Beyond Wallpaper: Elevated Wall Treatments for Luxury Homes

For homeowners who want a home that feels truly one-of-a-kind, walls offer an incredible opportunity to create something extraordinary. And while I love wallpaper as much as anyone (give me a richly textured grasscloth any day!), there are actually quite a few options that I think are even better for crafting a truly luxurious look and feel.

I see walls not as a backdrop but as a canvas. From stone and wood cladding to luxurious plasters and leather panels, the right wall treatment adds depth, texture, and visual interest without overwhelming the space. These materials draw you in, invite you to experience them, and take your home’s design to another level.

Here are some of the elevated wall treatments I love to explore for and with my clients.

Stone Cladding

Stone isn’t just for exteriors. When applied to interiors, it can transform a space into something sculptural and timeless.

Think of a stone-clad wall in an entry, a dramatic onyx backsplash in a kitchen, or a backlit slab that glows artfully in a dining room or home bar. We work with artisans who know how to treat stone as both structure and sculpture. The results are powerful yet serene. It’s a form of luxury that feels organic and lasting in a way nothing else does.

Wood Cladding

Wood brings warmth and character to any interior, especially when used as a wall treatment. While standard wood paneling is far from a luxury alternative, wood walls can be reinterpreted in unexpected (and elevated) ways. For one client, we considered tongue-and-groove boards treated with shou sugi ban, the ancient Japanese art of burning wood to create a rich, textured finish. The look was bold, sophisticated, and far beyond standard paneling.

Another great option is reclaimed siding used as wall cladding. Reclaimed wood has been a favorite for years, and for good reason. Its character, patina, and imperfections can’t be replicated. When reimagined as a feature wall, ceiling beams that wrap into walls, or custom cladding, reclaimed wood offers history, authenticity, and warmth. Plus, it’s sustainable, which is important to us and our clients.

Image via Patrick J Murphy Builders, Inc.

Image via Pintrest

Image via Moxie Design Studio

Plasters with Personality

Plaster is one of the most versatile and, believe it or not, luxurious wall finishes available. Unlike drywall or flat paint, plaster adds dimension and subtle movement, changing with the light throughout the day for a dynamic sensory experience. Plaster techniques and finishes bring their own character to the material, ranging from airy and luminous to moody and textural.

For example, Venetian plaster offers a polished, marble-like finish that feels refined and luminous while Marmorino has a softer, stone-like quality that can be matte, satin, or glossy, giving walls a natural but elevated texture. Yet another option is Tadelakt, a traditional Moroccan lime plaster. Tadelakt is richly textured and waterproof, making it perfect for showers, bathrooms, or hallways where you want texture and depth without tile.

Image via Whitewash Interiors

Leather & Suede Paneling

For a look that’s unexpected and undeniably sophisticated, leather and suede are exquisite wall finishes. Whether stitched into panels, applied with embossed patterns, or wrapped around architectural niches, they add warmth and tactility.

Additionally, leather walls absorb sound so they offer a sense of intimacy and bring an elevated note of luxury to a space. They’re perfect in libraries, offices, and bedrooms where coziness and richness matter most.

Elevating Your Home’s Walls

Choosing elevated wall treatments adds a layer of interest that makes your home feel curated, timeless, and deeply personal. These finishes ensure your walls quietly elevate your home’s atmosphere and invite the mood of understated luxury you’re looking to create.

This is what custom design is about: refusing the ordinary and embracing the extraordinary in every detail, both large and small.

Are you ready to explore wall treatments that go beyond paint and wallpaper in a custom design for your home? Let’s talk about what’s possible. Contact us today!