William Morris is perhaps the single most important figure in the history of wallpaper. A writer, artist, and political activist, Morris was truly a renaissance man, but his achievements in fabric and wallpaper design stand above the rest. Championing the British arts and crafts movement, Morris merged his interest in patterning with his lifelong fascination with nature. The results are timeless patterns, rich in color, elegant in design.
It’s striking to me how relevant Morris’ work and philosophies are to wallpaper today. His fundamental belief that surface design depends upon intentional lines and silhouettes is undeniably true; Cavern’s “Blackbird” pattern is a great example. And his interest in hand-made art and abstracting the natural world all seem very modern, very “now.” I’ll post more eye-candy from Morris in the upcoming weeks – his patterns are truly exquisite.
Just saw the November 2009 issue of House Beautiful — and Cavern is featured! Love the “Blackbird” pattern in the bathroom. Especially with the mirrors reflecting the graphic image and with the wallpaper continuing onto the ceiling, the room truly becomes unique and memorable. Thanks Thom Filicia for thinking of us in your showcase!
I’m always the first to say that wallpaper can transform a room: your walls are your largest canvas. After seeing this video, though, I think the same holds true for film! Is it just me, or is Hayley Taylor’s music video for “No More Wishing” as much about Cavern’s Blackbird wallpaper as the music itself? Certainly the pattern compliments Taylor’s authentic voice and natural melody. I have never seen Blackbird like this, with all the fade aways, overlays, and close-ups. So cool. Bravo!
My dear friend and upstairs neighbor Jordan Reid just featured Cavern on her new blog, devoted to her life as an “uncommon newlywed.” Check out the video as I show Jordan how to re-do a lampshade using wallpaper scraps — I’m getting good at it!
Wallpapers can serve as a background or foreground design element in a room. If it weren’t obvious already, I am personally most excited about graphic patterns that stretch the limits of traditional wallpaper patterns. But the decision to hang pictures or other items on top of wallpaper is still a relevant one. What can you hang on a wallpapered wall? When should wallpaper stand alone? Inspired by my favorite design book, here is my simple overview.
It’s all about balance. First, think color. If your wallpaper is extremely colorful (more than four colors), then anything you hang should be very very simple: a mirror, a simple photograph. On the other hand, if the wallpaper is simply one or two colors, you have more liberty to hang intricate, colorful objects. Whatever the objects, make sure their colors match not only the wallpaper but the rest of your room.
Next consider size. If the pattern is full of small elements, your hanging objects should be of medium to large size. You should not have too many hanging pieces either. If the wallpaper repeat is large-scale, you have much more freedom to hang smaller objects- and more of them.
Finally, choose your wall composition– where to hang your objects. Each wall and room is different, but overall, you will need fewer objects than you normally would hang. Wallpaper attracts attention on its own; you don’t want to over-do it with hanging objects.
The idea of nailing holes into your beautiful wallpaper is somewhat frightening — but that’s not a good reason to dismiss hanging objects! When successful, the combination of wallpaper and objects can make the most sophisticated, impressive design choice in a room.
Better Homes and Gardens, helping home makers fifty years later.
The pattern is quite busy and there is lots of it. This large scale picture (with only a few colors) works well. Nicely balanced.
With the small pattern repeat, these medium/large sized objects look great. Photo from Domino (RIP!)
