For thousands of years, humans have decorated their homes — not just to make spaces look pleasing, but to express identity, pride, culture, and status.
From ancient stone walls painted with crushed minerals to today’s designer wallpapers and bespoke murals, the evolution of decorating tells a deeper story about who we are and what we value.
Understanding this journey helps explain why luxury interiors still hold such meaning today — and why craftsmanship, materials, and attention to detail are as important now as they were centuries ago.
Ancient Beginnings: Decoration as Power
Early civilisations embraced decoration not for fashion, but for significance.
The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans adorned their homes and temples with:
- Natural mineral pigments
- Decorative carvings
- Frescoes
- Mosaics
These materials were rare, costly, and required skilled artisans. Colour itself was a luxury; walls filled with vibrant scenes were a clear sign of social rank.
From the start, decorating meant status.
The Middle Ages: Wallcoverings as Storytelling
As the medieval era arrived, tapestries became the ultimate interior luxury. They:
- Insulated cold stone buildings
- Depicted stories, myths, and family lineage
- Were handmade over months or years
- Used expensive threads, dyes, and skilled weavers
These were the first true “designer wallcoverings” — transforming walls into artwork and becoming symbols of nobility.
Today’s bespoke murals echo this tradition: walls that don’t just decorate a space, but tell a story.
The Renaissance & Georgian Period: Craftsmanship Takes Centre Stage
During these eras, the decorative arts flourished. Highly skilled artisans created:
- Ornate plaster ceilings
- Intricate coving and cornices
- Faux-marble and faux-wood paint effects
- Trompe-l’œil illusions
- Decorative panelling
These techniques required precision, training, and artistic mastery. Only the wealthy could afford such specialist work, reinforcing the connection between luxury interiors and high status.
Craftsmanship became a display of sophistication — a principle that still drives luxury decorating today.
The Victorian Wallpaper Boom: Fashion Meets Industry
With the Industrial Revolution, wallpaper became accessible to more households.
But true luxury remained in:
- Hand-blocked prints
- Imported designer papers
- Bold, richly coloured patterns
- Intricate damasks
- Botanical illustrations
Wallpaper became both fashion and aspiration. A well-dressed interior signalled taste, education, and financial stability.
The same is true now: premium wallpaper brands still emphasise artistry, heritage, and exclusivity — and require expert installation to look flawless.
Modern Luxury Decorating: Specialism Over Speed
Today’s interior trends may look different, but the underlying motivation is unchanged.
Homeowners still value finishes that:
- Feel bespoke
- Elevate the space
- Require specialist skill
- Create atmosphere and identity
Modern luxury decorating includes:
- High-end wallpaper installation
- One-piece wall murals
- Feature walls using complex materials
- UPVC and kitchen spraying
- Specialist primers and finishing systems
- Immaculate prep and lining
- Flawless, factory-level spray finishes
- Designer paint applications
- Architectural detailing
While mass-produced décor is everywhere, craftsmanship has become rare — and therefore more valuable than ever.
Why Decorating Has Always Been Linked to Wealth
Throughout history, premium decorating has served as a visual language. It conveyed:
- Success
- Taste
- Cultural awareness
- Access to artisans
- Financial comfort
- Pride in the home
That same psychology still drives the luxury market today.
Beautifully finished interiors are not just about aesthetics — they’re expressions of identity, accomplishment, and personal storytelling.
Luxury Decorating Is Timeless
From mineral pigments painted on ancient plaster to the designer wallpapers and bespoke murals of today, luxury decorating has always served the same purpose:
To elevate everyday life.
To express individuality.
To celebrate craftsmanship.
And to create a home that feels extraordinary.
This history isn’t just fascinating — it’s the foundation of modern high-end interiors.
And it’s the reason RPS Decor continues the long tradition of craftsmanship, precision, and artistry in every project we deliver.