Commissioned Decorative Art: Hand-Painted Walls vs. Bespoke Wallpaper
A resurgence in the popularity of wallpaper and decorative painting is highlighted by exhibitions such as the Morris & Co. display at Watts Gallery and the 2026 partnership between Decorex and Claire Coles, showcasing vintage wallpapers and hand-painted murals. CommissionIt, a UK-based art commissioning platform, offers guidance for both homeowners and designers on how to commission wall art. This includes options for hand-painted works tailored to specific spaces, custom wallpaper for repeated patterns, and hybrid surfaces suitable for boutique environments. Important factors to consider are detailed briefs, site assessments, and approvals regarding scale and color. Additionally, the article addresses copyright issues, pricing based on complexity and area, and mentions a Reddit thread on art pricing. CommissionIt aids clients in crafting briefs and overseeing commissions.
Key facts
- Watts Gallery has an exhibition on Morris & Co. wallpaper exploring original papers and hand-block-printing traditions.
- Decorex's 2026 collaboration with Claire Coles brings together vintage papers, gilding, hand painting, and embroidery in murals.
- Hand-painted wall commissions are suitable for curved walls, staircases, sloping ceilings, alcoves, and heritage-sensitive interiors.
- Bespoke wallpaper is more practical for designs that need to continue through several rooms or across multiple sites.
- Hybrid schemes combine printed grounds with hand-painted accents, gilded details, or embroidery.
- A clear brief should include measured wall dimensions, photographs, details of doors, windows, radiators, and intended atmosphere.
- Site surveys are important for assessing wall flatness, moisture risk, existing coatings, and access.
- Artists usually retain copyright unless a written agreement states otherwise; reproduction rights must be agreed in writing.
- Cost is shaped by design time, survey requirements, scale drawings, samples, wall preparation, materials, and installation.
- CommissionIt offers services to help clients develop briefs and match with suitable decorative artists.
Entities
Artists
- Claire Coles
Institutions
- Watts Gallery
- Morris & Co.
- Decorex
- CommissionIt
- Fromental
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom