Following traditional 18th-century techniques, the French workshop Antoinette Poisson (the name of the Marquise de Pompadour) brings new life to the cosy and rustic charm of dominos [Photo provided to China Daily]

So what are the hottest trends? Nadine Tulloch-Osborne, a marketing executive for Cole & Son, answers: "Botanical patterns and textures of natural materials such as leather, wool and stone are desirable. African inspiration is also very strong nowadays. One wants their interior to bring a sense of reassuring warmth in the increasingly dominant age of the digital lifestyle."

De la Hougue also notes that digital printing allows the creation of extraordinary large-scale murals and ultimate sophisticated patterns: "Once again, a technological innovation makes wallpaper history move forward."

Now let's have fun and listen to William Morris's advice: yes, a roll of paper can make the entire difference. Why not be inspired by the 18th-century fad for exoticism and travel in your living room with a panoramic landscape? Or how about covering your ceiling with cloud, star or plane wallpapers? To find the right one for you, have a look at the collections of Cole & Son, Sanderson, Sandberg or Scalamandré, which provide vintage revival patterns as well as more sober modern ones. And for those who want to stick to the traditional handmade wallpaper, the unique dominos of Antoinette Poisson and the impressive hand-painted wallpapers of De Gournay will realise your dream of a perfect interior.