Wallpaper Revival in Denver: The Latest Trends Transforming Interior Spaces

At Walls by Design Painting and Decorating in Denver, Colorado, we’ve always believed in the power of transforming spaces. What started in 1999 as a general painting company quickly evolved as we embraced the art of faux finishing, refining our techniques and expanding our services. Over the past 25 years, we’ve come to specialize in interior painting and cabinet painting, earning a reputation for quality craftsmanship and creativity.

In 2022, we took a bold step forward, rebranding from Walls by Design Inc. to Walls by Design Painting and Decorating Inc. This change reflected our desire to offer more than just painting services—we wanted to fully embrace the world of interior decorating. With this shift, we introduced services like wallpaper installation, trim carpentry, and other decorative enhancements, allowing clients to explore the latest trends in wallpaper for a cohesive, polished look in any home. Our tagline, “Painters by Trade, Artists at Heart,” embodies the passion and care we put into every project, as well as the fact that many of our painters are artists who paint outside of work

As part of our journey into decorating, we’ve seen wallpaper rise in popularity once again, and it’s become a central element in many of the homes we work on. To celebrate this, we’re kicking off a blog series exploring the latest wallpaper trends, starting with a look back at where it all began—a brief history of wallpaper and its enduring charm.

In this blog series on wallpaper, I first want to dive into the history. Now I’m not that old (despite what some may think), but I do remember when I was in fourth grade and my parents bought a new home. They hired a painting contractor and they painted and wallpapered the whole house. Today, we do not see a majority of walls being covered with wallpaper, but rather we see feature walls, papered ceilings, and feature rooms.

Let’s begin our discussion of wallpaper with a bit of history…

Brief History of Wallpaper: From Aristocratic Palaces to Modern Homes

Wallpaper has long been a popular choice for enhancing interior spaces so the phrase “Trends in wallpaper” never died. Its origins date back centuries, and over time, it has evolved from a luxury reserved for the elite to a versatile option for modern homes. Let’s take a journey through the history of wallpaper, exploring how it has shaped—and been shaped by—design trends over the years.

Origins: The Early Beginnings

The story of wallpaper begins in ancient China, where papermaking was invented during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The Chinese were the first to use paper to decorate walls, painting intricate designs on large sheets. As early as the 8th century, when trade routes opened between China and the Middle East, the practice of wall coverings spread westward, eventually reaching Europe.

In medieval Europe, however, textiles were more commonly used to adorn the walls of castles and churches. Tapestries served both aesthetic and functional purposes—providing insulation as well as decoration. Paper, though easier to produce, wouldn’t become popular until later due to the availability of more durable wall coverings.

The 16th Century: Wallpaper Emerges in Europe

It wasn’t until the 16th century that wallpaper, as we know it today, began to take form in Europe. With the development of papermaking technology, wealthy European households began to adopt wallpapers that mimicked the look of tapestries and other textiles. Early wallpaper designs were often block-printed or hand-painted, featuring elaborate patterns that imitated wood, stone, or brocade fabrics.

The French and English led the way in wallpaper production. In the late 1600s, French engraver Jean-Michel Papillon is credited with developing the first repeat pattern designs, which could be printed on long sheets and used to cover entire walls. This innovation marked a key turning point in wallpaper’s history, allowing for mass production and wider use.

The 18th Century: Wallpaper as a Symbol of Luxury

By the 18th century, wallpaper had become a status symbol, particularly in France and England. Aristocratic homes boasted walls adorned with expensive wallpapers depicting grand scenes, landscapes, and intricate floral motifs. The rise of Chinoiserie, a design style inspired by East Asian art, brought bold and exotic patterns to European interiors.

French wallpaper makers became renowned for their luxurious designs, especially those produced by the famous manufacturer Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, who supplied wallpaper for the Palace of Versailles. At the same time, England’s wallpaper industry thrived, producing designs that catered to both upper-class tastes and more affordable options for the middle class.

The 19th Century: The Industrial Revolution and Mass Production

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century revolutionized the wallpaper industry. With the invention of new printing techniques, including roller printing, wallpaper could be produced more quickly and in greater quantities than ever before. This made wallpaper more accessible to the growing middle class, and soon, it became a staple in homes across Europe and America.

Victorian homes were known for their lavish interior décor, and wallpaper played a major role in this aesthetic. Bold, intricate patterns featuring florals, damasks, and geometric designs were popular during this time. The Arts and Crafts movement, led by figures like William Morris, also influenced wallpaper design, emphasizing handcrafted quality and nature-inspired motifs.

The 20th Century: Wallpaper Fades and Returns

The early 20th century saw wallpaper continue to thrive, particularly in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, which brought a modern, stylish flair to interior design. However, by the mid-20th century, with the rise of minimalism and modernist architecture, wallpaper fell out of favor as plain painted walls and simpler aesthetics became more popular.

In the 1960s and 70s, wallpaper experienced a resurgence, particularly in the form of bold, graphic patterns. However, this revival was relatively short-lived, as by the 1980s and 90s, wallpaper once again began to decline in popularity, often being associated with dated or overly busy interiors.

The 21st Century: Wallpaper’s Modern Revival

In recent years, wallpaper has experienced a major comeback, and it’s more versatile and accessible than ever before. Modern wallpaper designs range from minimalist patterns to large-scale murals, allowing homeowners to experiment with bold statements or subtle accents. Advances in digital printing have opened up endless possibilities, with custom designs, eco-friendly options, and peel-and-stick varieties becoming popular.

Today, wallpaper is no longer seen as just a decorative element—it’s a powerful design tool. From traditional florals to contemporary geometric designs, wallpaper has the ability to transform spaces in unique and personalized ways, making it a beloved choice for designers and homeowners alike.

Wallpaper’s rich history reflects broader trends in art, culture, and technology. As we look ahead to the latest trends transforming interior spaces, it’s clear that wallpaper has come full circle, once again standing at the forefront of design innovation.

Why Wallpaper is Making a Comeback

After decades of being sidelined by minimalism and neutral palettes, wallpaper is once again in the spotlight, making a major comeback in modern interior design. This resurgence isn’t just a passing trend—it’s part of a broader shift in the way people think about their living spaces. From a renewed focus on personalization to the influence of social media, several factors are driving wallpaper’s return to popularity.

Shifts in Design Trends

Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable shift away from stark minimalism toward more layered, personalized interiors. Homeowners and designers alike are embracing bolder design choices, and wallpaper offers the perfect solution for making a statement. Whether it’s a dramatic accent wall or an entire room wrapped in a stunning mural, wallpaper allows for creativity and character that simple paint just can’t match.

Patterns that were once considered dated, like florals or vintage geometrics, are being reimagined in fresh, contemporary ways. Designers are playing with scale, color, and texture to create unexpected and dynamic spaces. The rise of biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, has also fueled the popularity of botanical and organic motifs in wallpaper.

A Desire for Personalization

In today’s world, homeowners are looking for ways to make their spaces uniquely theirs. The rise of open-plan living and standard layouts in many homes has increased the desire for customization, and wallpaper is a simple yet impactful way to add personality to a room. Unlike paint, wallpaper provides a diverse array of patterns, textures, and finishes that can reflect individual tastes—from bold, modern designs to subtle, vintage-inspired prints.

Additionally, advancements in wallpaper technology, such as peel-and-stick options, have made it easier than ever for DIY enthusiasts to experiment with patterns and styles without committing to permanent changes. This versatility allows people to refresh their spaces more frequently, tailoring their décor to their evolving style.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have revolutionized the world of interior design, offering endless inspiration and DIY tips at the click of a button. Wallpaper is a frequent star in these feeds, featured in stunning before-and-after room transformations and trendsetting interiors. Influencers and interior designers often share how they use wallpaper to create impactful spaces, which encourages others to experiment with bold designs in their own homes.

The rise of “Instagrammable” interiors has also driven the wallpaper revival. Homeowners want spaces that photograph well and stand out in social media posts. Wallpapers, with their wide range of colors and patterns, provide the perfect backdrop for eye-catching rooms that make a lasting impression.

Whether it’s through a bold tropical print in a powder room or a delicate damask in a dining area, wallpaper allows individuals to tell their design story—and share it with the world.

In our next blog in this series, I will be addressing style and what we are seeing in wallpaper.

If you are considering an accent wall addition, we at Walls by Design would love to help you. The first step is to get an estimate for the cabinets. You can either schedule an in-person estimate. Either way, you will get to chat with one of our estimators about your project and can be a wealth of information for you, whether you hire WBD or not. For more information about our painting process, you can visit us on our website at wallsbydesign.com.