Behind the Pattern: A Conversation with Wallpaper Artist Ali Anni

Shannon Santiago
Sep 15
4 min read

Written by Shannon Santiago

Behind the pattern graphic featuring an interview with wallpaper artist Ali Anni, seated and smiling at the camera

When classic florals meets whimsical, delicate motifs, something beautiful blossoms.

Recently, I had the chance to have a conversation with wallpaper artist Ali Anni, a pattern designer based in Arizona. Her cottage-core, floral-forward wallpapers are full of charm, softness, and intention. With designs that feel warm and timeless, in playful sweeping floral designs and an antiqued inspired aesthetic. We chatted with her about how she got started in the world of wallpaper and pattern design and the inspiration behind her widely-adored Rosaria (which, spoiler: I immediately fell in love with and used for my baby girl’s nursery wallpaper!) She gave us a peek into her day-to-day life and how a simple sketch can bloom into a pattern you can hang and admire on your own walls.

How did you get started as a wallpaper and pattern designer?

I’ve always loved art and home design, but it wasn’t until I stumbled across a Skillshare class on pattern design that something clicked. I was instantly hooked. I dove in, took every class I could find, and haven’t stopped learning since. Designing wallpaper lets me create art for the home—where something I sketch can become part of someone’s everyday space. I feel so grateful to do this work and to help bring beauty and character into the places people call home.

Wallpaper artist Ali Anni's Rosaria wallpaper

Can you tell us the story behind your Rosaria wallpaper?

I had just learned a new pattern-building technique and couldn’t wait to try it out. At the time, I was dreaming up a small Valentine’s collection and knew I wanted to include something dainty, romantic, and full of charm. I kept picturing tiny roses and winding vines—delicate blossoms climbing their way across a wall. Rosaria now feels extra special. Seeing it bloom in people’s homes—some of the most stunning rooms!—is surreal. It means so much to me that something I dreamed up during a quiet little moment has become part of others’ homes.

What’s a typical day like for you as a pattern designer?

It really depends on the season—both literally and in life. In the summer, with my daughter home, I’m extra grateful for the flexibility of this work. I usually carve out a couple of hours in the morning to plan or do admin tasks, and a couple more in the afternoon to draw or refine designs.

When school’s in session, my days are more structured: I start with content or business planning—dreaming up new designs or prepping for launches. Then I settle into the creative side of things: sketching, refining repeats, or experimenting with new ideas. I’ve gotten better at making time for lunch (I used to forget completely when I was deep in the creative zone!), and I try to wrap up work by the time I pick up my daughter. Sometimes she’ll sit beside me to draw her own little masterpieces—I love those moments.

That said, inspiration doesn’t always keep office hours. Even after the workday ends, I’m constantly noticing color palettes or imagining new patterns while folding laundry or making dinner. Creativity has a way of weaving itself into the everyday—and I love that.

Collage of books, home decor books, prints, and other curated inspiration

What’s your creative process like when you’re designing a wallpaper pattern?

I’m always inspired by nature, flowers especially, but also the history and charm of heirlooms, antiques, and the stories that come with them. I usually start with a feeling I want the design or collection to capture. I jot down descriptive words, sketch little squares, and roughly draw a pattern idea in each square. These early sketches are super rough, but they help me get a sense of rhythm and style.

I used to ink by hand and scan everything in, but now I work mostly on my iPad—it helps me keep things cleaner, and it’s so much easier to test the repeat and scale. Once the repeat is working, I bring it into Adobe Illustrator and start building the final pattern. It’s honestly magic to see my screen fill up with something I imagined just days ago.

I test the scale using mockups—wallpaper samples, full panels, even a full wall. Once it’s ready, I send it off. Seeing samples in hand is one of my favorite parts. Artza & Co's beautifully curated papers, textures, and color palettes bring out every detail in a way that feels like a dream come true.

What design tools do you rely on most when creating patterns?

Definitely my iPad! I use Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Illustrator regularly. I also keep a little stack of home design books, paint swatches, and of course... my blue light glasses. (A must when you're staring at patterns for hours!) Oh, and post-it notes for when inspiration randomly hits.

Nursery image photographed by @story.of.lam

Are there certain design styles or subjects you come back to again and again?

Cozy cottage everything—and florals! Always florals. I try to mix in other motifs sometimes, but I honestly find it hard not to sneak in at least a little bloom. They’re so timeless and versatile, and I love exploring all the ways they can show up in a pattern, from sweet and dainty to bold and vintage-inspired.

Final Reflections from Our Conversation with Wallpaper Artist Ali Anni

Ali is a perfect example of a wallpaper designer whose patterns feel deeply personal—yet universally inviting. Her designs feel like a gentle nod to the past—full of antique-inspired details and classic florals that bring a cozy warmth to any room. If you’re looking for welcoming vintage-inspired wallpaper, spend time browsing what she has created. It’s a beautiful place to start.