In a 1909 home full of vintage charm, a homeowner has uncovered a surprising design timeline—three layers of wallpaper concealed behind a poorly placed bedroom built-in. Shared with the r/centuryhomes community, this discovery offers a glimpse into 116 years of decorating decisions, from original damask elegance to midcentury updates. With a mix of careful peeling and hopeful restoration, the homeowner is determined to preserve what they can and revive the spirit of the past through thoughtful reintroduction of these timeless patterns.
Peeling Back 116 Years of Stories
Removing an awkward built-in revealed three distinct wallpaper layers, each representing a different moment in the home’s long life. The deepest layer—a damask design—likely dates back to 1909, its intricate texture evoking early 20th-century opulence. Two newer layers sit above, though worn and difficult to remove in whole pieces. Ironically, the prior homeowner’s rushed DIY approach left the original trim intact, buried but unharmed, making restoration slightly easier for today’s owner.
A Velvety Treasure Sparks Inspiration
Among the discoveries, the damask wallpaper drew the most admiration for its potential velvety finish. A fellow enthusiast commented, “That damask wallpaper looks like it might be velvety. It’s really pretty,” to which the homeowner replied, “It’s so beautiful! There’s a room attached to this bedroom (presumably a nursery?) that also had this on the walls as well, but it had been wallpapered + painted over and unfortunately I can’t salvage it.”
Inspired by the pattern, they now hope to find a reprint or similar vintage design to incorporate elsewhere in the home.
Restoring with Respect for the Past
Each piece of wallpaper removed is handled with care and reverence as the homeowner works to strike a balance between preserving the old and embracing the new. The damask, thought to be original, may have once adorned a nursery or parlor, spaces where elegance met everyday life. Though much of the matching paper in the nursery was lost to overpainting, the bedroom’s surviving section now guides the homeowner’s decorative vision—one focused on harmony between past and present.
A Legacy in Layers
This project has inspired others in the r/centuryhomes community to consider what might lie behind their own walls. As restoration continues in 2025, the 116-year-old damask wallpaper stands as a visual reminder of the home’s early years.
Through patient peeling, creative adaptation, and an appreciation for detail, the homeowner is turning lost layers into lasting beauty—ensuring that what once graced the home will inspire its future.