How wallpaper will shape the hotel guest experience in 2026

In modern hospitality, there is increasing talk about guest experience design — designing experiences, not just spaces. Guests no longer come just to sleep, they come to feel the atmosphere, the rhythm of the place and the relationship of the space to them. That is why 2026 brings a clear shift in the way hotel interiors are viewed.

Walls are no longer a neutral backdrop. They become active participants in the space, an element that shapes the first impression, creates an emotional tone and guides the guest through the experience of their stay. In this context, wallpaper is increasingly positioned as one of the key elements of contemporary hotel design.

Location identity as a starting point for design

One of the strongest trends for 2026 is a move away from universal, generic interiors. Hotels are looking less and less to look like “anywhere” and more and more like right here.
The identity of the location becomes the basis for design decisions. Wallpaper, due to its flexibility and adaptability, plays a special role in this process. Through motifs, textures and colors, it can convey:

• landscape character
• the light and atmosphere of the location
• cultural or natural references

The guest may not analyze these layers, but they will naturally feel them. It is this subtle connection to place that is becoming one of the key values ​​of hotel design in the years to come.

Botany as an emotional signature of space

Botanical motifs have long been present in interiors, but 2026 brings a more mature, thoughtful interpretation. Instead of decorative details, botany appears in large formats and becomes the main visual accent of the space.
Two clear directions stand out:

Large, artistic botanical motifs
Accentuated silhouettes, rich compositions and pronounced depth create a strong identity for a space. These motifs are particularly used in lobbies, restaurants and rooms with a strong character, where first impressions play a key role.

Soft botanicals
On the other hand, gentler and more refined botanical motifs bring calm and warmth. Gentle palettes, soft contrasts and subtle rhythm of the pattern make them ideal for wellness and spa areas, but also for hotel rooms where the emphasis is on relaxation.

In both cases, botany ceases to be a trend that "decorates" and becomes a tool for emotional shaping of space.

Tactile walls and the philosophy of "quiet luxury"

One of the most stable and long-term relevant trends for 2026 is the return of tactility. Wallpapers that visually resemble hand-modeled plaster, textiles or stone surfaces create luxury without the need for overly decorativeness.
This approach to design corresponds to the philosophy of quiet luxury — luxury that is not imposed, but rather felt through materiality, light, and proportions.
Such wall coverings:

• they calm the space
• reflect light in a subtle way
• create depth without visual noise

In hotels, they are most often used in rooms, hallways, and lounge areas — spaces where long-term comfort is more important than immediate visual effect.

Wallpaper as a means of visual storytelling

As the hotel market becomes increasingly saturated with similar solutions, the need for spaces that have a clear story grows. In 2026, wallpaper will increasingly take on the role of visual storyteller, especially through author illustrations, murals and abstract motifs.
One strong wall often becomes:

• recognizable hotel identity
• spatial orientation point
• an element that is remembered and photographed

The key is not in effectiveness, but in the clarity of the idea and the connection with the hotel concept. Design that has a reason remains relevant beyond current trends.

Zoning of space without additional structures

A practical but extremely important trend for 2026 is the use of wallpaper as a tool for zoning space. Instead of additional partitions and structures, designers are increasingly using wallpaper to visually segment a space.
Wallpapers are used for:

• subtle separation of zones in the lobby
• emphasizing the transition between public and private parts
• defining hallways and room entrances
• defining space for play, fun and socializing

The result is a space that remains open, but clear and intuitive for the guest's movement.

Author's design as a response to market saturation

For 2026, there is a clear shift away from generic, "seen" patterns. Boutique hotels, lifestyle hotels, and premium properties are increasingly looking for signature designs and motifs that are not mass-produced and have context.
Wallpaper, in this sense, stands out as one of the rare elements that allows for a high level of personalization without compromising on performance or functionality. It becomes a tool of differentiation that is both rational and emotional.

The guest experience becomes the starting point, and the walls are one of its quietest, yet most influential elements.

Wallpaper in this context is not a passing trend, but a thoughtful tool for creating an atmosphere, one that lasts longer than the first impression and remains present throughout the entire stay.
Spaces that understand this do not impose themselves loudly, but they remain remembered.
It is in this subtle, thoughtful approach that a design with long-term value for both the guest and the hotel is created.