There’s a certain decadence about wallpaper. Whether it’s a tiny powder room or a sumptuous drawing room, the appearance of wallpaper puts an immediate stake in the ground. A thoughtfully selected splash of wallpaper brings gravitas and glamour to a design concept that is as relevant today as it was in times past. After all it takes some degree of confidence to commit to wall coverings; they can be expensive and once installed, tricky to change. Wallpaper can be as elegant or sassy as the person who chose it - or conversely, an audacious wallpaper might be the antidote for the soul who secretly considers him/herself to be a bit dull!

From cheeky and eccentric English wallpapers like Cole & Sons to more opulent hand painted wallpapers like De Gournay, we feel that wallpaper in all its impudent glory and timelessness deserves a standing ovation. This is particularly palpable in the world of art production and set design in television and film. Certain directors go to great lengths to create a fully immersive experience with the set design such that the interiors have as much character and presence as the characters that inhabit them. Think of Wong Kar Wai’s sultry sets or the lurid pastiche of Pedro Almodovar’s mise-en-scène.

With just the right backdrop, irreverent directors create symbolic intrigue and psychological nuance which adds texture and amplifies the narrative. Wes Anderson, the king of enough-is-never-enough has used wallpaper to great effect in most of his films to the point that the walls almost become an extension of the characters in his narratives or maybe even a starring role! So wild about wallpapers was Wes, he developed his own line, Anderson Aesthetic collection by MuralsWallpaper. Similarly set designer Catherine Martin has a line of exotic wall coverings called Metropolis for Mokum, based on her collaborations with her husband Baz Luhrmann, the sultan of cinematic exuberance. So without further ado, here is a concise edit of some of our favorite wallpapers to have graced screens big and small. Enjoy and may you be emboldened in your own design choices!

Oversized floral wallpaper from Sex & the City “And Just Like That..” Production Design by Miguel López-Castillo and set decorator Carol Silverman

60’s florals as seen on the set of The Queen’s Gambit. Production designer- Uli Hanish

Clashing colors and pattern as a psychological backdrop in Pedro Almodovar’s “All About My Mother” - Production design by Antxón Gómez

Cole & Sons Palms wallpaper makes an appearance in the British TV comedy ‘Sex Education’

“If Beale Street Could Talk” a 2018 film by Barry Jenkins based on a James Balwin novel - Set design by Kris Moran

Wong Kar Wai’s “In the Mood for Love” - Art Direction & Set Designer: Beatrice Rossetti Studio

Scalamandre Zebra wallpaper plays a supporting role in “The Royal Tenenbaums” by Wes Anderson.

De Gourney wallpaper guest stars in HBO’s series Sharp Objects with Patricia Clarkson - production designer John Paino

We were brought on by an International couple to revamp two outdated bathrooms as well as reimagine the main fireplace elevation in the living room of an ordinary post & beam home.  The idea was to create a simple modern design language to elevate these three modest spaces and bring cohesion to the rest of the house. The low cottagey brick fireplace seemed out of proportion with the high beamed ceilings and the edgy European black and grey open kitchen at the end of the living room.  Additionally the space seemed shut off from the outdoors even though the views and natural light are quite lovely.  We went on a mission to turn the fireplace into a statement by extending the height and opening up the windows to bring the outdoors in. The result is a captivating contrast between the crisp uncluttered interior space and the luxuriant mountain views beyond.

First, the fireplace wall. We felt that by eliminating the traditional fireplace mantle and taking the casing all the way to the ceiling, it would enhance the feeling of spaciousness and height.  We suggested a dark charcoal roman plaster finish rather than brick to create a dramatic modern almost monastic feel. The windows either side of the fireplace were enlarged and given black metal sashes, a perfect frame for the outdoor California native gardens designed by landscape designer Jessica Voila of the eponymous Voila Gardens.   

On to the bathrooms… When a client loves a long soak it’s important to get the largest freestanding bath that can fit comfortably fit into the space without sacrificing proportion. The custom halo illumination mirror adds ambiance and opens the space up while the perforated metal pendant light from Allied Maker adds a bit of formality.

Before & After

We wanted our clients to feel that they could luxuriate in their bathrooms, not just have a rushed in and out experience.  We had to maximize the experience with limited space because we were working with a tight floor plan and were unable to expand the footprint.  We used high quality yet simple materials; linen Porcelanosa tiles for the floor and up the back window wall in the master bath and custom cabinetry throughout.  Similarly, in the second bathroom, we chose humble white subway tiles, but created an illusion of more space by grading the shower floor and adding a glass half wall thus eliminating the need for a shower lip. The teak ceilings in both bathrooms serve several purposes: the wood breaks up the all-white tiling, brings in more of the outdoors and amplifies the resort vibes. The dark bronze hardware and Sonnemann sconces keeps it all fun and modern whilst tying it into the overall language of the house.

Before & After - Shower Room

Before & After - Master Bath

Before & After - Living Room