While wallpapers are often used as narrative tools on TV, setting the atmosphere and anchoring the story to a particular period, rarely do we see them taking centre stage as clearly as in the acclaimed HBO series “The White Lotus”.
Created by Hollywood veteran Mike White, the first season of this award-winning series is a social satire focusing on the lives of the overprivileged individuals in a luxurious Hawaiian resort called “The White Lotus”. Intersecting the lives of guests and staff over a week, it digs into the complex structures of their personalities, highlighting the deep schism between those being served and those doing the serving. "The White Lotus" masterfully utilises wallpapers to complement the storytelling, employing them as a silent yet powerful narrative device in its opening credits.
All the topics of the series are subtly and artfully introduced; as the camera pans over a variety of beautiful wallpapers, viewers are introduced to an idyllic setting echoing Milton’s “Paradise Lost”. The designs are rich with tropical motifs, bursting with vibrant flora and fauna and encapsulating the sheer beauty of Hawaii. Palm trees sway with a mesmerising rhythm, and hibiscus flowers bloom with an intensity that seems to promise eternal summer. These flamboyant patterns truly set the stage for a holiday in paradise!
However, like the paradise described by Milton, this one, too, is flawed. As the story unfolds, the wallpapers begin to reveal a more nuanced dual narrative. The once vibrant patterns start to fade as the tropical paradise becomes a suffocating jungle. Just as Milton's Eden harboured the seed of its own destruction, the wallpapers in "The White Lotus" subtly shift to reflect the disintegration of the resort's façade of perfection.
Featuring an accurate depiction of the natural habitats of Hawaii, dotted with palms, pineapples and hibiscus flowers, these unique wallpapers arose from the creative minds of Mark Bashore and Katrina Crawford, founders of Plains of Yonder, a consultancy studio specialised in narrative and visual solutions. Known for their collaboration with some of the most famous brands and TV productions in Hollywood, from the sets of Amazon Studios’ “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” to the restyling of LAX Bradley international Airport, their work on the wallpaper textures is incredibly detailed. Each shot feels extremely tactile, with accurate light reflections, misaligned paper seams, wallpaper joints and actual mould growth.
We cannot help but be utterly fascinated by how the wallpaper becomes a silent narrator, providing visual cues to the viewers that perfectly complement the unfolding plot and aesthetic journey, paced by the unnerving and evoking “tropical kabuki” music score. Let's take a closer look at the narrative elements embedded in the series of paradisiac wallpaper patterns unfolding during the opening credits of the series.
A visual journey across the featured wallpapers
Each set of wallpaper represents one of the hotel suites where the different sections of the story unfold.
The Palm Suite
The first wallpaper we are introduced to is reminiscent of a tropical escape and sets the scene for the entire series. A lush tapestry of exoticism, rich with stylised fauna and flora, it features playful monkeys amidst an array of palm fronds and other tropical foliage, all depicted in natural, earthy tones with a hint of the vibrant life one would expect in such a setting.
The monkeys, often considered symbols of mischief, foreshadow the complex interplay of the characters. Surrounded by the verdant greens of the leaves and the muted backdrop, it speaks of an Edenic locale, replete with its own secrets and hidden stories.
The Hibiscus Suite
As we move on to the Hibiscus suite, we encounter the first dissonance. While the wallpaper features a sumptuous pattern of rich, red hibiscus flowers native to the Pacific, interspersed with large green monstera leaves and palm fronds, we also discover sleek spotted leopards prowling amongst the flora.
This animal is not native to Hawaii, so what is it doing there? To answer this question, we need to remember that this suite is where Tanya resides. The way she misleads and ultimately abuses the trust of Belinda, the local spa worker, leaving her with nothing, has all the characteristics of colonial exploitation, and the leopard is a subtle allusion to this.
As the gaze moves on to the next wallpaper, we start to notice that all is not well in paradise. A chameleon (another invasive species, representing the dual nature of Shane) changes its colour while mould starts to appear on the hibiscus stigma.
The Pineapple suite
At a first glance, the Pineapple Suite wallpaper seems just any other tropical motif, with bananas, pineapples and tropical foliage. However, things start to unravel pretty quickly.
Greedy Monarch caterpillars ravage the leaves, while as the name of Sydney Sweeney, the actress who plays Olivia, appears on screen a snake slithers among the foliage, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The Tradewinds Suite
The final of the four wallpapers is a distinct change of scenery. We move to the sea for a nautical wallpaper representing the story arch of the Mossbacher family. It’s the most complex of all wallpaper sets as it incorporates many elements of the plot.
An unassuming fish finds its gruesome end in a tangle of venomous tentacles, a sad symbol of Kai’s failed attempt to fight back against the Western guests abusing his ancestral land, and to Paula’s betrayal. The next scene on the tapestry is a traditional outrigger canoe paddled by islanders, furiously rowing against a gigantic wave.
The last wallpaper scene shows the same stormy sea, but the canoe has disappeared. It’s a powerful symbology that connects both with Quinn’s story of rebellion and the ultimate dark fate awaiting the locals.
A fish is entangled in deadly venomous tentacles, and traditional outrigger rowers battle an insurmountable wave. The scenes hold hidden clues to themes and storylines within the show.
How do I replicate the look of “The White Lotus” wallpapers in my home?
If the wallpapers featured in the series have inspired you, you can find some models that can help you replicate the look below. As all suites focus on Hawaii and therefore a tropical theme, to recreate the luxurious and exclusive Hawaiian suite ambiance from the first season of "The White Lotus" in your own home you'll want to focus on a harmonious blend of tropical opulence, comfort, and a hint of exotic intrigue.
The Palm Suite
Choose a warm and inviting colour palette with soft creams, beiges, and muted greens. You can choose richer tones for accents and accessories, picking the deep greens of palm leaves, the fiery reds of hibiscus flowers, or the golden hues of a Hawaiian sunset.
The Hibiscus Suite
For textiles, incorporate natural fibres like cotton, linen, and silk in scatter pillows, blankets, and drapes with tropical prints or in deep colours matching your wallpaper. If you have space, you could add a rug with a subtle, organic pattern to anchor the room in a tropical setting.
The Pineapple suite
Look for furniture pieces in dark wood tones, similar to Hawaiian Koa or mahogany, as they offer a sense of richness. In terms of seating, you could consider upholstered chairs and sofas in neutral tones, adding a pop of colour with scatter cushions.
The Tradewinds Suite
Remember that soft, warm lighting is crucial for a luxurious feel! Choose lamps with ceramic or wooden bases that complement the natural theme. Incorporating dimmer switches will allow you to adjust the ambiance to match the mood. Live greenery, for example potted palms, are always a good idea. Don’t forget to focus on the details: high-quality bed linens, a selection of books on a wooden bookshelf, and an assortment of luxury bath products in the bathroom.
Tropical tranquility: customer homages to “The White Lotus” suites
Why not take inspiration from interiors put together by customers just like you, who, in their own homes, created personal spaces that replicate the exclusive charm of Hawaiian-inspired designs?