5 Wallpapered Rooms we say Prove Vintage-Style Wallcoverings are Making a Comeback This Year

It’s hard to say why the appetite for nostalgia is so strong right now, but one thing is for sure. When it comes to interior design, all things vintage are having a moment, and vintage style wallpapers are one of the most popular wallcovering trends right now. It might just be the unexpected details, color combinations, or traditional flora and fauna prints that give in equal measure a fascinating and calming effect, or simply the timelessness of a classic aesthetic in the face of all that’s new and modern.

Whatever the reason may be, here are five designers who successfully incorporate vintage style wallpaper ideas in their designs. They talk us through their schemes, why they work, and explain their appeal that is so right for now.

1. A surprising wallpaper interpretation of the Balearic style

Designer Matthew Williamson is known worldwide for his maximalist style that mixes beautiful patterns and colors in unexpected ways. In his former home in Mallorca, the designer wanted to put his own stamp on the classic Balearic style by using wallpaper to elevate the space in a way less common in the area, thus achieving a unique and interesting look.

‘I loved designing this room,’ says Matthew. ‘I wanted to show that Balearic style doesn’t need to be limited to white walls, marble, and blue accessories. The wallpaper I chose, Almudaina, from my collection with Osborne & Little, proves just that, providing the foundation for the whole space. Bold enough to make a statement, yet neutral enough to complement all the colours in the scheme, this vintage-inspired motif is more versatile than you think,’ he explains, making a point that wallpaper can lend itself to even the most unexpected design styles.

2. A timeless, feminine design is mixed with natural materials

When it comes to designing feminine spaces with a romantic feel, there are little decorating elements that can achieve that more than wallpaper. Light, pastel colors and floral prints can be kept fresh and balanced by mixing them with a good dose of white and natural textures, like in this girl’s room design by Sara Malek Barney.

‘There’s something so sweet and simple about a classic, feminine design like this one in a young girl’s bedroom,’ the designer tells me. ‘The best thing about this print is that it has a modern edge to it, which will grow with the little lady as she gets older,’ she adds, making a point about choosing a print that will stay relevant in time. The designer chose to bring in natural elements through the wooden bedside tables, rattan bed, and the chandelier’s textured fabric. Mixed with a luminous white on the ceiling they keep the room from being too saccharine, and give it a fresh and elegant feel.

3. A colorful, vibrant feature wall creates a joyful bedroom

One way to instantly uplift a space is by adding an accent wall, and a joyful wallpaper is still a designer’s favourite decorating trick. In this bedroom, interior designer Mary Patton used a cheerful, seventies style floral print in bold colors to accentuate the bedhead wall. The rounded headboard and bedside table pick out the organic shapes of the print, while the art on the wall reflects the floral theme for a cohesive look.

‘We selected this vintage inspired wallpaper because my client loved the blush and mustard color combination,’ Mary explains. ‘This wallpaper is actually a price point friendly peel and stick paper. We paired it with light, warm, and textured furniture and neutral bedding to really make the wallpaper the focal point in the room,’ she adds, emphasising that there are so many affordable options out there, peel and stick making it really easy to DIY.  

4. An unexpected combination of florals and geometric shapes creates a vibrant look

A vintage print wallpaper will always stand out, but there’s an art to integrating it seamlessly within the overall room design. It’s easy to achieve a pattern clash that will be tiring for the eye, but in this room, Matthew shows us how to layer prints that are in harmony with each other, for a wonderfully whimsical effect.

‘The beautiful Rosanna Trellis wallpaper from my collection with Osborne & Little, dresses the walls of this bedroom,’ he says. ‘When designing this space, I was keen to create joyful moments everywhere you looked, through unexpected details and pattern combinations. This vintage-inspired floral wallpaper creates the perfect canvas for layering other prints,’ the designer explains.

If in doubt about how to layer prints, know that the pairing of florals and geometric shapes are a go-to for designers. ‘A floral pattern never seems to fail, and this delicate and ditsy design adds an air of whimsy and romance to the space. To contrast with the floral pattern of the wallpaper, I choose more graphic prints, such as the striped lampshade and tile-inspired cushions and throws,’ reveals Matthew.

5. A tribute to a turn of the century aesthetic

The beauty of wallpaper is that it has the ability to look both modern, and equally create a completely nostalgic aesthetic where a more traditional décor is preferred. Classic prints that have been loved and used for years prove to be not only timeless and very adaptable to different rooms but can also be used as a celebration of design eras. Interior designer Susan Klimala did just that in one of her projects.

‘We chose William Morris’ iconic Strawberry Thief wallpaper as the star for this guest powder room located in the guest bedroom of this turn of the century home. The original home was built by an ornithologist (bird expert), and the current homeowner is a lover of all things William Morris, so it was the perfect tribute,’ she explains.

Why are we seeing a resurgence in vintage style wallpaper?

There’s an unquestionable charisma that a vintage style wallpaper conveys to a space, but why is it having a comeback now? ‘Its potential is vast and its versatility is endlessly alluring. More recently, we’re seeing a resurgence in vintage wallpaper motifs, featuring traditional patterns and colours,’ explains Matthew.

‘These designs are artworks in themselves, and the greatest pleasure is that the more you look, the more you’ll see. I am a big believer that this type of hand-drawn and detailed wallpaper gives any space, be it a bedroom, reception room or even a bathroom, a unique feel, which will invariably lift your spirits. A benefit of hanging a bold wallpaper is that it provides something of a list of colour ingredients you can apply to the rest of the space. Pluck colours from the repeat and use these to choose your soft furnishings and accessories,’ says the designer, highlighting both the beauty and versatility of this trend.