Trending Wallpaper Styles & Installation Tips for Modern Homes

Wallpaper has made a huge comeback in modern interior design. From subtle textures to bold statement walls, homeowners are using wallpaper to express personality, define spaces, and add instant character to their homes. But with so many patterns, materials, and trends available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start—or how to install it properly.

This guide explores today’s most popular wallpaper styles and shares practical installation tips so modern homeowners can achieve a polished, long-lasting finish—especially when working with a professional wallpaper installer.

1. Bold Accent Walls: Making a Statement in One Space

One of the biggest modern wallpaper trends is the accent wall. Instead of covering all four walls, homeowners choose a single focal wall to highlight.

Popular spaces for accent walls include:

1. Behind the bed in the primary bedroom
2. The wall behind the sofa in the living room
3. Dining room features walls
4. Entryways or small foyers

Trending patterns for accent walls:

1. Large-scale florals
2. Abstract or artistic prints
3. Geometric designs
4. Tropical or nature-inspired motifs

Tip: When creating an accent wall, balance is key. The wallpaper should be bold enough to stand out, but still coordinate with the room’s overall color palette. A professional installer can help position the pattern so key design elements are centered where they’ll have the most visual impact.

2. Textured & Fabric-Look Wallpapers for Subtle Luxury

Not every modern home call for a loud pattern. Many homeowners are turning to textured wallpapers that add depth without overwhelming the room.

Popular choices include:

1. Grasscloth and natural fibers
2. Linen- or fabric-look vinyl
3. Embossed patterns with subtle relief
4. Faux plaster or woven textures

These styles work beautifully in:

1. Living rooms
2. Home offices
3. Dining rooms
4. Hallways

Tip: Textured wallpapers can be trickier to install because seams and cuts must be especially clean to maintain a seamless look. A skilled wallpaper installer knows how to handle these materials, avoid fraying, and make seams nearly invisible.

3. Geometric & Modern Graphic Designs

Modern homes often embrace clean lines and contemporary shapes, making geometric wallpaper a top choice.

Trending geometric looks:

1. Chevron and herringbone patterns
2. Hexagons and honeycomb motifs
3. Linear stripes and grids
4. Minimalist abstract line work

These designs suit:

1. Contemporary living rooms
2. Minimalist bedrooms
3. Modern kitchens and breakfast nooks
4. Accent walls in staircases or corridors

Tip: With geometric patterns, even the smallest misalignment can be noticeable. It’s important that the first strip is perfectly plumb and each subsequent strip aligns precisely. Professional wallpaper installation helps ensure crisp, consistent lines across the entire wall.

4. Nature-Inspired Prints: Bringing the Outdoors In

Biophilic design—connecting interiors with nature—continues to influence wallpaper trends. Nature-inspired prints can make a space feel relaxing, airy, and refreshing.

Popular motifs include:

1. Botanical prints and leafy patterns
2. Subtle tree or branch designs
3. Soft watercolor florals
4. Landscapes or abstract nature scenes

These wallpapers are especially popular in:

1. Bedrooms
2. Bathrooms and powder rooms
3. Reading nooks
4. Sunrooms

Tip: In smaller spaces like powder rooms, nature-inspired wallpaper can completely transform the mood. Because there are so many corners, fixtures, and cutouts in bathrooms, hiring a professional wallpaper installer ensures patterns remain aligned and details are neatly finished.

5. Murals & Custom Wallpaper for a Personalized Look

Another rising trend is the use of wallpaper murals—large-scale, often panoramic designs that tell a visual story. These can be anything from cityscapes and maps to abstract art or custom imagery.

Common uses:

1. Feature wall behind a bed or sofa
2. Kids’ bedrooms and playrooms
3. Home theaters or media rooms
4. Office backdrops for video calls

Tip: Murals must be positioned very precisely to look right. The image is typically printed in panels that must be installed in exact sequence. A professional installer will carefully measure, plan the layout, and ensure the mural is centered and properly scaled within the space.

6. Neutral Tones with a Modern Twist

Modern homes increasingly favor neutral color palettes—but neutral doesn’t mean boring. Today’s wallpaper designs use soft colors combined with interesting textures and low-contrast patterns.

Examples include:

1. Beige or taupe patterns with subtle metallic accents
2. Soft gray geometric or stripe designs
3. Creamy backgrounds with tone-on-tone patterns

These styles are perfect for:

1. Open-concept living spaces
2. Rental-friendly updates (especially with removable options)
3. Homes targeting a wide audience for resale

Tip: Neutrals are forgiving, but proper installation still matters. Smooth walls, invisible seams, and clean edges make even a simple neutral wallpaper look high-end and professionally finished.

7. Practical Installation Tips for Modern Homeowners

Whether a homeowner is refreshing a single room or updating multiple spaces, following smart installation practices is essential.

a) Choose the Right Material

Wallpaper comes in several materials, each suited to different spaces:

1. Vinyl: Durable and often washable—great for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
2. Non-woven: Easy to install and remove, popular in modern homes.
3. Paper: Traditional option with beautiful prints, but typically more delicate.
4. Grasscloth/Natural fibers: Adds rich texture but requires careful handling and is not ideal for humid rooms.

A professional wallpaper installer can explain the pros and cons of each for your walls and lifestyle.

b) Don’t Skip Wall Preparation

Proper wall prep includes:

1. Repairing cracks and holes
2. Sanding rough patches
3. Cleaning dust, grease, or residue
4. Applying the correct primer

This foundational work prevents peeling, bubbling, and poor adhesion.

c) Measure Carefully and Order Extra

Because of pattern repeats and trimming, it’s wise to order a little more wallpaper than the exact wall measurement may suggest. Professionals calculate this accurately and help avoid running short halfway through a wall.

d) Start with Low-Risk Spaces (or Call a Pro)

If homeowners want to try small DIY projects, starting with a simple, low-risk area—like a closet or small accent wall with a simple pattern—is safer. For large rooms, tricky patterns, or expensive materials, hiring an experienced installer is almost always the smarter long-term decision.

8. Why Professional Installation Complements Modern Wallpaper Trends

Today’s wallpaper trends lean heavily on precision, pattern flow, and clean detailing. Bold accent walls, geometric designs, textured finishes, and murals all demand accuracy.

Partnering with a professional wallpaper installer offers:

1. Perfectly aligned patterns and seams
2. Smooth, bubble-free surfaces
3. Clean cuts around windows, doors, and outlets
4. Long-lasting results that match the designer’s vision

When modern style and expert craftsmanship come together, the result is a home that feels cohesive, polished, and truly personal.