The Wallpaper Revival in Ottawa Homes
Wallpaper has made a dramatic comeback in Canadian interior design, and Ottawa homes are leading the charge. Once dismissed as dated, today's wallpapers feature contemporary patterns, advanced materials, and application methods that make them more accessible, and more removable, than ever before. Randall's houses Ottawa's largest wallpaper library, with thousands of samples from brands including York, Brewster, Thibaut, and Farrow & Ball. Wallpaper also pairs beautifully with the right paint, so understanding how do i choose the right paint colour for my space helps you coordinate the surrounding walls.
Trending Wallpaper Styles in 2026
Large-Scale Botanicals and Nature-Inspired Prints
Oversized floral and leaf patterns continue to dominate. Think tropical palms, lush ferns, and delicate cherry blossoms rendered in rich, saturated colours. These papers create a dramatic focal point and work beautifully on a single accent wall in a dining room, bedroom, or powder room. If you love the idea of a bold statement, our guide on how to create a feature wall that stands out shows how to make it work.
Textured and Tactile Papers
Grasscloth, linen-look, and woven papers bring a tactile, three-dimensional quality to walls that flat paint cannot replicate. These subtle, organic textures are especially popular in Ottawa living rooms and home offices where warmth and visual depth are desired without bold pattern. Texture is one design element among many, and our overview of room design elements explains how to balance them.
Geometric and Art Deco Patterns
Clean geometric lines and Art Deco-inspired motifs appeal to homeowners with modern and mid-century tastes. These patterns add structure and sophistication without overwhelming the space, a versatile choice for hallways, entryways, and powder rooms.
Dark and Moody Palettes
Deep navies, forest greens, and charcoal backgrounds paired with metallic or contrasting accents create a cocooning, intimate atmosphere. This trend is particularly popular in Ottawa bedrooms and home libraries, where a dramatic, enveloping feel enhances relaxation and focus. If you are decorating a bedroom or spare space, our guest room retreat ideas offer inspiration for a restful palette.
Wall Preparation: The Key to Professional Results
Even the most beautiful wallpaper will fail if applied to a poorly prepared surface. Good prep is just as essential here as it is when you prepare your walls for painting. Here is how to prepare your Ottawa walls for wallpaper installation:
- Remove old wallpaper completely: Use a scoring tool, wallpaper steamer, or stripping solution. Residual adhesive and paper fragments will telegraph through new wallpaper. Many homeowners also ask can i paint over wallpaper and should i, which covers when removal is the better option.
- Repair surface damage: Fill holes, cracks, and dents with joint compound. Sand smooth once dry.
- Clean the walls: Remove dust, grease, and cobwebs with a damp cloth or TSP solution. Walls must be completely dry before priming.
- Apply a wallpaper-specific primer: Do not use standard paint primer. Wallpaper primer (also called sizing) seals the wall, provides uniform adhesion, and makes future removal easier. To understand why this step matters, see the role of primer when and why you should use it.
- Check for moisture: Ottawa homes, especially older ones, may have moisture issues that can cause wallpaper to bubble or peel. Because the impact of humidity and temperature on paint drying applies to adhesives too, address any dampness before proceeding.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Peel-and-stick wallpapers have made DIY installation more approachable for simple accent walls and small spaces. However, for full rooms, pattern-matching complex designs, or working with premium papers like grasscloth and hand-printed wallpapers, professional installation is strongly recommended. The same logic applies to painting, as our diy vs professional painting which is right for you guide explains.
Randall's can connect you with experienced wallpaper installers in the Ottawa area who will ensure seams are invisible, patterns are perfectly aligned, and corners are handled cleanly. Just as with painting, there are real benefits of professional painting services when precision matters most.
Caring for Your Wallpaper
Modern wallpapers are more durable than their predecessors, but they still require proper care. Vinyl-coated papers can be wiped with a damp cloth, much like the approach in how do i clean painted walls without damaging them. Non-coated papers, including many grasscloths and hand-printed designs, should only be dusted with a dry cloth.
Pairing Wallpaper with the Right Finishes
Wallpaper rarely lives in isolation. Coordinating trim, ceilings, and adjoining walls completes the look, and our advice on what's the best paint finish for every room in your home helps you choose complementary sheens. Many homeowners also benefit from a professional eye, which is why our colour consultations or in-home advice service is so popular.
Why a Designer Can Save You Time and Money
Wallpaper is an investment, and mistakes can be costly. Our piece on do interior designers really save you time and money explains how expert guidance prevents expensive missteps. You can also explore the full range of services we offer beyond wallpaper and paint.
Visit Ottawa's Largest Wallpaper Library
Choosing wallpaper is a tactile experience, you need to see and feel the materials in person. Visit one of our locations at 555 Bank Street or 1891 Merivale Road to browse the full collection, or book a decorating consultation to have a specialist bring samples to your home.