New York Watertowers in LA

Just got these installation shots from Social Control, a very cool production company in LA, that installed Tom Slaughter’s ‘NYC Watertowers‘ last week.  I’d say the pattern holds up quite well on the West Coast.  Thanks for the photos Jessica!

Design Heroes: Josef Frank

This past weekend I stopped into Just Scandinavian, a design shop in TriBeCa, and I have been thinking about designer Joseph Frank ever since.  His wallpaper, textile, and furniture designs all exude the simplicity and vibrancy associated with Scandinavian design, but they also have a fanciful quality that is uniquely his own.  I love how it all looks so colorful and bold while still being refined and tasteful.  The shop keeper at Just Scandinavian described Frank as the “Swedish William Morris,” as both designers shared a passion for pattern and nature, and both came to define their respective national aesthetics.  I told her that walking into the store, I felt like I died and went to color heaven.

Check out Just Scandinavian- they have an online shop and sell home goods by Frank and other amazing designers!

Using Wallpaper, Even If You’re Afraid Of Commitment

Every once in a while, I get an e-mail from a customer that really stands out.  This one comes from Jennifer, who (like many people) was wary of installing wallpaper permanently.  She ended up mounting the paper onto foam core to great success:

Dear Cavern,

A bit more than two years ago I bought Blackbird in gold/brown.  I gave half to my mother as a gift and kept the other half for myself.  Frankly, though I own my own home, I just didn’t want to put it on a wall.  It felt like too big of a committment (any wonder why I’m still single?)  What if I redecorated?  What if I wanted the birds on a different wall?  What, heaven forbid, if I moved and had to leave it BEHIND?

Solution:  I dry mounted the wallpaper and framed it, so I can now move it around to my heart’s content.  And, even more importantly, take it with me wherever I go!

It’s stunning!  I currently have my framed wallpaper serving as a room divider.  I stare at my wallpaper and am filled with incredible joy by its beauty.

Thank you!

-Jennifer

Thanks for the kind words, Jennifer!  And congrats on the project!

Wallpaper, wallpaper, everywhere !

I see wallpaper everywhere, and I go back and forth between thinking it’s because my eye is trained to see wallpaper — or it’s because wallpaper actually is popping up everywhere and taking over the world. Commercials, movies and TV, fashion editorial…wallpaper wallpaper wallpaper!  Below, some shots from the May Urban Outfitters catalog sent by Cavern intern-at-large Karli Hendrickson.

Thanks for the images Karli!

New Installation Shot : Migration

Just got this installation shot of Migration in a powder room.

I LOVE wallpaper in bathrooms — for a few reasons:

- You can take more design risks in a bathroom because the stakes are not as high as, say, the living room or the bedroom.

- The small space will enhance the wallpaper effect, allowing the pattern to really pack a punch and define the room.

- It can be a fun surprise when you open a bathroom door and see vibrant color or pattern inside.

- When you have people over, they will end up using the bathroom and complimenting you on your bold, design taste.

- Plus, wallpaper in the bathroom gives everyone something to look at while they’re taking care of business

Thanks for sending the photo Katherine– it looks great!

Wallpaper Projects : Cabinets, Doors

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!

New ‘Blackbird’ Installation Shot

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!

‘Identica’ Installation

Our first installation shot for Miky Fabrega’s ‘Identica’ pattern, part of Cavern’s first artist edition series.  Looks great!

Liberty of London for Target

Fabulous intern-at-large Karli Hendrickson just stopped by Target to see the new Liberty of London for Target line.  Sounds like the collection is as amazing in person as it looks online.

Liberty of London has been around since 1875 and is famous for their high quality floral prints. They have even printed patterns by my wallpaper hero William Morris.  I love how the brand applies their style to such a wide range of objects: anything from lamp shades to bikes to Nike sneakers.  Karli also points out how cool it is that such a high-end luxury brand would work with Target.  Design to the people!

Awesome Parents, Awesome Wallpapers

I was browsing one of my favorite websites, MyParentsWereAwesome.com and noticed some great vintage wallpapers. The website is so charming. I love the wallpaper shots!