Wallpaper has the ability to change the way a space feels, and Chasing Paper offers an incredible range of wallpaper options to satisfy the styles of everyone. We’re here today with Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper, as she walks us through her own home. It’s full of beautiful wallpaper on the walls, and we’re swooning over each room. In this home tour, Elizabeth explains that she loves that wallpaper is nostalgic, and that Chasing Paper is not only part of people’s homes, but the spaces that people will talk about and remember for years to come. We’ll surely remember this home tour for a long time, so step inside and enjoy!

Can you start by telling us a bit about your home?

When I was preparing to leave New York City in late 2017 and move back to Milwaukee, I had been living in Brooklyn for the last couple of years. Each night when walking back to my apartment, I would look into the light foyers of the beautiful Brooklyn brownstones and look for wallpaper. It seemed like something everyone did! When I saw pictures of this home, I was immediately drawn to it as this brownstone-like architecture really does not exist in Milwaukee. When I walked through it for the first time, the wide-board pine floors creaked under my feet, and the black moldings carried my eye from room to room; I knew this was the space that my husband and I would start our life (he was my boyfriend at the time). We made an offer, I wrote a letter to end all letters to the seller—and a few weeks later, it was ours.

We love your brand, Chasing Paper. Can you tell us about it? What inspired it?

Chasing Paper was truly born out of my own desire to create a business that allowed people to transform spaces. Wallpaper has this magical ability to change the way a space feels and how you remember it. It’s incredibly nostalgic, and I love that we are not only part of people’s homes, but the spaces that people will talk about and remember. I feel so lucky to have Chasing Paper; it has exceeded every expectation I set out to accomplish.

How did you decide which spaces to put up wallpaper in your home?

This might sound nuts, but some rooms just call for it. Obviously, the foyer was an easy choice. I wanted there to be unexpected moments, like the backsplash, and ones that felt a bit more traditional, like the nursery or bathroom.

Do you have any tips or advice for people who are new to using wallpaper in their homes?

Have fun! There is so much sameness in the design world; try something that pushes your creativity!

Where are your go-to places to shop for home décor?

I love Lulu & Georgia, Rove Concepts, Parachute and Wovn Home.

Which is your favorite room in your house?

I love our family room. We spend so much time here playing with our daughters, or enjoying a glass of wine after a long day.

Do you have any cherished pieces in your home? What’s the story behind them?

I have a Peruvian tapestry that hangs above our bed that says, “And the light took us.” When I saw it, I was immediately drawn to the color and the sentiment. It was the starting point for the entire design of our bedroom. I also have a Knoll Womb Chair; it was my first (and honestly one of my only) big purchases.

Do you like to read? What are you currently reading?

I love to read! Currently I am reading The Montessori Toddler. Normally I love fiction or memoirs, but with our oldest being home from daycare for so long, I became more interested in creating a space for her to explore and experiment. I have recently read Stray by Stephanie Danler, Know My Name by Chanel Miller and Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson.

Do you have any self-care rituals?

Recently with two babies under two, I have not been able to get very much time to myself, but am learning to find little ways to take care of myself. Taking the long way home listening to a podcast if I have sleeping babies in the car, keeping a constant stock of frozen peanut butter M&Ms or just spending an extra few minutes in the shower after the girls are down for the evening.

How do you typically spend a day off when the world can wait?

I am not a morning person, so I love when we can have a lazy morning at home, making breakfast, listening to music and spending time as a family. Pre-COVID, I loved going for lunch with friends with the girls in tow…now we grill out in the backyard a lot. Uma can run around and Marlow can enjoy the sunshine. The fresh air does us all a lot of good!

Let’s talk about creativity. When you experience burnout, how do you get motivated?

I do my best to rest in a way that’s thoughtful. I used to just let myself completely veg out and disconnect, but found that it was even harder to get myself back into a rhythm. So now I try to do something creative that has nothing to do with work, my kids or any responsibilities. I draw or write a short story or read. Something that keeps my brain working but allows me to reset.

Favorite quote?

“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”