What Every Homeowner Should Know About Wallpaper’s Big Comeback

If you think wallpaper belongs in your grandmother’s dining room, think again. In 2025, wallpaper is making a bold return—and this time, it’s elevating luxury home design in Wilmington, NC and all along the east coast.

From grandmillennial patterns to sleek metallic finishes, wallpaper has evolved into a statement of craftsmanship and personality. Whether you’re refreshing one accent wall or wrapping your entire powder room in texture, the right wallpaper transforms a room in ways paint never could.

Here’s everything modern homeowners should know about the rise of wallpaper and why Intracoastal Wall Coverings is the trusted choice for installation in Wilmington, North Carolina.

What Is Wallpaper?

Modern wallpaper is far more than decorative paper glued to drywall. Today’s materials include textured vinyl, silk weaves, grasscloth, and fabric-backed wall coverings. They’re designed not only for beauty, but also for durability, cleanability, and longevity.

Wallpaper has a long and fascinating design history. As BBC Culture notes, it evolved from hand-painted luxury goods into mass-produced décor before falling out of favor—and is now enjoying a full-circle comeback in modern homes.

At Intracoastal Wall Coverings (INWA), we install high-end wallpaper sourced from trade-exclusive vendors known for quality and innovation. We work with premium brands to offer options like:

Vinyl and performance wallpaper for high-traffic areas
Natural grasscloths for organic texture
Embossed silk or linen looks for formal spaces
Eco-friendly wallpaper made with artisanal techniques

Interested in bringing these materials into your home? Learn more about premium wallpaper installation options in Wilmington, NC.

Why Wallpaper Is the Perfect Choice for Today’s Homes

Homeowners across North Carolina are rediscovering wallpaper for one big reason—it does what paint can’t. Wallpaper adds texture, character, and visual storytelling to a room. From subtle neutrals to show-stopping prints, wallpaper brings luxury design trends to life.

According to interior designers interviewed by Veranda, wallpaper in 2025 is all about natural textures, layered neutrals, and statement patterns that bring depth and storytelling into every room.

Some of the top reasons Wilmington homeowners are choosing wallpaper include:

Unique personality: Unlike paint, wallpaper can turn a wall into a conversation piece.
Design versatility: From classic coastal to bold maximalist, there's a wallpaper for every aesthetic.
Layered texture: Many wallpapers mimic natural fibers, silk, or metallics for a tactile finish.

Local interior designers in Wilmington, NC are using wallpaper in:

Powder rooms for dramatic visual impact
Dining rooms and formal spaces
Bedrooms and accent walls
Entryways and hallways for a bold first impression

If you want a home that feels curated and intentional, wallpaper offers unmatched design flexibility.

Recent Wallpaper Trends in Wilmington

As one of the top wall covering companies in Wilmington, NC, we’ve seen what’s trending—and what’s transforming homes. In 2025, these wallpaper styles are everywhere:

Large-scale floral and botanical prints that bring the outdoors in
Textured wallpapers like grasscloth, silk weave, and hemp
Metallic and iridescent finishes for a hint of glamor
Murals and panoramic scenes that cover full walls or wraparound spaces
Artisanal and handmade papers sourced from boutique design house.

Want to see what’s possible? Visit our portfolio page to explore past installations and get inspired.

Misconceptions About Wallpaper

Despite its comeback, wallpaper still has a few myths to shake. Let’s clear them up.

“Wallpaper is outdated.”

Wrong. Wallpaper is a cornerstone of today’s most luxurious interiors. From clean Scandinavian patterns to lush historic revivals, there’s a modern wallpaper for every style.

“It’s hard to remove.”

Old adhesives were a pain, but today’s products are much easier to take down or replace. Many wallpapers are now strippable or peelable with the right method.

“Wallpaper is fragile.”

Premium wallpapers are designed to last. With proper installation and care, they can stay beautiful for years—many even resist fading and moisture when used in the right rooms.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Wallpaper isn’t like paint—you can’t just roll it on and call it a day. A professional wallpaper installer ensures your investment looks as flawless as it should.

Here’s what sets expert installation apart:

Perfect pattern matching that keeps designs seamless across walls
Clean seams with no overlaps, wrinkles, or peeling edges
Proper prep of surfaces to avoid bubbling and long-term issues

With second-generation expertise, the INWA team brings precision and artistry to every install. That means you get a result that’s not just beautiful—it’s built to last.

Discover why homeowners trust INWA for luxury wallpaper installation in North Carolina.

Ready to Redefine Your Space?

Wallpaper is back, and it’s better than ever. If you’re ready to bring luxury texture, bold color, and timeless design to your home, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

Intracoastal Wall Coverings is Wilmington’s trusted resource for high-end wallpaper and expert installation. Whether you're decorating a new home or refreshing a favorite room, we’ll help you select the right materials and ensure a perfect fit.