Wall Paper…It’s Back and Making A Statement
Wallpaper has officially shaken off its “dated” reputation and stepped into the spotlight as one of the boldest design choices of 2025. From textured neutrals and oversized botanicals to statement murals, homeowners are rediscovering how wallpaper can transform a room with personality and style. Whether you’re after a subtle backdrop or a dramatic focal wall, wallpaper is proving that it’s here to stay and it’s making bigger statements than ever.
“I love using wallpaper as the cornerstone of a design or to enhance a specific area in a space.” says Christine Jarski, owner of CJ Designs. “Like a paint color or a piece of art, wallpaper has the power to evoke an emotion, create a mood and reflect a style. It adds to the overall depth and interest of a room.”
The Evolution of Wallpaper
While it’s been with us since the 16th century, it has evolved. Patterns have become larger, bolder, and more eye-catching than ever before. Total wall murals are more available and can make for a huge wow factor. We can add texture with wallpaper, either faux texture with patterns of bricks or stone, or actual texture with grass cloth, glass bead, flock and the like.
Nevertheless, we read about something new, just last month in an Associated Press article by Kim Cook. She wrote that “In the Emmy-nominated opening credits of HBO’s ‘The White Lotus,’ wall-paper-like images told a story: The tropical prints started off innocuously enough, but then turned ominous. Fruit started rotting, fish got tangled in seaweed, and a sense of foreboding set the whole premise of an exotic paradise on its edge. The artist, Lezio Lopes, has said he was trying to evoke the design and themes of the shows resort suites.”
Cook wrote: “It’s a surreal example of a current trend in décor–wallpapers that combine art and narrative qualities to set the mood of a room. Some take us to wild places in nature, others to wild worlds born in artists’ imaginations. They go way beyond your nice stripe or simple floral. They tell a story.” As Cook concludes, wallpaper in general is back in a big way!
Some Wallpaper Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s:
- Consult an Expert: Selecting the right wallpaper for your space can be an exciting but also a daunting task. CJ Dean Designs with Decorating Den Interiors is here to help you find just the right wallpaper for your space.
- Consider the room’s purpose: Keep the function of the room in mind when selecting wallpaper. For example, serene patterns may be more suitable for bedrooms, while vibrant patterns might work in living areas.
- Start with an accent wall: If you’re unsure about using wallpaper extensively, begin with an accent wall. This can be a great way to add a focal point to a room without overwhelming the space.
- Remember the fifth wall: Wallpaper on the ceiling can be a creative way to add drama and interest to a room.
- Test a sample: We will obtain a sample piece of the wallpaper for you to place on the wall so you can see how it looks under different light conditions.
- Discuss the Style: Think about the overall style you want to achieve in the room. We can help you understand you design style such as modern, traditional, minimalist, bohemian, or something else . Then, we make sure the wallpaper will align with your style.
- Ask about peel and stick: If you are doing a children’s room that you’ll want to change over time, ask about peel and stick wallpaper that is easy to remove.
Don’ts:
- Avoid overusing bold patterns: Bold patterns can make a statement, but they also can create visual chaos and overwhelm the space. Let us help you with wallpaper selection, so that it adds to the room and creates a cohesive design.
- Don’t focus so much on the walls that you ignore the furniture: Your wallpaper should complement, not clash. We can help you consider how the patterns and colors interact with each other.
- Don’t be too trendy: You don’t want something that will quickly become outdated.
- Avoid DIY if unsure: Installing wallpaper can be challenging. There are many things to consider like pattern size, wall texture and pattern direction. We use professional wallpaper installers to ensure a neat and smooth installation.
Contact Christine Jarski at http://cjdeandesigns.com or (503) 858-8603 to help you explore wallpaper selections and find the perfect wallpaper to transform your space into a beautiful and inspiring environment!
