Complex Flavors Home + Life — FAQ

ABOUT THE BRAND

  • What is Complex Flavors Home + Life?

    • Complex Flavors Home + Life is a Kansas City-based interior design and custom wallcovering company founded by artist and Creative Director Keisha Jordan. We create artful commercial and residential interiors through custom wallcoverings, murals, textiles, specialty surfaces and acoustic solutions. Our approach brings together cultural storytelling, material performance and neuroarchitecture-informed principles to create spaces that are beautiful, functional and supportive of human well-being.

  • What makes Complex Flavors different?
    We design beyond aesthetics. Our work integrates:

    • Cultural storytelling

    • Neuro-architectural principles (how environments impact emotion and behavior)

    • Commercial-grade performance materials

    • Custom, scalable design systems

    We operate as a strategic design partner, not just a product provider.

  • Where are you based?

    We are based in Kansas City and accept select projects nationally.

  • What does “Feel at Home in Yourself” mean?

    • “Feel at Home in Yourself” reflects our belief that spaces should do more than look beautiful. They should help people feel comfortable, connected, represented and free to be fully themselves. Through thoughtful choices in color, pattern, texture, art and material, we create environments that reflect identity, support well-being and foster a genuine sense of belonging.

PRODUCTS + WALL SOLUTIONS

  • What products and wall solutions do you offer?
    We offer a range of wall applications designed for both residential and commercial environments:

    Wallcoverings

    • Type II Commercial Vinyl Wallcoverings

    • Non-woven / Traditional Wallpaper

    • Peel-and-Stick (Removable) Wallpaper

    • Textured Vinyl (linen, suede, and specialty finishes)

    Murals + Large-Scale Graphics

    • Custom-designed murals

    • Site-specific wall graphics

    • Branded feature walls

    Acoustic Wall Solutions

    • Printed acoustic felt panels

    • Sound-absorbing wall systems

    • Custom acoustic installations

    Decorative + Architectural Surfaces

    • Wall laminates and rigid surface applications

    • Patterned panel systems

    • Feature wall builds

    Custom Applications

    • Ceiling-applied wallpaper and graphics

    • Large-scale repeating patterns for corridors and public spaces

    • Integrated wall systems for branded environments

    All solutions are designed to balance performance, durability, and visual impact.

  • Do you pffer interior design or only wallpaper?

    • Both. We offer residential and commercial interiors, custom wallcoverings, murals and specialty surfaces.

CUSTOMIZATION + DESIGN

  • Do you offer custom design?
    Yes. Custom design is a core part of our offering. We create:

    • Fully original wallcovering designs

    • Custom murals tailored to your space

    • Branded and site-specific surfaces

    • Scalable pattern systems for commercial environments

    Each design is developed to align with your brand, space, and experience goals.

  • Can you customize existing designs?
    Absolutely. We offer customization on existing prints, including:

    • Custom colorways that complement your interior palette or brand standards

    • Color matching based on established paint or brand-color references

    • Scale adjustments based on your wall dimensions

    • Pattern or composition modifications that respond to the layout and architecture

    This allows clients to retain a design they love while making it uniquely theirs.

    DESIGN SERVICES

    Do you offer full-service design or just products?
    Both. Clients can purchase individual products or engage Complex Flavors for broader design support. Depending on the project scope, services may include:Concept development and storytelling

    • Creative direction and visual mockups

    • Interior and surface design

    • Material and finish specification

    • Custom, production-ready artwork

    • Furniture, lighting and décor selection

    • Production and installation coordination

    Our level of involvement is defined in each proposal and may range from a single custom surface to a complete interior environment.

  • Who do you typically work with?

    • Business owners and brands

    • Interior designers and architects

    • Developers and commercial property owners

    • Hospitality, workplace and retail teams

    • Procurement and facilities professionals

    • Homeowners and residential clients

      We also collaborate with qualified design professionals through our Trade Program.

    PROCESS

    What does your design process look like?

    1. Discovery + consultation

    2. Concept + visual direction

    3. Design development + mockups

    4. Material selection + specification

    5. Production + installation coordination

    We guide projects from idea through execution.

    How long does a project take?
    Most custom projects range from 2–6+ weeks for design and production, depending on scope and approvals.

    WALLPAPER TYPES + MATERIAL GUIDE

    What types of wallpaper do you offer and when should each be used?

    • Type II Commercial Vinyl
      Best for high-traffic environments such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail. Durable, washable, and code-compliant.

    • Peel-and-Stick (Removable)
      Best for residential, renters, or temporary applications. Requires smooth, properly primed walls.

    • Non-Woven / Traditional Wallpaper
      Ideal for residential and light commercial use. Offers a refined finish and easier removal.

    • Textured / Specialty Finishes
      Used for feature walls and elevated environments where depth and tactility enhance the experience.

    We always recommend materials based on how the space will be used—not just how it looks.

    MEASURING + ORDERING

    How much wallpaper should I order?
    We assist with calculations, but best practices include:

    • Accounting for pattern repeat and layout

    • Including waste for trimming and alignment

    • Factoring in doors, windows, and architectural features

    We recommend:

    • 10–15% extra for residential projects

    • 1–2 extra rolls for commercial projects for future repairs

    Is there a minimum order?
    Yes. Wallpaper orders typically require a 3-roll minimum.

    WALL PREPARATION + INSTALLATION

    What should I know before installation?
    Proper wall preparation is essential to the appearance, adhesion and longevity of your wallcovering.

    • Walls should be clean, dry, smooth and properly primed.

    • Dust, grease, residue, loose paint and debris must be removed.

    • Holes, cracks and uneven areas should be repaired before installation.

    • Textured walls may require sanding, skim coating or professional preparation.

    • Fresh paint should cure for at least 2–4 weeks, following the paint manufacturer’s recommendations.

    • Wall moisture, leaks or underlying damage should be resolved before wallpaper is installed.

    Do you recommend professional installation?

    Yes, especially for:

    • Commercial and high-traffic environments

    • Murals and large-scale wall applications

    • Pattern-matched designs

    • Ceilings, stairwells and complex architectural areas

    • Type II vinyl, metallic, natural and specialty materials

    Professional installation helps ensure accurate measurements, proper wall preparation, pattern alignment and a polished finish.

    How are seams handled?

    Seam treatment depends on the wallcovering material and installation instructions. Traditional and commercial materials may use butt seams, overlapping seams or professional double-cutting techniques. Careful layout helps align the pattern and place seams as discreetly as possible, although seams may remain naturally visible with some materials.

    What should I know about installing peel-and-stick wallpaper?

    Peel-and-stick wallpaper requires a smooth, clean and compatible surface to adhere properly.

    • Do not install it over textured, damaged, dusty or uneven walls.

    • Avoid glossy or glass-like painted finishes unless the surface has been properly prepared and tested for compatibility.

    • Allow newly painted walls to cure for at least 4 weeks before installation.

    • Clean the wall thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

    • Test a sample in an inconspicuous area before installing the full wall.

    • Install panels slowly from top to bottom, smoothing outward to reduce bubbles and creases.

    • Avoid overstretching the material, as it may shrink back and create gaps.

    • Do not reposition panels repeatedly because this may weaken the adhesive.

    • Keep peel-and-stick wallpaper away from excessive moisture, humidity, direct sunlight and heat.

How should peel-and-stick panels overlap?

  • Follow the installation guide provided with your specific wallpaper. Some peel-and-stick panels include a designated overlap to help align the pattern and prevent gaps if the material contracts slightly.

  • Complex Flavors peel-and-stick panels are installed with a ⅛-inch overlap to support pattern alignment and help prevent gaps between panels. Maintain the overlap consistently from top to bottom. Do not trim it away or create a butt seam unless your project-specific installation instructions state otherwise.

  • Do not trim away an overlap or create a butt seam unless the product instructions specifically direct you to do so. Align the pattern first, maintain a consistent overlap from top to bottom and avoid layering more material than instructed.

  • Is installation included?

    Installation is separate unless it is explicitly included in your proposal. We can provide installation guidance or coordinate with a professional installer according to the project scope.

COMMERCIAL STANDARDS + PERFORMANCE

Do your materials meet commercial requirements?
Yes. Our commercial wallcoverings can meet:

  • Type II durability standards

  • Fire rating requirements (ASTM E84 / Class A where applicable)

  • Washability and stain resistance

  • Code compliance for public environments

We collaborate with architects and designers to align with project specifications.

Do your materials meet commercial requirements?

Yes. Type II vinyl is available for commercial projects requiring greater durability and cleanability.

DURABILITY + MAINTENANCE

How long does wallpaper last?

Wallpaper longevity depends on the material, wall preparation, installation quality, environment and maintenance.

  • Commercial-grade wallcoverings: May last 10–15 years or longer.

  • Traditional residential wallpaper: May last approximately 5–10 years or longer.

  • Peel-and-stick wallpaper: May last 2–3 years or longer when properly installed and maintained.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper performs best on smooth, clean and properly prepared walls. Avoid installing it in areas with high moisture, excessive humidity or prolonged direct sunlight. Moisture can weaken the adhesive and cause lifting or curling, while sunlight and heat may fade the design or affect adhesion over time.Commercial-grade materials: 10–15+ years


How should I clean wallpaper?

  • Many vinyl and commercial-grade wallcoverings can be gently wiped with a soft cloth, mild soap and water.

  • Peel-and-stick wallpaper should be lightly spot-cleaned without saturating the material or edges.

  • Traditional, natural, metallic and specialty wallcoverings may require dry or limited cleaning.

  • Avoid abrasive tools, harsh chemicals and excessive moisture unless approved for the specific material.

Always follow the care instructions provided with your wallcovering and test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first.

REPAIRS + REPLACEMENTS

What if my wallpaper gets damaged?

  • Depending on the material, pattern and extent of the damage, an installer may be able to replace an individual panel or section without redoing the entire wall.

    We recommend ordering and safely storing extra material from the original production run for future repairs. Reprints may be available, but slight color variations can occur between production runs, and availability depends on the design and material. Contact us with photographs, measurements and your original order information so we can recommend the best solution.

ACOUSTIC + WELLNESS DESIGN

Do your designs support wellness or acoustics?
Yes. We consider how sound, color, pattern, texture, light and material may influence how people experience a space. Depending on the project, our approach may include:

  • Neuroarchitecture-informed design principles

  • Acoustic wall treatments that help absorb reflected sound and reduce echo

  • Colors, patterns and materials selected to support comfort, focus and a greater sense of calm

  • Natural and textural surfaces that add warmth and sensory depth

Our goal is to create environments that are visually expressive, function thoughtfully and support a more comfortable human experience.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

What are common wallpaper mistakes?

  • Installing wallpaper on unprepared, damaged or heavily textured walls

  • Measuring without accounting for pattern repeat, trimming and waste

  • Choosing a material based only on appearance instead of durability and intended use

  • Ordering too little material or failing to retain extra for future repairs

  • Skipping a physical sample or strike-off before approving color

  • Installing over fresh paint before it has fully cured

  • Attempting complex murals, ceilings or pattern-matched installations without a professional

  • Overlooking how natural and artificial lighting may affect color and texture

Proper preparation, accurate measurements and the right material are essential to achieving a polished, lasting result.

SHIPPING + PRODUCTION

How long does production take?
Typically 2–3 weeks, depending on material and customization.

Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We operate as a national e-commerce and design studio.

COLLAB + TRADE

Do you offer a Trade Program?

Yes. Our Trade Program is available to qualified interior designers, architects, developers, contractors, home stagers and other design professionals. Members may receive preferred product pricing, dedicated sourcing support, curated sample access and project benefits. An application and professional credentials are required for consideration.

Apply to the Trade Program

Do you collaborate with brands or developers?
Yes. We partner with brands, developers, architects, interior designers and project teams on commercial interiors, custom wallcoverings, murals and specialty surface solutions. We welcome collaborations aligned with our focus on art, culture, storytelling, wellness and thoughtful design.

Email us directly

GETTING STARTED

How do I start a project?

Choose the inquiry form that best matches your project:

After reviewing your submission, we’ll contact you to schedule a complimentary virtual discovery call and recommend the appropriate next step. Projects requiring an in-person assessment begin with a nonrefundable $250 site consultation.