When tasked with creating custom wallpaper for high-profile spaces, the challenges extend beyond just printing a beautiful image. Durability, fidelity to design, seamless project management, and thoughtful client collaboration all play vital roles in delivering a finished product that honors the space and the brand it represents.
We recently had the privilege to work with SONY Music Group on a branded wallpaper installation for their A&R Lounge in Manhattan — a space dedicated to discovering and nurturing musical talent while honoring decades of musical history.
A Tribute to Legacy Through Design
The concept was to craft a visual homage to SONY’s storied catalog. The wallpaper features a large-scale repeating pattern of iconic vinyl stickers from luminaries like Miles Davis, Julio Iglesias, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and many others.
Presented as a grid of staggered circles, this geometric pattern elegantly weaves together these symbols of musical achievement into a cohesive pattern. Each colorful label (mostly in red with yellow, green and blue accents) represents a milestone in SONY’s legacy, creating a tapestry that celebrates both cultural impact and artistic innovation.
Printed to Last
Given the nature of the space — an active corporate lounge with high foot traffic and daily use — the wallpaper needed to meet exacting standards for longevity and maintenance. We selected a Type II, fabric-backed 20 ounce commercial wallpaper substrate, engineered to withstand wear while maintaining vibrancy. The inks are UV cured to ensure colorfastness that won’t fade under exposure to sunlight or artificial lighting.
This product also meets building code and fire safety regulations, essential for commercial installations, and is easy to clean and maintain. With the right care, lifespans are measured in decades, not years.
Timeline Considerations
Our contact at SONY was under significant time pressure for this installation. Their previous vendor was unable to meet their ambitious schedule, putting the project at risk.
We mobilized quickly, shipping the rolls out within 5 business days. This required streamlined coordination between design approvals, prepress preparation, printing, and shipping. A rush fee was agreed upon, reflecting the resources dedicated to meeting the client’s urgent needs while maintaining our consistent high barline for quality.
It is worth noting that we delivered wall-ready rolls, a full two days ahead of their install. This was an intentional move on our part, giving the rolls a 48 hour window to acclimate to the destination environment. With equal temperature and humidity levels, the elements form a a tighter bond, with minimal warping/bubbling.
Project Specifications
Creative Status: Print Ready Digital File Material: Type 2, Fabric Backed, Unpasted Traditional Total: 2000+ square feet (including 200% overage for the space)
Originally SONY only wanted to order 1000 sq ft. But upon receiving our press samples (which were color adjusted to perfectly match their office decor) They decided to double the order, and keep a decent amount of the wallpaper on reserve for future installs.
Lessons Learned
Successful projects of this scale hinge on clear communication and collaboration between all stakeholders. Early and ongoing dialogue between the client’s graphic design and our prepress team was critical to avoiding missteps, ensuring color accuracy and print-ready files.
Similarly, bridging communication with contractors and installers through detailed schematics, panel layouts, and installation guidelines helped standardize the process and minimize delays on site.
Throughout the project, we maintained accessibility and responsiveness, primarily using SMS messaging to keep the client informed and engaged. This approach provided a personal touch that fostered trust and comfort during a high-pressure timeline. Our timely communication, which often include weekends and holidays — demonstrate a level of commitment that clients value highly.
This project exemplifies how custom wallpaper can do much more than decorate — it can tell a story, enhance a space’s identity, and meet the rigorous demands of high-profile commercial environments.
About the Author
Joseph Gornail is a multimedia artist and fourth-generation print craftsman whose family has lived on the same block in SoHo for over 90 years. With an extensive background in photography, writing and creative direction, Joseph has a love of the arts and a proud New Yorker. When he’s not documenting city life or curating historic images for History101.nyc, he can likely be found sailing the New York harbor to enjoy his native city from a different perspective.