Impactful Wallpaper Designers (William Morris, Sonia Delaunay and others) – Shaping Interiors Across Centuries

There are many influential artists who shaped the path of wallpaper as we know it today. Some of their designs are perfect for historically accurate homes but some are a great fit to a modern interior. If you are a person who loves items with a history, wallpaper inspired by a known wallpaper designer is a must. Keep reading to learn more!

First Wallpaper designers in China

The first Chinese wallpaper designers were court painters, scholars, calligraphers, and independent artists. Since they often worked in groups and under some kind of anonymous workshop, there are just a few known distinctive Chinese artists that might have influenced wallpaper pattern trends and printing techniques.

If you want to know more about history of wallpaper and learn how it moved from China to Europe, check out these two articles:

• The History of wallpaper

• The History and Modern Revival of Chinoiserie Wallpaper

Court Painters from the Song and Ming Dynasties

Guo Xi (c. 1020–1090, Song Dynasty) – Famous for misty mountain landscapes, which were later adapted into decorative screens and wall coverings.

Shen Zhou (1427–1509, Ming Dynasty) – A master of literati painting, whose delicate floral and landscape works influenced decorative patterns.

Wen Zhengming (1470–1559, Ming Dynasty) – Known for highly detailed botanical and nature studies, motifs that later appeared in wallpapers.

Ancient Chinese-inspired wallpaper designs

• Exotic Tree Trunk wallpaper – Drawn bamboo stems will be a great decoration for a room that wants to add an element of ancient Chinese decor with modern vibes.

• Spring Whisper Wallpaper – The delicate light blue wallpaper featuring a tree with birds is a perfect representation of what a modern Ancient Chinese mural would look like.

First wallpaper designers in Europe

Once wallpaper became popular in Europe, a lot of local artists, designers and craftsmen, started making their own wallpaper. At first by hand, then with help of different wallpaper presses and machines. They also started to move away from Chinese inspired motifs and bring their personal ideas and style on the wallpaper.

Jean-Michel Papillon (1698–1776, France)

Jean-Michel Papillon is often called the father of modern wallpaper because he invented the repeated wallpaper pattern that connects several wallpaper sheets – a method we use today for most wallpapers. 

His designs featured floral motifs, pastoral scenes, and Rococo ornamentation, setting the foundation for later wallpaper production.

Jean-Michel Papillon inspired modern wallpapers

• Lapis Lazuli wallpaper – This wallpaper features rococo-style vibes that Jean-Michel Papillon loved to use in his designs.

• Leaves and Flowers wallpaper – Daintly little flowers on a black background will leave a delicate but strong impression to the interior design.

• Coastal Charm wallpaper – Modern interpretation of the floral motif that Jean-Michel Papillon favored so much.

Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf (1738–1815, France)

Although Oberkampf started out as a textile manufacturer and printer, he later moved towards other printing innovations and created the first machine for printing wallpaper.

Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf is also famous for creating a pattern called “Toile de Jouy”. It features delicate pastoral and mythological scenes in monochrome prints – pairing red, blue, gray and other colors with a cream white. Even though this pattern was first made for fabrics, it later became a wallpaper pattern as well.

Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf inspired modern wallpaper 

Porcelain Wallpaper – This wallpaper features a similar feel of “Toile de Jouy”. This wallpaper is more like an ornament and perfect for those who like the blue-white monochrome vibe.

Joseph Dufour (1754–1827, France)

Contrary to Jean-Michel Papillon, Joseph Dufour designed large-scale, detailed panoramic landscapes that covered entire walls rather than repeating patterns. His designs were like wall paintings with intricate details, vibrant colors, and live stories.

His most famous work, Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique (The native peoples of the Pacific Ocean), depicted idealized scenes of Tahiti inspired by Captain Cook’s voyages. 

Joseph Dufour inspired modern wallpapers

• Safari Home Wallpaper – This mural with a jungle theme is a modern take on Joseph Doufour’s idea of wallpapers as artwork with a story.

• The Wonder of Jungle Wallpaper – Another jungle theme that has lots of elements, characters, and panoramic scene.

• Forest Dwellers Wallpaper – Watercolor style mural showing a scene from the woods infused with a fairytale feeling.

Augustus Pugin (1812–1852, UK)

Pugin was a leading architect and designer of the Gothic Revival. Alongside creating exterious for buildings as an architect, he also decorated the indoors. Pugin introduced medieval-inspired patterns into wallpaper and interior decoration. He often worked with private clientele creating custom designs for each client.

His wallpapers featured intricate geometric designs, heraldic symbols, and stylized floral motifs, often in rich, deep colors.

Pugin’s decorative work can still be seen in the Palace of Westminster (UK Parliament).

Augustus Pugin  inspired modern wallpaper 

• Blue Poppy Wallpaper – Clean blue and white tile print that is a modern hint to Pugin’s love for a repetitive pattern.

• Spring Water Wallpaper – Bright colors and intricate designs is definitely something Pugin liked to incorporate into his wallpaper designs.

• Seville Wallpaper – The vibrant pattern and decorative motif has a feeling of Augustus Pugin wallpaper pattern in a modern twist.

William Morris (1834–1896, UK)

William Morris was a person with many interests – from design, textiles, poetry, and painting to socialism and politics. He opposed the mechanical revolution of the Victorian era and became a significant figure in the Arts and Crafts movement that again favored hand-crafted items.

Morris revived hand-made, nature-inspired wallpaper as a reaction to mass production. He created lots of rich, flowing botanical patterns inspired by medieval tapestries, nature, and English flora.

He is also one of the 19th-century artists whose original patterns are still relevant and would look amazing in a modern home. Have a look!

William Morris inspired modern wallpaper 

• Strawberry Thief Wallpaper – This is one of the most popular William Morris wallpaper patterns today. It is cute, colorful and a statement.

• Citrus Groove Wallpaper – Light blue background with orange and yellow fruits makes a gentle and fresh combination perfect for the kitchen, dining area and beyond.

• Acorn Wallpaper – The pattern is perfect for adding some texture to the wall without being overwhelming, regardless of the color!

Craving more William Morris wallpaper patterns? We got you! Here is our full collection of William Morris wallpaper prints.

Walter Crane (1845–1915, UK)

Walter Crane was first and foremost an artist and children’s book illustrator. Under the inlfuence of William Morris, he became a part of socialist movement and wanted to bring art closer to all classes. That’s why he contributed to interior design and devoted his art to textile and wallpaper designs.

He designed wallpapers with storybook-like, highly decorative patterns inspired by nature and mythology. Walter Crane wallpapers were playful and often had whimsical floral and animal motifs.

Walter Crane inspired modern wallpaper 

• Light Elegant Birds Wallpaper – Different birds sitting on branches and resembling a scene from a fairy tale is definitely something a modern Walter Crane would like.

• Mystery Forest Wallpaper – It’s playful, it’s got fairy tale vibes and lots of whimsical animals. It’s just right down the Walter Crane alley!

• Vintage Peackocks Wallpaper – Big peacocks hiding behind orange trees are giving an interesting story vibes.

C.F.A. Voysey (1857–1941, UK)

Charles Voysey was a notable architect and designer for many items – from furniture to textiles and wallpaper. He was also a member of the Arts and Crafts movement. In his works he was shying away from the complex styles of Victorian design and moving towards industrial design and minimalism.

Voysey wallpaper designs were simple yet elegant floral and bird motifs, soft color palettes, and flowing, organic lines. His designs often had a sense of calm and harmony. An interesting notion, many Voysey wallpapers contain a hidden heart motif.

C.F.A. Voysey inspired modern wallpaper 

• Birds and the Trees Wallpaper – The light colors and a bird motif is something Voysey would definitely choose for his designs.

• Forest Fairytale Wallpaper – Repetitive pattern of animals and trees in light color palette is a great choice for a modern Voysey inspired interior.

• Flamingo Love Wallpaper – A modern and colorful twist to Voyseys love of hiding heart motifs in his designs.

Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979, France)

A groundbreaking avant-garde artist, Sonia Delaunay introduced bold color and abstraction into wallpapers and textiles. She brought a modernist aesthetic to interiors, moving away from traditional floral designs.

Delaunay’s wallpaper and textile designs featured geometric shapes, vibrant color blocking, and dynamic patterns influenced by cubism and orphism.

Sonia Delaunay inspired modern wallpaper 

• Bohemian Blossom Wallpaper – bold and bright colors in an eye-catching pattern that takes the central stage.

• Geometric Embroidery Wallpaper – The wavy lines and color variety create a vibrant wallpaper pattern that a modern Sonia Delaunay might find intriguing.

• Framed Shapes Wallpaper – Colorblocking was one of Sonia Delanay’s characteristic moves, and this dark yellow, brown, and blue pattern hits just right.

Florence Broadhurst (1899–1977, Australia)

Florence Broadhurst was a highly influential wallpaper designer who created one of the most iconic wallpaper brands of the 20th century. Her designs are still in demand today. She has left a lasting impact on contemporary wallpaper trends, inspiring today’s maximalist and high-contrast designs.

Florence Broadhurst wallpaper designs have striking large-scale florals, abstract designs, and exotic patterns in high-contrast colors, often featuring metallic accents.

Florence Broadhurst inspired modern wallpaper 

• Coral Zebras Wallpaper – Florence Broadhurst loved a colorful but simple design. These coral zebras are a great choice to mimic that!

• Tropical Deco Wallpaper – Big flowers and abstract designs: this wallpaper hits two goal with one shot!

• Japanese Florals Wallpaper – Lots of Broadhurst’s designs have a Japanese influence. This colorful Japanese flower wallpaper is a perfect fit for a modern but Asia-inspired home.

In conclusion

Wallpaper design has always been a canvas for creative expression. From the intricate landscapes of ancient Chinese artists to the bold, modernist patterns of the 20th century. These designers didn’t just create patterns – they shaped trends, redefined interiors, and influenced the way we experience space.

Today, their impact lives on in every roll of wallpaper that transforms a room, bringing history, artistry, and innovation to our walls. Whether you lean towards classic elegance or contemporary flair, the legacy of these visionaries proves that great design is truly timeless.