Dan Moir from James Dunlop Textiles has seen that shift firsthand. As part of the fifth generation in his family’s fabric business, he works closely with designers and retailers across New Zealand and Australia. “Our most popular wall coverings are linen look or highly textural plains,” he says. “Lots of layering of rich texture.”

Whether you’re planning a full room makeover or just want something more interesting than white paint, here’s why wallpaper might be worth a second look.

Style that works across the whole home

Wallpaper isn’t just about making a statement. It’s become a versatile design tool for bringing warmth, texture and cohesion to a space. Whether you want to add depth to a neutral scheme or create a tonal backdrop that ties in with your furniture, today’s wallpaper styles give you more flexibility than ever. Textured plains, linen-look finishes and soft organic prints are especially popular, offering subtle interest without overpowering the room.

Dan says many collections are designed to complement other elements in the space. “Most of the papers that we produce emulate one of the bold patterns or designs… of the core textile range.” That makes it easier to coordinate curtains, upholstery and wall finishes without everything feeling too matchy. You can mix textures and tones across different rooms while still creating a sense of flow throughout the home.

The practical side of wallpaper

Forget the fiddly paste-the-paper methods of the past. Today’s wallpapers are easier to work with and more forgiving during installation. “There are simpler wallpaper solutions now where you apply the glue to the wall much like you undercoat a paint solution,” says Dan. That means a little more flexibility and less mess, even if you’re applying it yourself.

Some wallpapers are now designed with moisture resistance or added durability, making them suitable for areas you might not expect. Hallways, bathrooms or entranceways all benefit. “There are different papers with different properties for different zones in the home,” Dan explains. “Some might be more resilient to moisture… others more decorative.”

Wallpaper offers acoustic and thermal benefits that paint can’t match. The added thickness helps absorb sound, reducing echo and noise in open-plan spaces, hallways or rooms with hard flooring. Some wall coverings are even designed with padded or textured surfaces that further improve sound control. On the thermal side, wallpaper creates a light insulating layer that helps stabilise indoor temperatures, making rooms feel warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It’s a subtle upgrade that can improve comfort without major changes to your home’s structure.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.