When it comes to making a statement in a home, few design choices rival the power of wallpaper. Bold patterns, rich textures, and unexpected placements can turn a room from ordinary to unforgettable.
At the forefront of this creative transformation in the Lowcountry is Rachael Olson, owner of Panache Dezigns, a premier wallpaper installation company that has built a reputation for precision, artistry, and trend-savvy expertise.
Rachael Olson, owner of Panache Dezigns
Olson is more than just a tradesperson. She is an artisan with a deep-rooted connection to the world of design. “I’ve always been a creative, use-my-hands type of person,” she said. “My mother has been in the textiles and interior design business her whole career, so I grew up surrounded by patterns, fabrics, and an appreciation for beautiful spaces.”
Her journey into wallpaper installation wasn’t linear. Olson spent years in real estate and the new home construction industry, working closely with builders and clients to select finishes and design elements. When she had the opportunity to learn the trade of wallpaper installation, she jumped at the opportunity. “I thought, I love wallpaper and I like using my hands – why not give it a whirl?” she said.
She trained extensively in Charleston, then began working on projects for friends, family, and personal spaces while also working through licensing, insurance, and bonding. “It took work for it all to come together, but then it just took off,” Olson said. “I’ve been doing it for a few years now, and I still love the process and the reward of seeing spaces transformed.”
Olson poses in the entryway of acompleted project designed by Southern Grace Interiors in Wexford.
While many people associate wallpaper with the floral patterns of decades past, today’s wall coverings are as varied and sophisticated as any element in interior design. Olson’s portfolio spans sleek, modern textures to bold, intricate murals. She works with interior designers, builders, contractors, and individual homeowners, always with the goal of delivering a flawless finish.
“It’s very satisfying, matching up a pattern and completing a job that completely changes the feel of a space,” Olson said. “Wallpaper is both decorative and architectural. It can define a room, soften it, or make it dynamic.”
Olson’s projects range from single accent walls to entire rooms and even ceilings. Powder rooms are among her most requested spaces for full-wall coverage. “They’re small, high-impact areas where you can be really bold,” she said. Dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms are also popular, especially for homeowners seeking a whole-room transformation.
Olson’s projects range from single accent walls to entire rooms and even ceilings.
Trends That Turn Heads
In the current design landscape, Olson sees a blend of classic elegance and daring creativity. “Right now, I’m seeing a lot of whole-room spaces being wallpapered, but accent walls are still hugely popular,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about adding texture, sometimes a pop of color or a subtle pattern that makes a room more interesting.”
Rachael and Mandy style a room for this shoot
The ceiling – often called the “fifth wall” in design – has emerged as a surprising canvas. Olson has installed coverings from grass cloth with metallic accents to bold florals overhead. “Depending on the wall treatment, you can either carry the pattern to the ceiling or use a solid texture up top to complement patterned walls, the sky’s the limit!” she said.
A bedroom suite in Wexford designed by Southern Grace Interiors
A particularly striking trend is the “color-dripping” approach, in which trim, walls, and wallpaper are unified in a single-color palette. “It’s bold, but it can also be subtle depending on the shades you choose,” she said. “It creates this enveloping, cohesive look.”
When it comes to patterns in wallpaper, florals and birds are enjoying a strong comeback, especially in the Lowcountry, where natural motifs feel right at home. Grass cloth remains a timeless choice, offering warmth and texture, sometimes enhanced with patterns.
A multi-purpose room in Sea Pines designed by Amanda Clement Design is adorned in green and white tones
Texture is another key player in today’s wallpaper designs. Olson has seen a surge in requests for vinyl wallpapers, prized for their durability and easy maintenance. “Vinyl has really made a comeback because it’s water-resistant. You can wipe it down,” she said. “That makes it great for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.”
She has also installed cork, wood veneer, metallic-infused woven fibers, and even one product made with tiny, embedded shells. “That one was so coastal and intricate,” she said. “It was challenging to install, but the result was stunning.”
Amanda Clement Design features a bonus room in Berkeley Hall
Solutions for Every Budget
“The truth is, there’s something for everybody,” Olson said. Prices vary widely, whether it’s per roll for basic paper or per yard for hand-painted luxury wall coverings. When clients work without a designer, she takes care to respect her relationships with designers but on occasion, when needed, she enjoys helping clients make selections. “Wallpaper can be overwhelming,” she said. “There’s so much out there. I can help people navigate brands, patterns, and materials to find the right match for their space.”
Bird and Thistle paper in a breakfast nook located in Colleton River designed by Leslie Trenta Designs
Olson’s go-to list of wallpaper manufacturers reads like a Who’s Who of the industry. “I love Thibaut, Schumacher, Scalamandré, Cole & Son, and Phillip Jeffries,” she said. “But I’m also drawn to smaller, boutique brands and even individual artists who create custom designs. There’s a whole world of wallpaper out there.”
These high-quality options are complemented by advancements in printing and materials, making wallpaper more versatile than ever. From traditional screen printing to digital murals, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re planning to paper a powder room or wrap your bedroom ceiling in a botanical print, Olson offers three key pieces of advice:
• Collect Inspiration: “If you see something you like, save pictures. You’ll start to see patterns in what you’re drawn to, whether it’s bold color, texture, or a certain motif.”
• Think Impact: “Choose spaces where you spend a lot of time or where you entertain, places where you want to make an impression or maybe spaces that make you feel happy.”
• Decide on Role: “Consider whether your wallpaper is going to be an accent or a stand-alone piece of art. Some wallpapers are so striking, they don’t need any additional décor on the wall.”
Olson and interior designer, Leslie Trenta, pose for a quick shot in a client’s breakfast nook
Why Wallpaper Works
“Wallpaper is for everyone. There’s a pattern, a texture, and a price point for every style and budget,” Olson said. “And when it’s done right, it can completely change the way you feel in your home.”
A stunning dining room in Moss Creek
Consider that wallpaper isn’t just about decoration – it’s about transformation. “It’s one of the most effective ways to change the feel of a space,” she said. “It can make a small room feel more intimate, a large room feel cozier, or a plain room feel exciting.”
The process itself is meticulous, requiring both technical skill and a keen eye for detail. “Matching patterns perfectly, working around corners and trim, ensuring a seamless finish – it’s precision work,” Olson said. “But the payoff is worth it when I see the client’s reaction.”
Foyer designed by southern Grace Interiors in Wexford
Her business name, Panache Dezigns, reflects not only her personal style but her approach to every project: a blend of flair, creativity, and meticulous execution. Whether it’s a powder room wrapped in metallic grass cloth, or a living room adorned with hand-painted chinoiserie, her work adds character and sophistication to any space.
Built-in’s styled by Amanda Clement Design
Olson’s enthusiasm for her craft is infectious. “I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “I feel fortunate to work with incredible people and help them transform their spaces, one wall at a time. Seeing their joy when a project is finished is the best part of the job.”
Homeowners, designers, and builders looking to elevate their spaces can connect with Olson through her website, PanacheDezigns.com, or follow her stunning transformations on Instagram @Panachedezigns.
