Wallpaper - Des Moines Iowa Skyline Concrete

Created by Michael Tompsett, this architectural design presents the silhouette of the Des Moines skyline set against a textured, concrete-look background. Rich charcoal ink rendering defines the iconic cityscape, bridges, and towers, dissolving at the base into expressive splatters and drips. The juxtaposition of precise architectural outlines with weathered stone textures gives our wallpaper an urban, graphic character. Produced as custom made-to-measure wall murals on PVC-free paper with a subtle physical surface structure, this design brings a confident, artistic atmosphere to contemporary interiors.

In the room

We see this design working particularly well as an accent wall in a living room, study, or home office. Because the skyline spans horizontally across the centre with expansive negative space above, it commands attention without overwhelming the room. In a home office or study, positioning the mural wallpapers behind a desk or low shelving unit allows the detailed silhouette of the skyline and arched bridge to remain completely visible. In a larger living room, giving the wallpaper a wide, uninterrupted wall allows the horizontal expanse of the urban horizon to create a grounded, architectural focal point.

Styling it

The strong monochrome character and distressed stone aesthetic naturally complement modern industrial and minimalist interior styles. We would pair this wallpaper with simple, clean-lined furniture to maintain its architectural focus. Matte black metal frames, dark steel shelving, or exposed metal accents echo the deep charcoal tones of the city skyline. For surrounding furnishings, charcoal upholstery or deep grey elements create a unified, intentional look, while low-profile seating ensures the graphic lower paint splatters remain an integral part of the room's composition.

Colour combinations

The palette in our wallpaper centres around deep charcoal grey, washed slate tones, and a neutral, warm concrete grey background. When choosing colours for adjacent painted walls and woodwork, muted off-whites, pale limestone greys, or soft pebble tones work harmoniously without competing with the motif. If you prefer higher contrast, deep charcoal or near-black paint on surrounding doorframes, skirting boards, or built-in cabinetry will pick out the depth of the silhouette and frame the entire mural beautifully.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are made-to-measure according to your exact wall dimensions. Producing each order individually helps reduce unnecessary excess wallpaper compared to standard fixed-size rolls. Our murals are completely PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle physical surface structure, designed to be straightforward and simple to hang in your home.