There’s one sure-fire way to breathe new life into your home – whether you’re toning it down or talking it up – and that’s on your walls.
Walls are the perfect playground for creativity. They can anchor a room, whisper calm or shout joy, and no one knows that better than Paige Waplington of Redesign Interior Design Studio.
Paige describes wall treatments as the ‘mood setters’ of a home. From natural wood panelling to daring wallpapers, statement prints to handcrafted tiles, she encourages décor enthusiasts to decorate with intention. “There are no laws about following trends. Go with what you love,” she says. “Interiors are about creating a mood, telling a story, bringing your personality into the space.”
Her belief? Spaces should reflect the people who live in them – quirks, memories, and all.
Raised in a house bursting with creativity, Paige’s passion for design took root early. Encouraged by her artistic mother, she grew up painting, crafting and selling handmade goods at local flea markets. A post-university trip to the UK and Canada sparked a deep love for interiors and Redesign was born.
Starting out with a sustainability-first mindset – reusing existing pieces and breathing new life into well-loved items – Paige’s studio has grown into a full-spectrum interior design business guided by their core philosophy: Happier by Design.
“We design based on a client’s story. Often, that means keeping sentimental items and reimagining them in new ways,” she says.
One particularly memorable project involved a set of hand-painted dinner plates – each uniquely created by a family member and transformed into a striking dining room wall feature. From Durban to Rwanda, her projects are personal, layered and full of heart.
For Paige, walls are far more than background – they’re the canvas on which a room’s story is told.
“Whether it’s a home, restaurant, office or hotel, walls offer the chance to connect a space with the people using it,” she explains. “There’s so much more to play with than just paint – bold colours, textured cladding, oversized artworks, wainscoting, timber slats, cork, even your favourite dinnerware!”
Her current favourites? Onyx and marble claddings for their rich textures and striking colourways. Handmade glazed tiles. Murals that double as art installations. And wallpapers – often unfairly dismissed – are making a huge comeback thanks to their durability and endless customisation options.
Whether she’s designing a dreamlike forest room filled with painted trees and twinkling lights or opening a tactile design library at The Quarter in Ballito, Paige stays grounded by what matters most – emotion, memory and connection.
“A beautiful space is one that you feel beautiful in,” she says. “When it’s authentic to you, people will feel that energy.”
As Redesign Interior Design Studio looks toward new ventures – including a vibrant new restaurant project in Sandton – Paige remains committed to creating interiors that go deeper than surface style.
“Because ultimately, your home isn’t just where you live. It’s where your story unfolds – one beautifully dressed wall at a time.”
Details: You can find Paige at The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show at the Durban Exhibition Centre from June 28 to July 6 or at her showroom at The Quarter Ballito. Follow her on IG: @redesignlove or FB: @redesigndecor, e-mail her at paige@redesign-inteiors.co.za, call her on 082 7799 215 or visit redesign-interiors.co.za
DIY wall magic
Not ready for a full renovation? Paige shares simple, high-impact wall treatment tips that anyone can try at home:
Paint with personality
“Paint is your easiest, most cost-effective option,” Paige says. For a creative twist, divide the wall into thirds: paint the bottom two-thirds one colour, and the top third another. Add a dado rail or trim in a bold shade for a designer touch.
Gallery wall with a twist
Use a mix of framed prints, personal photos, and even sentimental objects (like vintage crockery or handwritten recipes) to tell your own story.
Natural texture
Introduce warmth with DIY timber cladding or cork tiles. Don’t be afraid to explore second-hand or leftover materials – it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Murals or large-scale art
If you’re artistic (or know someone who is), try painting a mural directly onto your wall. Not confident with a brush? Stick-on murals and decals are a great alternative.
Panels and wainscoting
Add a modern or classic edge with pre-cut wall panels or battens. Paige’s advice: “Research thoroughly before starting – every wall has quirks like skirtings and cornices to plan around.”
Pro Tip: Always plan where your cladding or treatment ends before you begin. Awkward junctions and unfinished edges can ruin an otherwise beautiful project.
