatic in the best way. Their rich color palettes are made for layered, collected spaces.

• Walls of Wisdom – For when we want wallpaper that feels more like a scene out of an old western. Full of character, texture and warmth.

So no, wallpaper isn’t “over.” Bad wallpaper is over. Timeless design never is.

Ready to bring your walls to life? Let’s create something that feels layered, lived-in, and completely yours.