Walls that speak: The artistry of wallpaper in great interiors

Mirroring movement

At Hunton Manor in Hampshire, wallpaper plays a defining role in one of the property’s most breathtaking features: the cantilevered spiral staircase. Rising from a circular inner hall, and bathed in natural light from the glass cupola above, the staircase is framed by original Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler paper. One of Britain’s most influential decorating firms, their partnership helped define 20th-century English country house style, timeless, elegant and enduring. Here, their work enhances the sense of flow and movement in the space. Paired with the inlaid marble floor, it creates an entrance hall that is as much about artistry as architecture.

A painted panorama

The morning room at Stretton Hall is brought to life by hand-painted silk wallpaper from de Gournay’s Chinoiserie collection. Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, de Gournay create bespoke panels that are as much works of art as wall coverings. Here, delicate scenes of birds and blossoms dance across the walls, bringing lightness to the Georgian proportions of the room, setting the tone for the colours and fabrics used throughout.

Botanical harmony

At Southfield House, wallpaper introduces a sense of freshness and charm. In this light-filled bedroom, a botanical design in soft greens and pinks unfurls across the walls, punctuated by butterflies and hummingbirds that lend a playful rhythm to the pattern. The paper works in concert with the tall sash window and gentle curve of the bay, drawing the verdant garden views indoors. Romantic yet restrained, it shows how wallpaper can soften architecture and create a restful atmosphere.

A unifying theme

At Church Cottage, wallpaper is used not just as decoration, but as a way of creating cohesion throughout the home. In the bedroom, a soft floral design covers the walls and alcoves, its palette echoed in furnishings and textiles. By extending this approach across different rooms, the wallpaper establishes a consistent thread of character. The spaces around the home are tied together while still allowing each room to feel individual.

Seamless surrounds

In the principal bedroom of Woodminton in Wiltshire, wallpaper creates a cocooning atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting. A bold, floor-to-ceiling design envelops the space, its repeating pattern drawing the eye upward, emphasising the height and shape of the room. Paired with natural light from the room-height arched window and complementary furnishings, the room has been transformed into a sanctuary.

These homes prove that wallpaper doesn’t have to be just a backdrop, but instead an art form in its own right. It’s details like these that make home not just a place to live, but a place to love.

Further information

Contact Ed Sugden