Meet Charles Grippo | Master Wallcovering Installer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Grippo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly? It started with a bit of frustration and a whole lot of love for wallpaper. I’d been in the industry for many years, and I kept seeing the same thing: rushed jobs, unhappy clients, and a real lack of appreciation for the artistry involved. It felt like a craft was being lost.

So, I thought, ‘There has to be a better way.’ I wanted to recreate a business where quality and client experience were just as important as getting the job done. I wanted to bring back that old-world craftsmanship, that meticulous attention to detail, and that genuine connection with the client.

The Wallpaper Lab is my way of doing that. It’s about proving that you can be both a successful entrepreneur and a passionate artisan. It’s about creating something beautiful and lasting, while also making the whole process enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s about bringing back the art in wallcovering installations, one wall at a time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
While I’m definitely an artisan at heart, The Wallpaper Lab is best described as a Business / Practice / Firm. I intentionally built it to be the reliable and professional partner that designers and architects need.

I believe wallpaper installation, when done right, is an art form. But artistry alone isn’t enough. Designers need a partner they can trust to bring their visions to life seamlessly. That’s why I focused on creating a business that elevates the entire design process.

What sets us apart is our dedication to transforming the installation experience. We make it seamless and enjoyable, leaving clients delighted and designers looking great.

I’m incredibly proud of the strong relationships I’ve built with designers. Their trust has been key to my success.

Building this business wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge was showing people that wallpaper installation is a specialized craft. I overcame this by consistently exceeding expectations and demonstrating a passion for the art of wallcovering.

The most valuable lesson? Listen. Truly understanding the designer’s vision is paramount.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that The Wallpaper Lab is a dedicated partner for designers, committed to exceptional craftsmanship and a touch of artistry that elevates every project.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I picked these spots because they capture the true flavor and energy of Fort Lauderdale—fresh, fun, a little indulgent, and full of local character. Each restaurant was chosen not just for the food, but for the experience it brings to the table—whether it’s a waterfront view, a unique vibe, or just a fantastic meal.

Day 1 – Welcome to Paradise
Kick off with brunch at Coconuts on the waterfront—think tropical cocktails, “Scoobies,” and unbeatable dock views. Afterward, take a walk down Las Olas, browse the shops, and maybe hit the sand for some beach time. That night, elevate the vibe at The Katherine with creative American plates and cocktails in a sleek but relaxed space. End the night with a stroll along Riverwalk.

Day 2 – Ocean Views & Coastal Vibes
Start with bagels and lox at Goldberg’s Bagels, then hit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for some tropical history. In the evening, make your way to Takato, right on the beach—Japanese-Korean fusion, upscale but chill, perfect at sunset. After dinner, grab a nightcap at a rooftop bar like Sparrow or Rooftop @1WLO.

Day 3 – Art, Brews & Bites
Coffee in hand, head to the MASS District or FATVillage for local art and murals. Break for lunch at Invasive Species Brewery, grab a flight of their weirdest brews and enjoy the funky, artsy crowd. Dinner at Heritage—buzzing energy, big Italian flavors, and chef vibes that hit hard. If you’ve got energy left, walk over to The Grill at The Grove for waterfront music and drinks.

Day 4 – Waterfront Luxury & Vino
Have a relaxing morning, then lunch at Kaluz—gorgeous Intracoastal views, solid American fare, and a refined feel. Spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. That night, go big with dinner at Capitol Grill Winery, wine tastings followed by an elegant meal. Finish off with dessert at Sloan’s Ice Cream on Las Olas.

Day 5 – Beach Day & Brazilian Feast
Start at the beach with chairs and umbrellas. Quick bite at Times Square Pizza for classic slices between swims. After a lazy day soaking up the sun, head to Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse for the full rodízio experience—endless carved meats, caipirinhas, and a lively group energy.

Day 6 – Shopping & Sophistication
Do some morning shopping at Galleria Mall or explore Wilton Manors. Lunch at Osteria Acqua e Farina, where you’ll get that authentic neighborhood Italian feel—simple, soulful, satisfying. Save room for a stunning dinner at Maass inside the Four Seasons—this is the showstopper: foie gras macarons, truffle popcorn, and a chef-driven tasting menu that wows.

Day 7 – Culture, Community, and One Last Toast
Begin with a hearty brunch at Greek Islands Taverna—homestyle Greek with a big, welcoming vibe. Visit the NSU Art Museum or hop on a Jungle Queen Riverboat tour to wrap up sightseeing. Final dinner at Sixty Vines, where the energy is fun, the food is fresh and shareable, and the wines are flowing—perfect for a celebratory last night toast with friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is an easy one! My shoutout goes to the incredible interior designers and architects I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. They are the true visionaries, the ones who transform spaces and create beauty.

Honestly, The Wallpaper Lab wouldn’t be where it is today without their trust and collaboration. They bring me in on their projects, entrusting me with their designs and their clients’ satisfaction. They challenge me to push my skills and creativity, and they inspire me to constantly improve.

I’ve learned so much from them, not just about design trends and techniques, but also about the importance of communication, collaboration, and building strong relationships. They’ve shown me that the best projects are the ones where everyone is working together towards a common goal: creating a truly exceptional space.

So, thank you to all the designers and architects who have supported The Wallpaper Lab. You are the reason I love what I do, and I’m incredibly grateful for your partnership.

Website: https://www.thewallpaperlab.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewallpaperlab/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wallpaper-lab/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewallpaperlab/