Meet “The Wallpaper Lady!”

Wallpaper Trader’s Mary Nguyen tells all about her passion for paper, tips for a top result and her scene-stealing session with Sara


Mary Nguyen, Managing Director Wallpaper Trader

Courtney and Hans guest bedroom captivated the judges with the sweet, yet quirky 'Hackney Empire Stripe Wallpaper'.

How did your business start? 

I’m a bit obsessed with paper products. I was living in London for six years where it’s really normal to have wallpaper everywhere. I was really taken with how in every home, quirky and kooky personal style was totally celebrated. Then I moved back to Sydney and I was like, ‘Where’s all the wallpaper? Where’s all the personality and where’s all the celebration of that?’  I also saw that as a great opportunity to keep my link with London— I ship a lot of product from England and Europe and I do buying trips during London design week and Paris design week.  It’s cool to have this relationship with the UK but live in Australia and have the best of both worlds. 

Carla and Bianca's bathroom “I love that wallpaper. It’s fun, it’s quirky, it’s pretty,” said Shaynna. “After they judged that room, Shelley Craft got in contact and bought that print as well,” says Mary.

Why wallpaper? 

I just love it because you can change a space so quickly without having to knock any walls down or do anything structural. In recent times, wallpaper has come here in a fresh way and it’s great to see people rediscover it. I always tell people, ‘Look, whatever you saw in your grandma’s house, please forget it.’ There are endless options. With Wallpaper Trader, it’s online, super friendly and super accessible at all different price points. It’s high-quality products that I’ve sourced from all around the world. If I can make it easy and accessible and fun, then go for your life. 

A beautiful and classic Cole & Son wallpaper 'Palm Jungle' available from Wallpaper Traders in various stunning colour variations.

This is a classic 'Woods' wallpaper, available in seven other colours to create an atmospheric feel in any room.

You were dubbed ‘The Wallpaper Lady’ after Sara spent an eternity on the phone with you on The Block. How does it feel to be the breakout star of The Block?  

It was so wild. I am ‘The Wallpaper Lady.’ The irony of it all is that Sara spent all this time with The Wallpaper Lady and didn’t ever actually buy wallpaper. 

All my friends laughed because that’s what I’m like with everybody. If someone needs a little cry or to talk through something I tend to be there. I could hear Sara freaking out and I just thought, ‘if I don’t help her calm down, she’s not going to make a decision.’ But I loved all the tweets because everyone was like, ‘Oh my god, I need a Wallpaper Lady!’ It was very funny and sweet.

Bold geometry meets an aviary explosion in this sensational print. Stunning tropical beautiful birds almost fly off the wall with this wallpaper. This is a statement wallpaper to brighten your space immediately!

Glam and stylish 'Palm Leaves' wallpaper will add luxury to any room.

So, what are The Wallpaper Lady’s top tips for choosing Wallpaper? 

Firstly, it’s important to look at a lot of examples and images. You might have that initial fear of ‘grandma’s wallpaper’ and the only way to combat that is to see lots of beautiful, cool spaces that have done wallpaper really well. It’s just an education thing. 

Secondly, take it slow. It doesn’t have to be full on. You don’t have to do all the walls, you can just do one wall and that’s totally okay. You can just do a tiny little alcove or the back of a cupboard. 

A lot of people do kids room because it’s whimsical and there are plenty of great wallpapers to choose from. Lastly, get samples. Stick three or so on the wall and just walk past it during the day and then at night. You can then match other materials in the room to whatever you choose. And have fun with it!

'Vintage Summer Mural' in various colours makes for a beautiful choice again for any room!

Are you feeling the white wall shame and inspired to add some fabulous wallpaper to your life? Shop Wallpaper Traders range HERE

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