Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Wong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
When choosing a name for my brand, I wanted something that reflected the purpose of my work—creating spaces that resonate with others—rather than something that centered on me.
Five years ago, wallpaper was still met with some skepticism. Convincing clients that it could be both livable and transformative took time.
At the same time, I was learning Spanish, and the word “habitar” kept resonating with me. It means “to dwell” or “to live with.” To me, “habita” perfectly captures my philosophy: creating spaces where pattern and color enrich the way we live, adding depth, personality, and harmony.
Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a designer specializing in handprinted wallpaper, with a textile collection in the works. My career in design began in an unexpected place—the tech industry. While I enjoyed the creativity, something about the digital nature of the work felt fleeting. I craved something more tangible, more lasting.
This led me back to school in Philadelphia, where I earned a master’s degree in textile design. I went on to work with fashion and home brands in San Francisco, but it wasn’t until I moved to Austin that my creative vision fully took shape.
During a renovation of our mid-century home, I realized the market didn’t offer the kind of wallpaper I wanted—everything felt either too graphic, too traditional, or too bohemian for our modern space. Inspired by a mid-century Latin American design exhibit at the Blanton Museum, I began painting several patterns with gouache – an opaque, water-based paint used in traditional textile designs.
The artwork is translated into wallpaper through a digital printing process. This sustainable method minimizes ink usage and waste, while preserving the hand-painted details or the original design. Seeing how the designs transformed our blank walls into vibrant, warm spaces really ignited my passion for this medium.
I sell my wallpaper collections online, collaborate with sales reps nationwide, and have my work featured in several showrooms. I dedicate one morning a week to painting and exploring different styles. This practice keeps my creativity fresh and helps me envision future projects, such as a retail selection featuring block-printed fabric and my paintings.
It’s a privilege to have my designs contribute to someone’s emotional connection to their environment. Knowing my work plays a role in creating a harmonious space where people live, entertain, and feel at peace is deeply fulfilling.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I began my undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, studying business with an interest in marketing. However, Wharton’s heavy focus on investment banking didn’t resonate with me (at all!), and I began to realize that a creative career was my true calling. If there had been a more entrepreneurial program at the time, I might have stayed.
I transferred to pursue a liberal arts education and earned a degree in English. After graduation, I joined an advertising agency, where I gained practical skills in graphic design and coding. While my career has since brought me back to business, I’ve never regretted my choice to prioritize creativity—it’s what drives me and keeps me passionate about my work.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
From the start, my friends have been invaluable sources of referrals. Many of my commercial and residential projects originated from word-of-mouth recommendations within my network across the country. While Instagram has evolved significantly since I first began, it remains a fantastic platform for connecting with designers who work with wallpaper and interested in my aesthetic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiohabita.com
- Instagram: @habitawallpaper
Image Credits
Charlotte Lea, Cate Black