Wallpaper has been dressing the interiors of our homes for hundreds of years and up until around the 1930’s it was one of the most popular home decorating techniques out. But its appeal waxed and waned over the following decades as a trend towards plain painted walls took over. 

Over the past few years however we’ve seen wallpaper make a big bold come back and with modern technology on its side gone are the daggy drab patterns and limitations of yesteryear. 

“The options available are massive, with a range like we’ve never seen before. The chances are, if you have an idea in your mind you’ll find it, whereas five years ago you’d have to have it specially designed” says Nikki Morris, colour consultant at Resene. 

Today’s wallpaper is punchy and eye-catching, opulent and exciting and you can take your pick from stripes, geometric patterns, florals, metalics, industrial chic, retro, photographic designs and full wall murals, just to name a few styles.  

Statement walls are still very much on trend and people are using wallpaper to draw attention to a special part of their home such as a bedroom or living room wall, staircase or entry foyer but Nikki believes it won’t be too long before we start to see a return to fully wallpapered homes,

“I think that will all come back with a more slightly modern twist. If you’re brave enough to wallpaper a whole room it can look amazing” she says.

If you don’t want to commit to a covering a whole wall but still want beautiful wallpaper hanging in your home Nikki suggests buying a big canvas or sheet of MDF and wrapping it yourself to create an artwork piece, 

“It’s a good way to dress a room for sale as it’s not stuck on the wall plus you can take it with you when you sell” she says, “or if you want to experiment with wallpaper, a built in wardrobe in an old bungalow or villa is a good place to put a bit of bold colour.”

You could also try wallpapering a smaller space such as guest bathroom or give the kid’s bedroom a lift with a statement wall in one of the myriad of patterns designed especially for them. 

Luckily today applying wallpaper is not as labour intensive as it used to be. Most new wallpapers are ready-pasted and as long as you have patience and your pattern isn’t too ambitious you can have a go at hanging it yourself. 

For more wallpaper inspiration check out Resene or for tricks and tips watch their helpful hanging videos.