Written by
02 April 2025
•
3 min read
It’s hard to look past wallpaper when wanting to make an impact in an interior, and as the only wallpaper manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, Aspiring Walls brings impressive expertise to the table. Operating from their Wellington factory since the 1960s, the brand combines conventional craftsmanship with digital printing – a unique offering to the market.
Known for their premium wallcoverings, Aspiring Walls’ latest collection introduces an innovative way of incorporating wallpaper into spaces.
“At Aspiring Walls we are always looking to innovate for our growth and expand our New Zealand manufacturing,” shares Stacey Macdonald. “The idea for circle murals has been thrown around for a few years now, with our customers requesting and suggesting circles as a great addition to our collection. The main push to create circle murals was to add wallpaper to a space without having the full commitment of an entire wall. It is a great middle-ground for customers desiring decals and wallpaper.”
The result is a 1m x 1m circular mural, with many pre-made designs ready for customers. The ‘Tararua’ design has been especially popular, drawing from New Zealand’s Tararua Ranges for a nature-inspired design. This has been closely followed by the ‘Charles’ design, a quirky cat print for those seeking something playful. There are also many nature-inspired wall coverings, with something to suit every style and taste.
The Cirque Act One murals aren’t only limited to the pre-made designs.
“We can create anything custom – not just circles,” says Stacey. Whether it’s adapting a Cirque design into a full wall mural or crafting a bespoke piece from a client’s high-res image, the process is seamless. Designers can even incorporate branding for businesses, or revive heritage prints with a modern twist.
“We are often approached by contractors or homeowners who have needed wallpaper to cover damage or for new renovations. To replicate heritage wallpaper, we require a decent-sized sample, and from here, a high-quality scan is taken of the design. Once digitised, our design manager ensures the pattern, colour, and scale are near-perfect matches.”
The design possibilities available from Aspiring Walls make custom wallcoverings accessible, cost-effective, and easy to do. Clients start by sharing their vision – be it a mood, an image, or a specific design. Aspiring Walls then provides a quote, texture options (such as Eggshell for vibrancy, Linen for subtlety, or Hessian for luxury), and a mock-up. Once approved, the standard lead time is just 10 working days.
The only limitation is generally copyright restrictions, though the team works hard to navigate complex requests with their ‘ask for anything’ motto. “It doesn’t always mean we can make it happen, but nothing is off limits,” says Stacey. “Aspiring Walls is not just importing and exporting wallpaper but manufacturing the wallpaper. When manufacturing any product a high level of expertise is required, understanding every element of production to how the wallpaper is installed.”
The Cirque Act One Collection only extends the possibilities. The circular murals can be used to accent a feature wall, complement architectural details, or tie a room together without overwhelming it. It’s also a low-commitment option – perfect for those renting or refreshing a space on a budget.
“Wallpaper is a triple threat – you get the design, colour and texture. The transformative power that wallpaper brings to a space is unmatched. It boasts longevity and durability, which you don’t get with paint.”
Explore more from Aspiring Walls on ArchiPro, or get in touch with the team to dream up your custom design.