Taking a magic marker to your sofa? It feels sinful at best, but in 2025, it's become the sign of a seriously suave interior. And the drawn-on look doesn't just end at decorative upholstery; people have taken to penciling a pop of personality on wallpaper, lampshades, and everything in between.
"I think people crave personalization in interiors, and that is often expressed through the artwork that’s chosen for the space," explains Jess Murphy, founder of design studio, The Lawns Collective. Hand-painted wallpapers and fabrics are an extension of that. Seeing the brush strokes, or the unique way a motif is rendered, makes you feel closer to its creation, which in turn makes you play a part in the piece yourself. "It’s the museum effect — suddenly your decor becomes interactive," says Jess.
