2 min readInterior designers often juggle multiple projects at once, and over time, they begin to notice recurring themes in what clients are requesting. Whether it’s biophilic design, charming breakfast nooks, or bubble chandeliers, certain trends have a way of appearing in homes across the board.
For Regina and Robin Reaves, who are the founders of R&R Interior Design 365, one trend stands out above the rest: wallpaper. They're seeing more and more clients embrace it as a way to bring personality, warmth, and visual interest into their homes. Beyond adding character, wallpaper has an unmatched ability to evoke emotion and introduce a sense of elevated, effortless luxury to any space.
“Wallpaper allows you to personalize your home; it brings serenity, peace, and that texture and warmth that comes with it. It is also sound absorbing,” says the husband-and-wife duo. “There are so many different textures of wallpaper out there, like grasscloth, silk, or nonwovens, and patterns to choose from. Once we educate our clients on the pros of wallpaper, they become more accustomed to using it in their homes.”
The Reaves add that some of the hesitation around using wallpaper stems from people’s confusion about which type to use, where to use it, as well as the assumption that it will be difficult to remove.
“Clients will ask if it’ll damage the drywall, how to prep the wall properly before installation, and what the removal process is like,” they say. “If they’re doing a mudroom, for example, we’d recommend them to use something like vinyl, something that's scrubbable, in heavy foot traffic areas. It all goes back to [making our clients feel comfortable and knowledgeable about wallpaper].”
And while some designers have many do’s and don’ts for installing wallpaper, the Reaves have a more relaxed, emotional approach.
“Wallpaper is an expression of who you are and what you're trying to evoke when people come into your room,” they say. “Is it something that's going to bring you energy? Is it something that's going to bring calmness and peace?”
Depending on their client’s answer, the rooms then take shape to feel funky, eclectic, minimalist, neat, and more. “Choosing the ‘right’ wallpaper is subjective,” they add.
As for where in the home is best to use wallpaper, the design pair has several suggestions, noting powder rooms, bedrooms, and even the kitchen are all fair game. “Recently, over the last couple of years, we’ve also been wallpapering the ceiling,” the Reaves add, emphasizing that people often overlook the impact this “fifth wall” can have in a space.
The biggest takeaway? Don't overthink it. Wallpaper is an opportunity to give your home a distinct point of view. Even a few panels can transform a room into a conversation starter. And when your wallpaper reflects how you want to feel in a space—whether calm, playful, or somewhere in between—it creates a sense of luxury that feels personal rather than overdone.
