Arcadia Home & Design
March 1, 2026
March 1, 2026, page 8

8 Spring 2026

9 O nce dismissed as a relic of your grandparents’ home, wallpaper has quietly – and now not so quietly – staked its claim as a go-to design element in modern interiors. If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or Pinterest lately, it’s easy to see why: textured neutrals, bold murals, and vintage florals are making walls feel like a work of art. In the Valley, Williams Wallcovering is helping homeowners embrace this trend with style and precision. “People are craving warmth and personality,” Owner Decker Williams said. “For a long time, everything was white walls and minimal finishes, which can feel beautiful but also a bit sterile. Wallpaper adds texture, depth, and emotion to a space in a way paint can’t. Social media and design inspiration have played a big role.” Williams’ journey in the trade spans nearly a decade, though Williams Wallcovering officially launched in 2023. Growing up in Central Phoenix, he started out in California helping with installations, learning the craft by pulling paper and assisting on jobs. “I moved into large-scale commercial projects like hotels and ground-up builds, which taught me precision, efficiency, and craftsmanship at a high level,” Williams said. “I transitioned into residential work and fell in love with the creativity and personal connection that comes with transforming someone’s home. Starting my own business felt like the natural next step.” Now, he combines technical skills with design, helping clients bring personality and character into their spaces. For those who still picture wallpaper as floral prints from the 1970s, today’s wallcoverings are a revelation. “Materials are higher quality and more durable. There are grasscloths, linens, vinyls, murals, and textured finishes that feel elevated and architectural rather than dated,” Williams said. “Installation has evolved, too – it’s much more precise and cleaner. When done professionally, seams disappear and the result feels smooth and modern.” Williams sees a mix of bold statements and subtle textures dominating today’s wallpaper trends. Large- scale murals and organic patterns are making a strong comeback, along with vintage-inspired florals and textured neutrals. Color drenching (where entire rooms are enveloped in rich, saturated tones) is also gaining popularity. “Clients are going all-in with richer tones across entire rooms instead of playing it safe, which I’m loving,” Williams said. The trend isn’t just for first-time homeowners; designers and long-time residents renovating their spaces are taking risks and exploring wallpaper as a key design feature. Wallpaper isn’t just for one feature wall anymore. Williams notes installations on ceilings, offices, pantries, laundry rooms, guest houses, and especially powder room and pool bathrooms. Make a tatement Wallpaper’s revival is making rooms interesting again Decker Williams, founder of Williams Wallcovering. Continued on page 10