I’m a big fan of using wallpaper in ways beyond traditional wall coverings. Kara Dake entered her apartment in the apartment therapy small spaces competition and used some Cavern wallpaper scraps — blackbird on her cabinets and thatch on her closet door. Her space is busy, but the deign elements all go together because she keeps a consistent color pallet. That is the key to combining patterns. Congrats Kara!
I just learned about Houzz.com, which looks like a pretty extensive resource for anyone renovating their space. Cavern seems to be well represented– I have never seen this ‘blackbird’ installation shot but it looks great! Thanks Suzzy for giving me a heads up about Houzz!
Just got this installation shot from Auckland, New Zealand. (Those blackbirds are really quite international.) I really like how wallpaper functions at the top of a staircase, expanding the space and revealing itself as you walk closer to it. Thanks for the photo Natasha!
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!
