Wallpaper

Wallpaper has had several seasons in the sun, but in its most recent heydey (the 1950s to the 1970s), wallpaper featured everything from delicate designs to bold florals and geometric shapes.

We fell out of love with it a little towards the end of the '90s and early 2000s, when minimalism ruled (and paint brands boomed) but we've never completely lost our affection for it. In 2026, wallpaper isn't just back - it's evolved.

Interior design has shifted away from safe, flat spaces towards personality, texture and storytelling - and wallpaper delivers all three.

Designers consistently point to wallpaper as a key way to add depth, individuality and visual interest to a room.

Current trends show:

• Bold, maximalist prints are thriving
• Textured wallpapers (grasscloth, cork, linen) are everywhere
• Murals and large-scale designs are turning walls into artwork
• Even ceilings and unexpected spaces like the inside doors of wardrobes are being wallpapered.

So the answer to the question is a resounding - YES.

Wallpaper is still in style, but what's changed is how we use it. Rather than wallpapering all four walls (the first iteration of the concept we now refer to as colour-drenching), we're using wallpaper more sparingly but creating homes that have just as much impact. Now, wallpaper is styled next to painted walls, art and other wall decor to create layered 'style spots'.

There are a couple of other points to remember when considering whether to take the plunge with wallpaper:

These are:

• Extremely bold prints in too small a space can feel overwhelming
• Trend-led designs can date faster than classic ones
• The idea of a weekend spent slaving over a paste table and hanging wallpaper might not be to everyone's taste - it's a fiddly job.

But used thoughtfully and doing things your way over following trends?

That's the Rockett St George playbook right there.

It's a great question.

The trick isn’t, as you might think, to play it safe. All too often, safe equals bland, which is a four-letter word here at RSG. Instead, it's about choosing wallpaper patterns that are steeped in heritage. Think designs that have been around for decades (or centuries!) and still feel relevant today.

Here’s how to get it right:

1. Start with proven patterns

Some wallpaper styles simply don’t date. These include:

• Stripes - clean, structured and endlessly versatile. They can even make a room feel taller or wider.
• Florals - especially softer, more traditional blooms or botanical prints.
• Toile - romantic and whimsical, these storybook-style scenes feel elegant and evergreen
• Damask - ornate, symmetrical patterns bring a sense of quiet luxury
• Subtle geometrics – structured, balanced and quietly modern.

These are the foundations of timeless interiors because they’ve already stood the test of time, especially when paired with a refined colour palette.

For a classic feel, lean towards:

• Neutrals (cream, beige, soft grey)
• Muted tones (sage green, dusty blue, blush)
• Monochrome palettes (black and white always feels sharp and enduring).

Avoid anything overly trend-led, and remember: if pattern feels like too much, go for texture-led wallpaper instead, like:

• Grasscloth or linen finishes
• Subtle metallics
• Lightly embossed designs.

These add depth and interest without overwhelming a space, creating what interior designers often refer to as “quiet luxury.”

2. Match the wallpaper to the room

A timeless look is as much about where you hang your wallpaper as it is about design.

• In the living room, go for soft geometrics, stripes or textured neutrals
• For bedrooms, choose florals, toile or calming botanicals
• Hallways benefit from classic patterns that create flow and cohesion.

3. Remember balance is everything

Even the most traditional wallpaper can feel modern if it's styled well. Our tips are to pair classic prints with contemporary furniture; to mix wallpaperwith simple wall decor so the space doesn’t feel overly formal and touse wallpaper in your broader wall decor ideas. Think panels, feature walls or framed sections - less of a commitment, but still just as beautiful.

Ultimately, timeless wallpaper isn’t about being boring, it’s about being confidently classic.

Choose patterns with history, colours with longevity, and designs that feel like they'll be working just as beautifully in 10 years as they do today.

Lots of people approach the idea of wallpapering with trepidation but here's the thing: it's not difficult, it's just time-consuming. Trust us: if you cut corners, it will show, but with the right preparation and tools, you can get a professional result you'll be proud of. 

Can I wallpaper over wallpaper?

Technically, yes - but it’s not always the best idea. If the existing wallpaper is smooth, firmly stuck down and in good condition, you might get away with it. However, seams, texture or peeling edges can show through the new wallpaper and ruin the finish. For the best, most polished result, it’s always worth stripping the old wallpaper back first. You can do this using a steamer, or chemical wallpaper stripper. Think of it as setting the stage for the next act.

Can I wallpaper over paint?

As long as your painted walls are in good condition - smooth, and free of lumps, bumps and divets - it should provide a good surface for your wallpaper to stick to. Just make sure the paint isn’t flaky or glossy. If it’s the former, give it a light sand, then brush down with a stiff broom to remove debris. If the paint has a glossy, shiny finish, give it a light sand to help the adhesive grip (again, brush down for a clean, even surface). The dream surface is a smooth, clean, dry plaster or well-prepared painted wall. Fresh plaster should be sealed first (with a mist coat - a thinned-down layer of emulsion paint), and any cracks or holes filled and sanded. Wallpaper loves a flat, even base - anything too textured or uneven will show through.

What do I need for wallpapering? And how do I prep?

As with so many DIY tasks, preparation is everything.

You’ll need:

• Wallpaper paste (or paste-the-wall adhesive, depending on your paper - it will say on the packaging. Paste-the-wall paper is less fiddly but some types of wallpaper still require you to apply paste to the wallpaper strip, and to allow for 'soaking' time)
• Paste brush or roller
• Sharp knife or scissors
• Spirit level or plumb line
• Tape measure
• Smoothing brush or wallpaper smoother
• Sponge and clean cloth.

Step-by-step:

1. Clear & clean: remove old wallpaper, nails and dust.
2. Make good: fill cracks and holes, then sand smooth.
3. Seal the wall with a mist coat: especially important for fresh plaster.
4. Measure & plan: mark a straight vertical line to keep things aligned.
5. Cut your drops: allow a little extra for trimming.
6. Paste & hang: apply adhesive evenly, then position carefully.
7. Smooth as you go: remove air bubbles and excess paste.
8. Trim edges: for a crisp, professional finish.

And there you have it! If you're a wallpapering novice, start with a small space and attempt larger expanses of wall as you get the hang of it. Take your time, be patient and your walls will reward you for it.