No moment on The Block 2022 was more divisive than #TartanGate. The wallpaper design, which Tom and Sarah Jane rolled out in three of their zones, got praise from the judges but mixed reviews outside of the show.
It was one of many designs from The Block wallpaper supplier, Grafico, that took the rooms this season from tame to talked-about.
In this post I’m not only getting the inside scoop from the man behind the products (along with his thoughts on that tartan design), but showcasing the best wallpapered rooms from the series across the years.
Scroll on for a tonne of wallpaper ideas and inspo from The Block’s room-reveal history, and learn more about how easy it is to get the look in your own space!
This post is produced in partnership with Grafico.
1. Dylan and Jenny’s Guest Bedroom Wallpaper
I was so awe-struck by the instant injection of charm in Dylan and Jenny’s guest bedroom that I declared them the clear winners of the week (even if the judges didn’t agree).
Using Grafico’s Gingham Type 2 as a feature behind the head of their guest bed and into the walk-in-robe beside it, Dylan and Jenny created both warmth and nostalgia in the space.
Change the Colour: If you’re into the idea of gingham but unsure about tone, the team can change the colour of the wallpaper to almost anything you like.
“All Grafico products are customisable and printed to order for each customer,” explains Damian Corney, Grafico’s founder and creative director. “Plus of course, we use quality commercial grade materials – printed right here in Australia”.
2. Rachel and Ryan’s Guest Bedroom Wallpaper
There’s something so simple and yet so impactful about the Grafico Striped Linen wallpaper Rachel and Ryan used in their guest bedroom during redo week on The Block 2022.
It worked with the colours in the room perfectly, providing a backdrop to showcase richer tones like forest green and burnt oranges. It’s such a versatile wallpaper design that works wonderfully when it’s fully wrapped around a space.
I’m going to go so far as to say that this is my fave use of wallpaper this season. I want to use it in a design project immediately!
The Reassuring News: All of Grafico’s wallpapers are removable for up to 12 months so if you decide to take it down, it won’t pull away any paint or plaster underneath (conditions apply).
3. Scotty’s Kids Bedroom Wallpaper
One of my fave moments from Scotty’s reveals during The Block 2022 was the stunner kids bedrooms above. I don’t have kids, but this almost makes me eager.
Fully wrapped in Grafico’s Linen Pinstripe in Dusty Blue and Linen Pinstripe Dusty Pink, the textured wallpapers adds instant warmth and charm to the room, giving each its own distinct personality.
If a full-room application feels a step too far, you can easily apply the papers to a feature wall in your room instead. These designs aren’t just for kids rooms either – they’ll absolutely work in an adult space if you love the look.
4. Luke and Jasmin’s Kids Bedroom Wallpaper
When I judged this space back in 2020 it was the wallpaper that cued the cluckiness. “If I had ovaries they’d be aching right now,” I declared at the time.
Thankfully, Grafico’s Going Dotty wallpaper aint going anywhere. It’s a timeless design that brings a sense of fun and whimsy to a kids space.
Because the pattern is so small, it doesn’t overwhelm the room. And the monochrome approach allows you to add your own personality on top with accent colours and other patterns.
This is definitely one of the more sophisticated kids bedroom wallpapers I’ve laid eyes on in my time. Cute, but not overtly ‘kid’ themed.
5. Kirsty and Jesse’s Butler’s & Laundry Wallpaper
It takes guts to deck out a wall in a dramatic blue and white Gingham, but 2021’s Kirsty and Jesse weren’t afraid of a daring design.
Covering both their butler’s pantry and laundry feature walls in Grafico’s Gingham Check design, the duo received rave reviews and high scores from the judges, taking out the win for both spaces.
People often don’t think to cover their laundry in a wallpaper design, but this is often the best place to experiment with first.
“I love that you can ‘Grafico’ almost any wall – both inside and out using our various wall coverings projects,” Damian tells me. “It brings customisation to almost every part of your space!”.
6. Jimmy and Tam’s Master Bedroom Wallpaper
I was hard on a lot of rooms 2020 winners Jimmy and Tam presented during their season, but their master bedroom was most certainly an exception. Not everything worked in this zone, but the wallpaper certainly did.
The striking Coastal Plantain wallpaper design they used, from Grafico, added personality to the wall. The hand-illustrated banana palms made such an impact behind the head of the bed and injected instant coastal appeal.
The Best Part About Grafico’s Wallpapers: they’re made from a self-adhesive film so there’s no need for any glue – just apply directly to your walls and you’re on your way.
7. Dylan and Jenny’s Guest Bedroom Wallpaper
I’m actually ordering samples of the stunning Stucco Veneziano wallpaper Dylan and Jenny used in their guest bedroom from Grafico for my own apartment, it’s that good!
It’s such a subtle design but adds movement and warmth to a room in a way paint just can’t. It’s neutral but not boring, patterned but not crazy; it’s a versatile wallpaper design that’ll look good in any space at home.
You Can Install Grafico’s Wallpaper Yourself! Check out the install instructions here. The added bonus: Grafico has install teams located in most capital cities around Australia if you’re not into DIY.
8. Sarah and George’s Kids Bedroom Wallpaper
I fell hard for the Giant Eucalypt wallpaper design that Sarah and George used in their kids room during the 2020 season. Grafico’s Damian Corney feels much the same way about it and others inspired by nature.
“For me, I love the classic etched designs that celebrate Australian flora and fauna,” he admins. “I’ve used many of those throughout my own home which has become a testing ground/shrine to Grafico products!”
Want the Pattern Bigger or Smaller? Grafico can alter the size and scale of their designs to suit your space, so you’re not stuck with exactly what you see on the show.
9. Ronnie and Georgia’s Guest Bedroom Wallpaper
The judges let out a gasp when they saw the Vertical Stripes Wallpaper that Ronnie and Georgia used in their guest bedroom, and so did I.
In fact, when I dropped my truth bombs on this space I called the pattern play between the wallpaper, headboard and cushions a stroke of design genius. And let’s face it, it is!
This design is a great one if you want to make a statement without going OTT. It’s a winner if you want to draw the eye up too. It’s perfect in a large space like the one above, or in a room with a low ceiling to make it feel taller.
10. Sarah and George’s Guest Bedroom Wallpaper
Grafico has been supplying wallpaper for The Block for eight seasons, but the 2020 series produced some of its biggest successes in my eyes. Case in point: the large-scale loveliness in the Vintage Tree design above.
Sarah and George used this perfectly in their guest bedroom upstairs, where the ceiling was high. With a scale this large to work with, it makes sense that your wallpaper design follows suit.
I love that this wallpaper is an artwork in its own right – no need to cover it up with a framed print!
11. Mitch and Mark’s Master Bedroom Wallpaper
On their original run on the series Mitch and Mark had some pretty out-there design moments, but their 2021 return produced some far subtler reveals, and I was one very happy designer to see it.
Their master bedroom certainly benefited from the inclusion of Grafico’s Peacocks – Light Sage design, which features a beautiful prints that gets more detailed the closer you get to it.
Grafico’s Wallpapers are Easy to Clean! All of the papers are of a vinyl base rather than paper, which ensures long-term durability, easy cleaning, and simple installation.
12. Ankur and Sharon’s Guest Bedroom Wallpaper
Sure, all of The Block seasons have seen some fab wallpaper results from the teams, but when asked to pick a fave series, for Damian it’s all about this year’s Tree Change.
“If we’re talking sheer scale it has to be this year’s Block at Gisborne. I’m really proud of what our team achieved there in such a tough location and time frame. I certainly won’t miss all that mud!”
One of the big surprises for me from this season was Ankur and Sharon’s kids room, pictured above. I didn’t love a lot of their spaces, but this one was a top-scorer in my eyes.
Here they used Grafico’s Cottage Meadow wallpaper to inject play and whimsy. It’s rather charming, don’t you think?
13. Tom and Sarah Jane’s Nursery Wallpaper (Hear Me Out)
Wallpaper on the ceiling I am not a fan of. But I did praise them for having the guts to try it at the time. A wallpaper like the stunning Magnolia Light on the wall instead: yes please!
This large-scale print features hand-illustrated vintage flora on a light background, and brings with it a charm, of course, but also a nature-inspired moodiness.
It definitely works in a nursery, no problems there, but I also see it in a guest bedroom, hallway, laundry or powder room. Just please, for me, no applying it to the ceiling.
Get Samples Sent Out Pre-Purchase. Grafico can mail you smaller samples in the post to help you decided on a design.
14. Jesse and Mel’s Outdoor Tile Moment
It’s not all wallpaper at Grafico. The team have also supplied stunning custom-print mosaic tiles to the teams on The Block, as seen above.
“We were able to get super creative in the spaces,” Damian tells me. “Like with the Scattered Ivy mosaic tiles for Jesse and Mel, which we had express air-freighted over from Italy just in the nick of time”.
Love the idea? Click here to find out more about how Grafico can print your custom design on these amazing light weight resin mosaic tiles. It’ll certainly transform the look of your outdoor room!
15. Let’s Talk About 2022’s #TartanGate
We all know how I feel about the Tartan wallpaper we saw on The Block 2022. Truth be told, it’s more what happened around the wallpaper that became the issue for me (That brass four-poster bed will haunt me forever).
Love it or hate it, Damian’s noticed it produce quite the conversation online.
“I am a full Tartan convert! However it certainly has sparked controversy and ‘robust discussion’,” he laughs.
“When Sarah Jane from this years season came to me asking us to design a custom print tartan wallpaper to surround her room I must admit I had some apprehension. But once I saw the samples printed I was totally converted Get your ‘Tartan mode on’, I say.”
To find out more about The Block wallpaper supplier Grafico’s papers, custom-print tiles or their award-winning business, check out their website here.
