Wallpaper & Fabric Inspiration – Transforming Spaces with Art

If you’ve ever searched for “wallpaper Australia” or “designer fabrics in Brisbane,” you’ll know the experience: endless scrolls of the same palm prints, digital patterns and flat, mass-produced textures. Nothing that really feels like home. Nothing that carries a story.

And then you discover something different — wallpaper and fabrics created from original paintings. Natural textures. Botanical brushstrokes. Pieces designed, printed and crafted in a small Brisbane studio, where art becomes something you live with every day.

This guide is for anyone wanting to refresh a powder room, uplift a heritage home, or bring the quiet beauty of Australian botanicals into their space. You’ll learn about wallpaper trends for 2026, how to choose and install wallpaper confidently, how to select natural fabrics, and how art-led textiles can transform a room.

Let’s begin with why wallpaper and fabric matter more than most people realise.

Why Wallpaper & Fabric Matter in Your Home

Paint changes colour. Wallpaper changes emotion.
Fabric does the same — it softens a room, adds movement, and creates layers that feel lived-in, warm and deeply personal.

Modern wallpaper has become wonderfully accessible. Today’s removable options mean you can experiment without long-term commitment, whether you’re in a rental, a terrace home or a new build. A single wall in a powder room, hallway or study can shift the entire mood of your home — quickly, affordably and creatively.

Wallpaper and fabric also allow you to bring art to the foreground. When the pattern started as a brush stroke rather than a digital upload, your walls feel gentler, richer and far more soulful.

If you want a focused look at trending ideas, see our guide on wallpaper trends this 2026, from powder rooms to heritage homes.

Wallpaper Trends for 2026

If you’re wondering “What’s trending in wallpaper?” — here’s what homeowners, designers and Home Show stylists are embracing across Australia.

Bold drama in small spaces

Powder rooms and hallways are becoming the new playgrounds for expressive design. Bold botanical prints, rich colours and detailed motifs turn these compact rooms into something memorable. Drama doesn’t need size — just intention.

Redefined tropicals

Think earthy terracottas, muted greens, soft beige backdrops and linen-textured surfaces. Tropical wallpapers are moving away from loud, glossy palms and toward gentle, grounded patterns that feel like the Australian landscape — warm, natural and timeless.

Stripes & gingham

Classic patterns are back, especially in coastal, cottage and heritage homes. Vertical stripes add height; wider gingham brings softness and charm. They work beautifully in kitchens, bedrooms and breakfast nooks.

Each of these trends shares something in common: they create impact without overwhelming a space, making them easy to incorporate, whether your style is modern, vintage or classically Queenslander.

Botanical & Heritage Prints – The Bowerbird Signature

Our wallpapers and textiles begin life as original botanical paintings of banksias, gum leaves, wattle and heritage garden blooms. This gives each pattern life, depth and emotion — qualities you can’t achieve with digital motifs.

Heritage homes

Botanical motifs echo decorative ceilings, timber fretwork and the gentle romance of classic Queenslander architecture.

Modern spaces

Art-driven patterning brings softness and natural warmth to minimal or contemporary rooms.

Coastal interiors

Organic forms pair effortlessly with linen, raw timber and soft neutral palettes.

If you love nature-inspired designs, you’ll enjoy our deep dive on botanical wallpaper in Australia, bringing nature indoors.

How to Choose & Install Wallpaper

If you’re new to wallpaper, here’s the good news: it’s simpler than it looks.

Measure your wall

Measure the width and height of each wall, including doors and windows. Most people add 10–15% extra to allow for pattern matching and trimming (especially important with botanical prints).

Consider removable vs traditional

• Removable wallpaper is ideal for rentals, kids’ rooms or seasonal decorating.
  

• Traditional paste-the-wall wallpaper offers a more seamless, premium finish and suits long-term styling.

Installation tips

• Start with a plumb line so your first drop is perfectly straight.
  

• Smooth from the centre outward to remove bubbles.
  

• Match patterns carefully — lining up leaves and stems makes the artwork feel natural and continuous.
  

• Avoid heavy steam or moisture unless the wallpaper is labelled appropriately for bathrooms.

And if DIY isn’t your style, professional installers can usually complete a feature wall in under two hours.

Choosing Fabrics – Linen, Cotton & Sustainable Options

Fabric brings softness where wallpaper brings structure. When choosing materials, consider texture, sustainability and how each fabric behaves in daily life.

Linen

Naturally textured, breathable and rich in colour depth. Linen feels luxurious without being formal and suits cushions, lampshades, curtains and light upholstery. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly fibres — strong, low-waste and long-lasting.

Cotton

Smooth, easy-care and comfortable. Cotton works well for everyday items like cushions, table linens and light drapery.

Blends

Linen-cotton blends offer softness with a little extra structure. These are great for upholstery or curtains where you want drape without heaviness.

Sustainability considerations

At Bowerbird, every fabric is printed in Brisbane using OEKO-TEX certified inks and small-batch, low-waste processes. Natural fibres not only feel beautiful, but they’re also kinder to the environment and age gracefully over time.

If you want a comparison table and deeper explanations, visit our supporting article about the fabric buying guide.

Styling Inspiration – Real Rooms, Real Art

Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

Powder Room Transformation

A bold botanical wallpaper turns a tiny powder room into a jewel box. Pair with brass fixtures and a vintage mirror for old-world charm.

Living Room Refresh

A soft tropical wall paired with botanical cushions  and a handmade lampshade creates warmth and cohesion.

Heritage Home Update

Stripes or gingham in the entryway, complemented by botanical fabric on a reupholstered bench seat, blends tradition with personality.

Bedroom Calm

Soft florals or muted greens behind your bed invite rest, especially when paired with natural-linen bedding.

Visit Our Paddington Showroom

If you’re in Brisbane, we’d love to welcome you into our studio in Paddington. You can browse wallpaper panels, feel fabric textures, and chat with our mother–daughter team about your project.

If you’d love a little guidance — whether it’s matching colours, choosing the right pattern scale, or deciding between fabric types — we’re always here to help.

You can  reach us  anytime! Send us a message, share your room photos, or tell us about your project. We’re more than happy to recommend patterns, prepare samples, or talk through your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wallpaper easy to remove?

Yes — removable wallpaper peels off cleanly. Paste-the-wall wallpaper requires warm water and gentle scraping.

Can I wallpaper a bathroom?

Yes, but avoid direct steam or splash zones unless the wallpaper is specifically moisture-resistant.

Is linen suitable for upholstery?

Absolutely. Choose upholstery-weight linen or a linen-cotton blend for durability.

Do your wallpapers and fabrics fade?

Our OEKO-TEX inks are highly lightfast, especially when kept out of direct, harsh sunlight.

Explore Bowerbird Wallpaper & Fabric Collections

Ready to choose your art? Dive into our wallpaper, fabrics and inspiration using the pages that are live now:

• Botanical & Designer Wallpaper Collection – hand-painted, original botanical wallpapers for every room.

• Designer Fabrics by the Metre– premium linen-cotton fabrics printed in Brisbane, ideal for cushions, curtains and upholstery.

• Wallpaper Inspiration & Trends – styling ideas and wallpaper trend insights for 2026.

• Brisbane Showroom & Contact Page – find our Paddington studio details, opening hours and contact information.