Decorators Address Book is a monthly series in which our Interior Design team finds out where designers like to browse and shop for their projects. Each edition focuses on a different element of home decor to bring you the best expert-recommended stores.
April's edition of our new series, Decorator's Address Book, is dedicated to all things wallpaper. A tricky thing to get right in any space, wallpaper ideas can range from subtle to statement and bargain to boujee, making it quite a time-consuming task to source the right wallcovering for every style and taste.
So, in order to make things a little easier, we've sat down with interior design experts to chat about their favorite, go-to places to shop for wallpaper trends. From the most famous of suppliers to those trade secret artisan makers – this list should be the guiding hand you need to start your wallpaper shopping quest.
Bethany Adams, Kentucky Board of Architecture Certified Interior Designer and founder of Bethany Adams Interiors
'My go-to for wallpaper has always been Schumacher. From the whimsical heritage patterns that somehow never feel stale to the new collaborations with artists whose voices are just beginning to be heard, their collections always feel fresh, modern, and most importantly fun. I'm always inspired by their selection and, like me, they embrace bold color combinations and the occasional wacky pattern so it's a perfect fit for Bethany Adams Interiors.'
Abbie Naber, owner and principal designer of San Diego-based interior design firm A NABER DESIGN
'I enjoy Brook Perdigon Textiles' offerings as their designs are"globally inspired." I've been to her studio in L.A and thoroughly enjoyed touring her intimate shop. This pattern in particular [seen above] was an immediate "yes" for our clients as it added so much interest to an already existing space.'
'Eskayel's collection is another must when looking for a watercolor-like, hand-painted option. I enjoy using their products in bedrooms especially where I can add interest to a space without the pattern becoming overbearing. I enjoy following along in their travel journeys as well, as so much of their design work is inspired by their adventures.'
James Yarosh, interior designer and gallerist at James Yarosh Associates
'When it comes to wallpaper, I look to the legends. I find that historical references bring great artistry and create lasting beauty. A few favorites of mine are de Gournay, Adelphi Paper Hangings, and Clarence House. '
'However, fashion houses like Gucci are great sources for finding patterns that help envision the shell of a home that will then unfold throughout the design. In this NYC Apartment [seen above], a bold heron wallpaper from Gucci towers opposite the New York City skyline through the windows.'
Benji Lewis, established UK and France-based interior designer and founder of Benji Lewis Design
'Schumacher is my go-to for wallpaper, they have such a broad selection to choose from. I try to look for wallpapers with a timeless feel to them, that’s not to say overly traditional though – who doesn’t love a classic floral! Don’t be afraid to use wallpaper in a small space, on the contrary, it’s a fantastic opportunity to really make a statement.'
Sarah Jefferys, principal designer and founder of Sarah Jefferys Architecture + Interiors
'We love Flavor Paper for vibrant colors and chic graphics. I consistently turn to the brand when I am looking to incorporate extra personality everywhere from bathrooms and bedrooms to staircases. Flavor Paper has a wide range of truly unique motifs from different designers and collections. They will collaborate with designers to customize their wallpapers to any color or background. You can find their papers throughout my projects and in my own home.'
Shannon Eddings, founder and lead designer at Shannon Eddings Interiors
'My ‘go to’ spots for wallpaper are of course, Zak and Fox and Cole & Son for classics but our local Austin showroom, Supply Showroom, also has a fun selection that we love to use with fun patterns from UK-based Ottoline [seen above].'
Kathy Kuo, interior designer, TV personality and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home
'I may be biased, but my favorite place to shop for wallpaper is from the wallpaper assortment we have at Kathy Kuo Home! We are proud to carry a wide array of both removable and industrial-quality (permanent) wallpaper from respected brands like Anewall and Schumacher. Whether you're in search of bold floral, botanical, and animal prints, or more subdued patterns in neutral tones, the KKH wallpaper category has you covered!'
Emilie Munroe, luxury interior designer and founder of Studio Monroe
'Your interior designer is always the best source for wallpapers as their trade account will allow access to every paper option on earth (including customized colorways and alternative ground materials like vinyl for bathrooms), but many online vendors provide fantastic patterns easily accessible from home. Rebecca Atwood offers a fantastic array of wallpaper patterns and materials, all in unique colorways.'
Holly Vaughan, director, designer, and co-founder alongside her husband Will of UK-based Vaughan Design & Development
'There are quite a few wallpaper designers that I admire at the moment. We have used a few of Common Room’s papers, which I really love, as they are unique but also versatile. We have used these in bathrooms or WC’s just as much as we have in bedrooms.'
'I’m also a big Robert Kime fan, and I am often really inspired by his prints. We love using his small-scale papers like Sunburst and Grille, which are timeless prints but the small scale and color palettes keep them fresh and current. Soane is another studio favorite here, there are a few of their classics that we adore but also their new paper designs are beautiful and we can’t wait to use them!'
Emily Brownell, designer and founder of Los Angeles-based interior design studio Gilded Hearth
'A Swedish brand that has a very well-curated collection that ranges from vintage mural landscapes to really funky abstract papers is Belarte Studio. They have a collection for everyone but it's not quite as overwhelming as some of the big-name shops. I worked on a client's very small nursery [above] and we really wanted to pack a punch but also for it to feel really calming and landed on this lovely wildflower wallpaper, it perfectly matched their sweet daughter.'
'One small shop I also love looking at is Studio Habita. They have a small curated collection that has a modern and fresh appeal in very calming color palettes. I also love that it's owned by a really lovely and helpful female owner. We used their Esplanade wallpaper as a zoom backdrop for my client's home office and the effect is fun and modern but also really serene.'
Tom Rutt, founder of London-based architecture and interiors practice TR Studio
'We spend a lot of time on wallpaper selection and have found some really beautiful ones recently. We source from various locations, most recently from Howe London via 36 Bourne Street, using their ‘Knurl’ Wallpaper for our Farm & Deli project [seen above[]. We have also selected some beautiful wallpapers from Cole & Son, Osbourne & Little, Pierre Frey, and Holland & Sherry to name a few! Depending on the aesthetic we are trying to achieve, there will always be something to draw upon from these suppliers that our clients love.'
Alexandra Azat, interior designer and founder of Plaster & Patina
'When it comes to wallpaper, we're pretty much obsessed. Having grown up on the East Coast, it was a staple in my childhood home and the nostalgia of it gets me every time! Today, my favorite places to source wallpapers vary based on how it will be used.'
'For grasscloths, linens, and gorgeous textural elements, my go-to's are Schumacher and Phillip Jeffries. When we open up the door to a fabulous mural or show-stopping paper, you'll find us looking at de Gournay, House of Hackney, or La Maison Pierre Frey. For kid's rooms, we normally start looking at Ottoline, Rebel Walls, or Milton & King.'
Molly Torres Portnof, designer and founder of NYC-based DATE Interiors
'Astek is an incredible wallpaper resource because they have tons of collections with gorgeous patterns and textures, but they also have a robust vintage collection and unparalleled customization capabilities.'
Linda Hayslett, founder and designer at design build and interior design firm LH.Designs
'Rebecca Atwood has cute, playful prints. I've used them to make a room feel lively yet sophisticated at the same time. I also love She She wallpaper because of all the fun prints they have. Some of them are cheeky but all of them are just beautiful. They all look hand-drawn or painted with a whimsical design.'
Wendy Labrum, Chicago-based interior designer and founder of Wendy Labrum Interiors
'Phillip Jeffries is the premier source for beautiful textured Wallcoverings. We love using their richly hued grasscloths and sisals to add a strong impact in a space and instantly add polish to any room. Nobilis is another go-to source for wallpaper. Their faux bois paper is a classic and works in so many spaces and applications. It can be hung vertically, horizontally, or even cut in a pattern, hides any nail holes or scuff marks on the wall, and is forever chic.'
Mira Eng-Goetz, lead designer at Oregon-based interior design firm Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
'Whenever we’re in need of gorgeous custom wallpaper, murals, hand-painted elements or gilding, we love working with the talented ladies at Lonesome Pictopia. Inspired by American tattooing, decorative arts, and nature, Lonesome Pictopia collaborates with designers, artists, and clients to create custom interior elements that are truly unique and meticulously crafted. Their gorgeous line of wallpapers is printed in the UK according to traditional printing methods by a sustainable manufacturer. Their murals and gilded elements are meticulously hand-painted by their all-female team and their sampling process is thoughtful and thorough.'
'In addition, a percentage of all Lonesome Pictopia wallpaper sales support non-profits fighting housing inequality AND the founder Melanie Nead is one of the most delightful people we’ve ever worked with. She’s a wealth of decorative arts knowledge and one of the most kind-hearted individuals!'
Alexis Ring, founder and owner of San Franciso-based Alexis Ring Interior Design
'Omexco is one of my go-to sources for wallpaper. They have such a diverse range of artisanal designs with everything from bold patterns to calming neutrals. Made in Belgium, they favor all natural fibers which give their products a wonderful, tactile finish. For example, this pattern [seen above], Seraya, is made using coconut leaves, which gives it a beautiful range of color and texture. The specks of brown and gold add irregularity and richness. I also love that their products are eco-certified, non-toxic, PVC free – a rare find!'
Luis Carmona, interior designer and owner of Verde Interior Design
'Spoonflower has been a great resource for us when we are looking for patterned wallpaper. Their wallpapers come in a variety of finishes which help us offer their product for commercial and residential projects in both high-trafficked and low-use areas. We recently used this Magical Night grasscloth wallpaper in a living space and it turned out great! It added some much-needed texture in the space.'
'For larger spaces or walls, we love Calico. They have a great selection of murals that are bold and vibrant making them ideal for a larger space where you want to make an impact. The mural panels allow you to pick where you want the pattern to start and stop depending on the space which gives us (the designer) a bit more liberty to choose how the wallpaper mural will lay in the space.'
Nathan Turner, designer, TV personality and founder of Nathan Turner Design
'My go-to resource is Wallshoppe and not just because I have a collection there! I love color and bold patterns and they have a lot of both! I'm rarely subtle when applying wallpaper... the point is to add a punch and have some fun. Wallshoppe has everything from simple stripes to striking prints in a ton of colors.'
Mindy Laven, founder and principal designer at Mindy Laven Home
'Overall, I like papers that will stand the test of time, since wallpaper is semi-permanent. Thus, we don't do a lot of trendy papers. I love a paper that has a nod to history but still feels relevant. Paper can add a touch of whimsy or boldness. It's a nice way to add flair in small doses. The entry of this historic home [above] needed a paper that married the past to the present. The Vase paper from Clarence House was perfect and the olivey green background color was also the inspiration for the shutters on the exterior of the home. This was such a great tie-back!'
Kristina Khersonsky, interior designer and founder of STUDIO KEETA
' We enjoy using Backdrop’s wallpaper. Their wallpaper collection is relatively new (launched in the last several years). The designs are really fresh and unlike what we’ve seen before, and the quality is top-notch.'
'At our Beachwood Canyon Treehouse project [seen above], we selected Backdrop’s ‘Gambit’ in Deep Green and Sage. To create a hug-like effect in this guest bedroom, we implemented the wallpaper onto the ceiling and about a foot down onto the wall. The effect was cozy and unique for guests staying in the room!'
If you're here because you're on a journey to find the best bedroom wallpaper, kitchen wallpaper, or even the slightly controversial bathroom wallpaper (is bathroom wallpaper still on trend?) then you will already understand that it's not a task for the faint-hearted. So hopefully by now, you're armed with a long list of wallpaper designers, makers, and suppliers from which to order samples in abundance and get decision-making. Good luck!
