Haute in Here: Wallpaper

Let’s start here: wallpaper isn’t just the backdrop. It’s really a whole feeling. A whole mood. Sometimes it’s a hush, sometimes a gasp, but always exactly what the room was trying to say all along.

The right wallpaper turns a space into a story. Not necessarily a loud one or a maximalist one (although we LOVE a maximalist moment). Just one with layers and emotion, texture and intention. That’s what makes wallpaper feel haute: it’s not about trend; it’s about tone.

A Curated Lens on Pattern and Texture

Not only does wallpaper decorate a wall, it also defines the atmosphere. When I source wallpaper for a client, I don’t go looking for something that "fills a space." I look for the thing that completes the room’s sentence. That elusive pattern or texture that makes everything else click into place. Sometimes it’s a delicate, hand-painted chinoiserie that breathes softness into a space. Other times, it’s a bold graphic print that grounds the room and gives it rhythm. And often, it’s something with a bit of movement and soul. For example, a grasscloth that shimmers ever so slightly or a mural that shifts in light like silk on skin.

It’s not about being daring. It’s about being certain!

Haute, Not Harsh

There’s a gorgeous confidence to a room that wears its wallpaper well. It feels layered, intentional, and refined. More fashion editorial than catalog.

This is where curation comes in. The selections I bring to the table aren’t about chasing trends or mimicking the moment. They’re about honoring the architecture, elevating the mood, and capturing my clients’ personalities in a way that feels effortless but unmistakably elevated.

The wallpaper I love most wears like couture: tailored to the space, unexpected in all the right ways, and unapologetically expressive. It doesn't feel mass-produced because it isn't. It feels like it belongs because it was chosen with care. You won’t find these wallcoverings in aisle nine under fluorescent lighting. They’re made by artists and artisans who understand that wallpaper isn’t just background noise—it’s, like, kind of a big deal.

The Art of Placement

Great wallpaper isn’t limited to accent walls (and frankly, it shouldn't be). When thoughtfully placed, wallpaper becomes part of the architecture itself. It wraps you in mood. It changes how you feel in a room. Whether it's a ceiling that needs a little lift, a hallway begging for a sense of rhythm, or a powder bath that wants to be remembered, wallpaper brings in that moment of surprise. Not for shock value, but for sheer delight.

One of my favorite applications is wallpapering a walk-in closet or pantry. It’s pretty much a wink that says, "You’re allowed to enjoy this." Because great design isn’t about saving the best for the front entry—it’s about making the everyday feel like an occasion.

And yes, I love wrapping wallpaper around all four walls. There’s something deeply satisfying about a fully immersed space. No abrupt endings, no visual stutters. Just a continuous flow of goodness that holds the room together. Even ceilings can be transformed with wallpaper. Like, imagine a dining room with a metallic pattern that catches the flicker of candlelight. Dreamy! These choices are rarely obvious but always memorable.

A Little Romance, A Lot of Intuition

Choosing wallpaper is hardly only about visuals. It’s also about chemistry. I pay attention to what the space is already saying, and then I find the thing that lets it sing. It’s intuitive. It’s especially powerful in spaces that don’t need “filling” but crave feeling. A dining room doesn’t just need chairs and a table—it needs tone, presence, gravitas. A wallpaper with a bit of texture does that. It anchors the space emotionally.

In a child’s room, wallpaper might bring a sense of magic: a sprawling woodland, an underwater scene, or a whimsical stripe that feels playful without being precious. In a library, it might elicit stillness or richness, like an old book cover brought to life. Sometimes it’s a little bold. Sometimes it’s more reserved. But it always holds presence. And it always helps sell the narrative.

The Takeaway? Go All In

Wallpaper, when done with intention, doesn’t ask for permission. It knows exactly who it is. It brings soul, style, and softness to a room in ways paint never could. And it doesn’t need to be everywhere, but when it is there, it needs to be all in. This isn’t about being dramatic for drama’s sake. It’s about honoring the design story you’re telling—and knowing when a room is ready for its hero moment.

My clients often tell me that the wallpaper is the thing they fall in love with last—but remember first. It’s what guests comment on. It’s what makes a home feel layered and lived-in, but also finished and elegant.

So, if you're sitting in a space that feels like it's missing something, consider looking to the walls. Maybe what it needs isn’t another piece of furniture or a different rug. Maybe it needs a personality bump. Or warmth. Or even a heartbeat.

Cheers to artful walls.