It is that time of the year again, when every fashion expert is predicting what the year ahead holds in wallpaper fashion, as if someone is actually going to go to the time and cost of having new wallpaper fitted only to replace it next year when something else comes into vogue.

The latest predictions come from Elizabeth Rees, the founder of upmarket wallpaper company Chasing Paper. She told 21OAK large scale prints, faux fixtures, 1970s-style retro and ‘muted maximalism’ are all set to be prominent in 2023.

Whether she is right or not that these become the most popular styles in Britain, the US or anywhere else, the greater significance will be if they stand the test of time. If you are bringing in professional wallpaper installers you need to get this right.

The best chance of this happening will be if the wallpaper is widely appreciated to start with. If it divides opinion, it is likely to be highly niche and not be admired by most of your house guests. For a great example of this, we need only look to the country’s most famous street.

The gold wallpaper installed in his Downing Street flat by former prime minister Boris Johnson was controversial at the time due to the question of where the money came from, but it has also been ridiculed in some quarters and chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed that it has already gone.

Speaking to LBC Radio, Mr Hunt said: "It wasn't me - it was removed before I went - but I must admit when I went in, out of curiosity, I went and had a look and it had been painted over.” However short her stay in the highest office of the land was, Liz Truss had still found time to dispose of it.

Just as people will have very different views about Boris, so tastes in wallpaper will vary significantly. That is why if you are set to invest in a new covering, think less about what may be ‘enjoying a moment’ or niche tastes and consider something everyone who encounters it will consider stylish. It may not get everyone’s vote, but should command majority support.