Wallpaper, Wearstler, and the Wisdom of Juneteenth: A Design Lesson in Harmony
Image courtesy of Design Hotels
The last hotel I visited before the world paused was the San Francisco Proper—a jewel-box of a property designed by the ever-iconic Kelly Wearstler. I was there for the 2019 Zephyr Designer Retreat, surrounded by design visionaries and immersed in pure visual magic. But what stayed with me long after I checked out wasn’t just the layered luxury of the space—it was a single room.
Specifically, the walls.
Four different wallpapers. Four distinct styles. Four competing patterns—each with its own rhythm, voice, and vibe. And somehow? Total harmony.
I remember lying in bed, just staring at it all—completely mesmerized. The juxtaposition was bold. Risky, even. But the result? A layered, luxuriously unexpected moment that only works because of the differences.
Naturally, my designer brain went into overdrive. And then it went somewhere deeper.
I thought about all the clients I’ve worked with over the years who’ve had strong feelings about wallpaper—usually very strong. Some are open. Some are curious. And some… well, let’s just say they practically sprint in the other direction. (Don’t worry—I still love them.)
But what struck me most in that moment was how that resistance—the fear of visual “clashing”—felt all too familiar. Especially as I sat with those thoughts on Juneteenth.
Because the truth is, what some people resist in wallpaper, they often resist in life: difference.
And yet—whether in interiors or in society—what creates the richest experiences, the most dynamic beauty, and the most soulful spaces… is diversity.
As a Black designer working in luxury interior design across Kennett Square, Wilmington, and the Philadelphia Main Line, I know firsthand the power of perspective. My aesthetic—chic, luxe, layered, global—isn’t just a design philosophy. It’s a lived one. My work is a celebration of contrast and cohesion. Of individuality and unity. Of rich texture, intentional detail, and stories that matter.
Much like that unforgettable room at the San Francisco Proper, our most breathtaking interiors happen when we lean into the unexpected—when we trust the mix, embrace the contrast, and let the details sing.
Image courtesy of Design Hotels
So what’s the lesson?
Actually, there are two:
Design—and life—is better when we make space for difference. The beauty, depth, and richness of a home (and of a society) live in how we honor and celebrate what makes us unique.
Trust your designer. If we suggest four wallpapers in one room… we promise it’s not a dare. It’s a design decision rooted in years of experience, a sharp creative eye, and a deep respect for your story.
At Nile Johnson Interior Design, we serve thoughtful, high-achieving clients who know that their home is more than a house—it’s a sanctuary. Our clients are parents, professionals, travelers, and entertainers. They recharge in spaces that feel as good as they look. And they turn to us because they want their home to reflect not just who they are, but how they want to feel.
Whether we’re working on a custom new build in Chester County, a brownstone renovation in Center City Philadelphia, or a luxe refresh in Wilmington’s Greenville neighborhood—our process remains the same: thoughtful, layered, and led with heart.
This Juneteenth, I’m reminded that the work we do as designers goes far beyond materials and mood boards. At its core, design is about dignity. It’s about creating spaces that reflect the full depth of who you are—and inviting you to feel safe, celebrated, and at home within them.
So yes, we love a bold wallpaper moment.
But what we love even more?
Helping you live beautifully, intentionally, and unapologetically… right at home.
Let’s put some wallpaper in your space.