Decorate with Joy: Elizabeth Olwen’s Wallpaper Collection at Hovia

A lifelong daydreamer, Elizabeth discovered her love of pattern at an early age, nestled among the nostalgic florals and bold prints of her childhood home. “I grew up in an apartment decorated in patterns from the 60’s and 70’s,” she recalls. “Pattern surrounded me, and became my backdrop for daydreams… I feel like I essentially 'came online' looking at an orange floral wallpaper.”

That early imprint stayed with her, blossoming into a career defined by emotion-led design. As a surface pattern designer, Elizabeth has worked across a wide range of creative worlds, from textiles and homeware to stationery and wellness brands. Yet her heart has always remained close to what drew her in: color, shape, and joyful expression. Her designs are full of intention, often drawing from nature, memory, and the everyday magic that many of us overlook. With each pattern, she invites us into a universe that feels comforting, optimistic, and unmistakably personal.

The wallpapers and mural designs featured in this collection are mostly taken from Elizabeth’s ColorJoy series, a collection of patterns developed over time and shaped by her personal story. After relocating to Portugal, “the land of color and pattern,” as she calls it, her connection to color only deepened. The hues, forms, and playful energy of her new surroundings became part of her every day, spilling into her artwork.

“I’ve designed the types of prints I like to live with in my own space,” she explains. “Simple, graphic, soulful.” That ethos aligns perfectly with Hovia’s design values, where we share a passion for accessible, artful design that doesn’t just decorate a space, but adds soul to it. “In an increasingly complex world, moments of levity are essential,” Elizabeth says. “And beauty is an antidote that raises the spirit and nourishes the soul.”

Maximalism, once misunderstood as cluttered or chaotic, has evolved into something far more intentional, and Elizabeth’s work is right at the heart of it. Her designs offer exactly what so many of us are craving: warmth, optimism, and a space that feels uniquely ours. Bold color combinations energize the eye, while rhythmic, organic forms add softness and flow. These aren’t just wallpapers, they’re statements of joy, layered into everyday life.

What makes it all work is the balance. Elizabeth’s prints are daring but grounded. Vibrant but never overwhelming. Whether you're introducing just one feature wall or going all-in with a wall to wall bedroom transformation, they offer a beautiful way to express your style without compromise.

To discover more about maximalism, our maximalist design guide discusses how to have fun with your decor, and create a space that sparks joy and creativity every day.

To celebrate our collaboration with Elizabeth Olwen, we asked three of our designers to choose their standout design from the collection. From bold prints to retro florals, they each share how they’d style their pick, where they’d use it, and why it resonates with them.

Jess, our Senior Creative Designer, picked Joyride Pastel as her top design from the Elizabeth Olwen collection:

“Joyride Pastel is my top pick from the collection - the colors and curves have such a calming energy, but still feel fun and full of life! I’d love it in my home office to keep my creativity flowing and I’d style it with soft textures and mid-century finds to create a space that feels playful yet inspiring.”

Alicia, our Midweight Designer, is drawn to Cosmic Skyway in the soft Peach colorway:

“Cosmic Skyway Peach is my favorite from the collection as it’s soft, dreamy, and full of quiet joy. I’d use it as a feature wall in my living room to bring color and warmth into the space. The flowing shapes and celestial details feel playful yet peaceful, and I’d style it with cozy textures, warm-toned furnishings, and soft lighting to create a space that feels inspiring and uplifting.”

Catherine, our Head of Design, selected Flower Shift Orange as her favorite:

“Flower Shift Orange is my favorite design - it’s bold, joyful, and full of personality. I love how the retro daisies peek through the checkerboard, it adds such a playful rhythm to the pattern. I’d install it behind the open shelving in my kitchen to introduce a pop of unexpected color and fun, and I’d style it with soft ceramics and clear glassware to let the design shine while keeping the look fresh and modern.”