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Wallpaper
For those of us who grew up in the 1990s, homes decorated with wallpaper - often with floral or damask patterns - were not particularly appealing. The rooms, entirely covered in floral patterns and pastel shades, conveyed a dated, almost burdensome feel. I perceived them as somewhat cheap, incapable of evoking true charm. It gave me a sense of heaviness, of something outdated.
Over time, especially when I began my career in interior design, I completely reevaluated that initial perception. The design landscape has also changed its approach to wallpaper, rediscovering it as an expressive element, rich in possibilities and perfectly in tune with contemporary life.
Photo @Valentina Cannava
Wallpaper “Welcome back” by LondonArt
In my latest projects, I've begun using wallpaper as an accent, capable of lending character and uniqueness to spaces. This renewed interest has led me to question its evolution: where does wallpaper really come from? What techniques are used to create it? And how has it transformed over time, spanning eras, styles, and trends?
The first appearance of wallpaper dates back to the Chinese in the 2nd century BC, who used thin rice paper, hand-painted with pictorial or calligraphic motifs, to decorate the interiors of their homes. These coverings were not only decorative but also had a symbolic function, telling stories, conveying cultural values, or simply representing social status. The techniques used by the Chinese were highly refined and involved the use of natural pigments and delicate brushstrokes on very light yet durable materials.
It was only in the 12th century that this tradition arrived in Europe, brought by the Arabs through trade between East and West. The introduction of this new decorative element marked a turning point: a true bridge between two cultures, but also a new source of artistic inspiration.
Until then, only the homes of aristocrats or wealthy families could afford wall decorations such as tapestries - considered the ancestors of wallpaper - or carved wood panels. The arrival of decorated paper, however, offered a more accessible and affordable alternative, making it possible for a wider audience to embellish and personalize the interiors of their homes.
https://kemuro.it/storia-della-carta-da-parati/
From the Renaissance to the Baroque, from the Industrial Revolution to Modernism, right up to the present day, wallpaper has undergone a remarkable evolution, both in terms of production techniques and decorative motifs.
In its early days, the techniques were rather rudimentary: one of the most common methods, called woodblock printing, involved creating ornamental motifs on carved wooden blocks, which were then inked and pressed manually onto the paper, in a process similar to stamp printing. Once the decoration was completed, the sheets were glued directly to the walls. The first motifs were simple and repetitive, often inspired by arabesques, plant elements, or sacred subjects, in keeping with the aesthetics and symbolism of the time.
Over the centuries, wallpaper production techniques have evolved significantly. The first technique, described above, was a very lengthy and costly process. To facilitate wallpaper production, in 1799, French engineer Louis-Nicolas Robert patented a machine for producing paper in rolls, giving rise to continuous roller printing. This printing method was made possible thanks to a machine invented in 1783 by Thomas Bell, a Scottish-born engraver and inventor, who developed the first successful cylinder printing press. Bell’s system used metal or rubber rollers engraved with ornamental motifs, mounted on large rotary presses that printed the paper continuously, enabling large-scale production. This innovative method not only sped up manufacturing but also allowed for a wider range of designs and varying paper hues, opening up new creative and expressive possibilities.
Image courtesy: Textile School.
Roller printing
Beginning in the 1990s, two new printing technologies began to dominate the wallpaper industry: rotogravure printing and screen printing. Rotogravure printing (or intaglio printing) uses engraved cylinders that transfer ink to paper quickly and continuously. This technique is particularly suitable for large print runs, as it ensures excellent graphic quality, sharp details, and efficient production.
Screen printing, on the other hand, relies on the use of a finely woven fabric stretched over a frame (the so-called “screen”), through which ink is passed to create the design.
Both systems have established themselves for their ability to print on a variety of materials (paper, fabric, vinyl, nonwovens, etc.) and for their efficiency in large-scale production, while maintaining high quality standards and broad creative possibilities.
With the advent of the 20th century and new technologies, the wallpaper industry also underwent a profound transformation. Digital inkjet printing was born, capable of completely customizing decorations by reproducing photographs, artistic drawings, and original patterns.
The introduction of this technique allowed for a significant reduction in production costs, but above all, it opened the door to individual creativity. Today, many designers, artists, and creatives can create custom projects, design their own patterns and adapt them to any space.
In recent years, wallpaper has also taken on a technical function, in addition to its purely aesthetic nature. There are now sound-absorbing, washable, stain-resistant, eco-friendly, and easily removable solutions, made from a wide variety of materials: from vinyl to nonwovens, from fiberglass to natural fibers.
The evolution of wallpaper production techniques has not been the only advancement in the industry. Over the centuries, decorative motifs have also undergone constant transformation, adapting to the artistic styles that have dominated the global interior design scene and cultural trends in general.
Before exploring the trends that have marked the history of wallpaper from its earliest days to the present day, it is necessary to mention the man who can be considered the absolute pioneer of modern design in this field: William Morris.
A central figure in the Arts and Crafts movement - born in England as a reaction to the rampant industrialization that was compromising the quality and aesthetics of everyday objects - the movement promoted a return to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and excellent materials. In this context, Morris - an English artist, writer, and craftsman - entered the world of wallpaper around 1864.
His creations, which have become iconic and are still reproduced today, are distinguished by their naturalistic motifs - inspired by flowers, leaves, and birds - characterized by repeating patterns and rich yet restrained colors, such as deep green and intense blue.
Among his most famous designs are:
- Trellis (1864), Morris's first wallpaper, featuring climbing roses and trellises.
- Fruit (1866), also known as Pomegranate, an intricate interweaving of pomegranates and leaves.
- Strawberry Thief (1883), in which a bird is caught stealing strawberries.
Even today, these motifs are considered timeless classics, capable of bringing elegance and poetry to any space.
Wallpaper “Trellis” by William Morris
Wallpaper “Fruit (or Pomegranate)” by William Morris
Wallpaper “Strawberry Thief” by William Morris
ART DÉCO
Born in France between the 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco style, influenced by Cubism, Futurism, and exotic cultures such as Africa and Arabia, spread internationally. The decorations of that period were distinguished by geometric, symmetrical, and stylized motifs, often enhanced with bold colors - gold, silver, black, and green - and precious materials such as velvet, marble, and polished metals. Among the style’s leading exponents were: the French designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, known for his use of stylized flowers, abstract geometric shapes - spirals, dots, lines, and regular cells - ornamental figures, and refined color effects; the Swiss-French designer, sculptor, and painter Jean Dunand, renowned for his natural motifs, abstract geometric patterns, and symbolic narrative figures; and the French fashion designer Paul Poiret, whose studio introduced stylized flowers, decorative fauna, oriental ornaments, theatrical and fairytale motifs, and decorative geometries to wallpaper.
Wallpaper by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Wallpaper “Deep Rich Gold gilded silk” by Jean Dunand
Wallpaper by Paul Poiret
1950s and 1960s / VINYL
Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, vinyl wallpaper offered significant functional advantages, such as moisture resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning. With the introduction of this plastic material, wallpaper was no longer limited to traditional spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and studies, but could also be used in humid spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. Among the most notable designers associated with this period were British designer Lucienne Day, renowned for her small, abstract patterns, and American designer Lanette Scheeline, famous for her botanical and stylized motifs, often inspired by nature.
Wallpaper “Provence” by Lucienne Day
Wallpaper by Lanette Scheeline
1970s
This period marked the emergence of bold, large-scale patterns and vibrant colors, including orange, green, brown, yellow, and white. Among the most influential designers were Danish designer Verner Panton, known for his large geometric designs and vivid, futurist style; Australian designer Florence Broadhurst, renowned for her floral patterns, Mylar - a plastic film with metallic finishes (PET) - and bright, reflective colors; British designer David Hicks, who employed geometric patterns of sophisticated elegance; and French designer Paul Dumas, known for his artistically patterned wallpapers.
Wallpaper by Verner Panton
Wallpaper by Florence Broadhurst
Wallpaper “Hicks Hexagon” by David Hicks
Wallpaper by Paul Dumas
1980s
The 1980s, marked by pop culture and postmodernism, are also reflected in wallpaper through bold styles, saturated colors, and an often eccentric and geometric aesthetic. Patterns such as zigzags, triangles, and circles are combined with the Memphis style, characterized by bright colors and playful shapes. Trompe-l'œil effects and bold color combinations, ranging from pastels to metallic tones, are also present. Among the key designers of this period are the Italian architect Ettore Sottsass / Memphis Group with graphic motifs and pop colors; and the English designer Laura Ashley, famous for her romantic floral style.
Wallpaper by Ettore Sottsass / Memphis group
Wallpaper “Belvedere Mural” by Laura Ashley
1990s
In the 1990s, the bold colors typical of the previous decade were abandoned, giving way to more classic motifs. Delicate floral and damask motifs, vertical stripes, fabric effects, and country-chic or romantic patterns were proposed in soft, sophisticated colors such as beige, pearl gray, sage green, dusty pink, and muted pastels. Among the designers emerging in this period were the American brand Ralph Lauren, who brought his timeless elegance to the world of wallpaper with tartan patterns, classic stripes, and vintage prints; the British brand Osborne & Little with both traditional and sophisticated designs; and Graham & Brown with traditional, floral, and vertical stripes.
Wallpaper “Aiden Stripe” by Ralph Lauren
Wallpaper “Samrina” by Osborne & Little
Wallpaper “Craftwork trail day” by Graham & Brown
While wallpaper was an essential decorative element in home decor in the 1980s and 1990s - often used to completely cover a room's walls, lending a space a bold character and distinct stylistic identity - between the late 1990s and early 2000s, it gradually began to lose its appeal. Now perceived as dated and obsolete, it was replaced by painted walls, with white as the dominant color, complemented by subtle, neutral tones.
It wasn’t until the dawn of the new millennium, and particularly in the early 2010s, that wallpaper experienced a true revival, fueled by the introduction of new materials, digital techniques, and a more experimental and creative approach to interior design. Unlike traditional wallpaper - which involved covering entire walls - the new trend sees wallpaper applied to a single wall (an accent wall), adding personality to a space without visually overwhelming it.
Wallpaper “Levity” by Cartilla
Over the past decade, many brands have contributed to the revival and rediscovery of this wonderful decorative element. Among the leading players is the Italian brand LondonArt, which combines art, fashion, and interior design to offer visually striking collections, crafted like bespoke wall coverings. Collaborations with international illustrators, designers, and artists make each project unique and highly customizable. The French brand Élitis offers refined textures, tactile workmanship, and high-quality finishes, often inspired by natural fabrics, woven fibers, and exotic surfaces, with a sophisticated and contemporary feel. The Spanish brand Coordonné proposals eclectic collections, ranging from Mediterranean vintage to contemporary graphics.
Wallpaper “City kids” by Gio Pagani for LondonArt
Wallpaper Collection “Grand Hotel / Moonlight” by Elitis
Wallpaper “My cave Silver” by Coordonné
Wallpaper is increasingly becoming an object of desire, so much so that even the luxury world can’t help but celebrate it. Many fashion brands are starting to offer wallpaper collections that fully reflect their style and visual identity, bringing the elegance of the runway directly to the walls of the home.
The French brand Dior reinterprets the famous Toile de Jouy motif with a contemporary twist; the Italian brand Armani offers wallpapers in sophisticated tones, with textures and designs inspired by the Far East; while Versace stands out for its sumptuous and baroque motifs, often embellished with gold details.
Wallpaper “Toile de Jouy” by Dior
Wallpaper “Nikko” by Armani / Casa
Wallpaper “Découpage print” by Versace
From imperial decoration to accessible covering, from bourgeois symbol to art form, wallpaper has always interpreted the spirit of its era. Today, thanks to digital technologies and research into materials, it is experiencing a resurgence: not just a covering, but a mural narrative, a visual sculpture, a sign of identity.
Whether it's a 19th-century floral motif or a futuristic geometric print, wallpaper continues to do what it has done for centuries: give life to spaces.
