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7 Dreamy Wallpapers Inspired by Watercolors

These artful wallpapers from Pierre Frey, Voutsa, and Jim Thompson transform any room into a mesmerizing canvas

By Jill Sieracki
Pattern of figures and floral motifs in shades of green and blue with a watercolor style.
A kaleidoscope of saturated hues entwine in the Chinoise design for Voutsa. Photo: Courtesy of Voutsa

Soothing shades that seamlessly blend into each other are hallmarks of some of the most famous abstract paintings. Bursting out of the frame, these wallpapers with watercolor-influenced swirls and painterly clouds become the focus of an entire room, enveloping an interior in mesmerizing beauty. “A large-patterned wallpaper can transform a space in just a few hours,” says De Sousa Hughes creative director Geoffrey De Sousa. “It can give the plainest of spaces a huge personality and highlight its architectural details.”

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The San Francisco retailer has seen myriad versions of the trend, from soft, undulating shades on panels from established brands such as Voutsa and Élitis, among others, to styles that have added dimension of texture and metallics by exciting newcomers like the Vale London. “I love modern art on large traditional patterns and traditional art on soft subtle textures,” De Sousa says. “It really comes down to the framing—to either tame the art, punch it up, or delineate pattern on pattern.” 

Abstract watercolor painting featuring smooth blue waves and textures.
Exuberant waves of rich blues create an Impressionistic seascape in Running Tide for ALT for Living. Courtesy of Alt For Living

Modern living room with abstract green wall art, white benches, woven wall decor, wooden floor, sofa, and glass coffee table.
Élitis’s Oxydes wall covering captures the look of oxidized metal, adding both texture and shine to any room. Courtesy of Élitis

Abstract watercolor pattern with soft green, white, and beige tones, featuring floral and leaf-like shapes blending seamlessly.
Each of Eskayel’s one-of-a-kind wall coverings, including Cortile, evolves from a painting by studio founder Shanan Campanaro. Courtesy of Eskayel

Abstract art with whimsical figures and nature elements in a palette of greens, blues, and yellows.
Soft-color brushstrokes are layered behind delicate illustrations in Pierre Frey’s whimsical landscape, Les Amoureux. Courtesy of Pierre Frey

Abstract watercolor pattern with shades of blue and green, resembling a cloudy sky or ocean, with a textured effect
Celebrated architect and designer David Rockwell looked to the skies for his Dreams collection for Jim Thompson, which includes this Raindrop sisal in moody Twilight. Courtesy of Jim Thompson Fabrics

Abstract symmetrical marbled pattern with beige, gray, and brown swirls resembling natural stone texture.
Marble Tile 2, flecked with mica, from the Vale London, available at Fabricut, shimmers in an opulent swirl. Courtesy of The Vale London

Pattern of figures and floral motifs in shades of green and blue with a watercolor style.
A kaleidoscope of saturated hues entwine in the Chinoise design for Voutsa. Courtesy of Voutsa

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2019 Late Fall issue under the headline “Panel Discussion.” Subscribe to the magazine.