Stories on walls: Mick Wells on the craft behind the world’s most creative wallcoverings

Peter Martin

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From The Savoy to The Twenty Two, specialist wallcover installers Wells are behind many of the most talked-about spaces in hospitality. Founder Mick Wells reflects on the company favoured by de Gournay, Fromental and leading interior designers.

In recent years, wallcoverings have transcended colour and pattern to become as fundamental to the identity of a space as to be the defining feature. From the biophilic trompe l’oeil of The Goring’s dining room to the almost mind-bending effect of Natalia Miyar’s immersive suites at The Twenty Two, wallcoverings now project a creativity that can be subversive and unforgettable.

Read: Natalia Miyar blends glamour with comfort in her dazzling interiors

But with increasingly complex and intricate coverings such as hand-painted silk, gold leaf and historic tea paper, installation has evolved into a highly specialised discipline. And Wells – the UK company behind major residential and hospitality projects that include The Savoy, The Twenty Two and Babington House – has emerged as one of the industry’s most respected leaders, regularly recommended by wallpaper companies such as de Gournay, Fromental and Phillip Jeffries.

Elegant restaurant interior featuring plush seating, ornate mirrors, and a chandelier, set against a green floral wallpaper backdrop.
The Goring, with wallcoverings installed by Wells (Photography: Nick Rochowki)

We spoke with Mick Wells, founder of Wells, about craftsmanship, design collaboration and the growing complexity of wallcovering installation.

How did you establish this highly specialised position within the industry, and how has the discipline evolved since you founded Wells in 2010?

When I first started paper hanging, I absolutely fell in love with the craft. I became obsessed with it; it’s the kind of work where you can truly lose yourself in the process. From that foundation, I built the business on three core principles: extreme attention to detail, taking immense pride in the work, and the goal of putting a smile on our clients’ faces.

In terms of evolution, the market has grown significantly since 2010. There are far more products and installers available now, but alongside that growth, client expectations for a high-quality finish have also increased.

A stylishly decorated room featuring a wooden desk and a plush green chair, illuminated by vintage lanterns. The walls are adorned with vibrant, swirling patterned wallpaper in deep colours, along with a round mirror and a decorative shield.
A stylishly decorated bedroom featuring a large bed with patterned pillows, surrounded by striped wall decor and warm lighting from vintage lamps. A patterned armchair and bedside table are also visible.
Ardbeg House, with wallcoverings installed by Wells (Image courtesy of Ardbeg House/Wells)

With your work ranging from hand-painted silks to multi-drop panoramic designs, have you seen a shift in how ambitious wallcoverings have become in recent years, and has that changed the demands placed on installation?

Very much so. Interestingly, while many new wallcoverings are beautifully designed and look stunning on a table, the installation process often feels like an afterthought. There are certain products where the research and development didn’t account for practical installation, making it nearly impossible for an installer to meet a client’s expectations on the wall.

“ I absolutely fell in love with the craft. I became obsessed with it; it’s the kind of work where you can truly lose yourself in the process. ”

Mick Wells

That said, this only applies to a small number of products. For the most part, the expanded marketplace is a positive development that has given customers much more choice.

What does an ideal collaboration look like, and when should designers involve you in a project?

The ideal collaboration begins at the very start of a project. The best results occur when the client, installer and manufacturer work as a team from the early specification stage through to completion. The sooner we are brought on board, the better the execution.

A stylish living room featuring intricately patterned wallpaper, a chandelier, and modern furnishings, including a blue armchair and a patterned sofa.
The Twenty Two in London, designed by Natalia Miyar with wallcoverings installed by Wells (Image courtesy of The Twenty Two/Wells)

Our success at The Twenty Two, for example, was due to very early involvement. Because the interior designer, Natalia Miyar, knew exactly where every element was going, we were able to plan the alignment and precision accordingly. The level of planning and collaboration on that project was significant, and the result reflects that.

You’ve worked with everything from historic tea papers sourced at auction to gold leaf ceilings and cork walling. Which materials demand the greatest level of care?

Preparation is key. This means taking the time to plan the room, test wallcoverings and create samples. On the day of installation, absolute concentration is required. As a paper hanger myself, and with our team leader, Dom, having progressed from my apprentice to a master paper hanger, there is a wealth of internal knowledge within the business. We collaborate closely to share expertise and give our installers the confidence to work with high-stakes materials.

Interior of a pub featuring a wooden bar, scattered tables, a vibrant ceiling mural, and decorative lighting.
The Audley Public House, with wallcoverings installed by Wells (Courtesy of Wells)

What has been your most challenging project to date?

It is difficult to name just one, as every project brings unique challenges that we move on from once completed. Generally, the greatest challenges aren’t the materials themselves, but external factors such as tight timelines and difficult site conditions. Fragile wallcoverings can be managed with the right mindset, but working against the clock in substandard conditions is far more demanding.

When working on landmark hotels such as The Goring and The Savoy, how do you maintain consistency and quality control across large, complex schemes?

For major landmark projects, we prioritise the commercial realities of the job: finishing on time and on budget. We maintain quality control by ensuring our specialised team is fully integrated into the scheme, as our expertise is specifically geared towards delivering these complex projects reliably.

For designers specifying increasingly complex wallcoverings, what are the most common pitfalls you encounter?

A beautifully decorated bedroom featuring blue wallpaper, matching lamps, and elegant furnishings. The room has a comfortable bed with white linens, a patterned throw, and a stylish chaise longue.
The Twenty Two in London, designed by Natalia Miyar with wallcoverings installed by Wells (Image courtesy of The Twenty Two/Wells)

In the UK, poor wall preparation — specifically the incorrect application of mist coats — is the most common pitfall. It is difficult to detect after the fact, but it causes significant issues once the wallcovering is applied.My advice is to involve installers early so they can advise building supervisors on primers and preparation. A specialist installer should manage that entire process to ensure the design intent is realised.