London Design Week showcases the growing trend of repurposing with wallpaper in 2021



Wallpaper has always been a polarizing accent in the design world. The risk of big, bold prints covering a large wall can make or break a space for many. However, there are more innovative ways to use wallpaper beyond covering entire spaces. At this year’s London Design Week, one of the biggest trends involves using wallpaper to upgrade boring pieces subtly.

Maximalist decor has been gaining popularity, showcasing personality and individuality in spaces. This trend was evident at London Design Week with bold colors, kitchy accents, and mixed patterns dominating showcases. A more approachable way to embrace this shift is by adding pattern to a room’s design using wallpapered decor pieces.



Restyling with wallpaper

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A post shared by Melanie Lissack Interiors (@melanielissackinteriors)

Whether you have excess material from a renovation or want to upgrade items that fall flat design-wise, using wallpaper for DIY projects is a great trend to explore. Wallpapered picture frames, trash cans, and tissue boxes are some compelling examples. Starting small with these items allows you to test out the DIY without much risk before moving on to larger furniture pieces.

How to revamp decor with wallpaper

When choosing wallpaper, you have traditional and peel-and-stick options. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easier to work with and sticks to a variety of surfaces, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. Preparing the item, cutting the wallpaper to size, and applying it carefully will give you a refreshed piece with a new look.

What items should you cover with wallpaper?

Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers flexibility in covering a variety of items with smooth, flat surfaces. Trash cans, picture frames, mirrors, cabinet doors, and shelving units are great options. Traditional wallpaper works well on sanded wood surfaces but might require extra steps for plastic or glass items. With some creativity and effort, you can use wallpaper to revamp and redecorate your items.

Reg Miller Award
Reg Miller Award

Reg Miller Award recipient, Lewis Lydon with OA Chairman, Pete Shadbolt and CEO, Lechelle Earl.