Baroque Brilliance

Farrow & Ball's latest collection of traditional wallpapers proves that traditional can be colorful and exciting. The Baroque Papers is comprised of three designs, each in 21 colorways from the Farrow & Ball palette. The collection embodies the large-scale, dramatic designs reminiscent of the Baroque period. Available this September, The Baroque Papers are made using Farrow & Ball zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints.

Orangerie, "bursting with extravagant detail," according to Farrow & Ball, is an exotic leaf pattern interspersed with floral motifs.












Versailles is a grand damask style pattern featuring floral vines that sweep the design in elegant waves.









Acanthus features a softly curved fluid stripe along the length of the wallpaper.

Rose Cumming Wallcoverings

Rose Cumming defined glamour in the Golden Age with a passion for bold colors and striking designs. Operating out of her famous New York shop, which she ran for 45 years, she was one of the founders of today's interior design industry. The Dessin Fournir Companies have reintroduced Cumming's original designs, as well as creating new woven textiles, printed fabrics and wallpapers in the spirit of the originals, building on the flair and élan for which Rose Cumming was known.

Dessin Fournir recently added all of the wallcoverings to their website, a literal feast for the eyes!

Zebrine in 5 colorways.

Josephine in 5 colorways.

Nairobi in 3 colorways.

Gothenburg in 7 colorways.

Galaxie in 4 colorways.

Loverly...

The art of the hand-printed and hand-painted wallcovering and fabric is "loverly" to behold, and these fabulous, painterly examples are no exception. These are but the tip of the iceberg, as the companies' excel in creating works of truly extraordinary and unique beauty.

Porter Teleo is a line of wallcovering developed by artist Kelly Porter and interior designer Bridgett Cochran, and created by woodblocking, painting and chine-colle, a very special transfer printing process. Shown: Climbing Vine in Chartreuse/Blue hand-printed on Japanese rice paper and the hand-painted Fluidity in Or on Japanese rice paper.Working together for 20 years, Chris Isles and Edward Rollins of Pintura Studio, developed their line of hand-printed and hand-stenciled designs that have a delicate, but luxurious beauty. Shown: Dasara in Off White/Beige/Multi on silk tassar and Lhasa on silk matka in Natural/Sky/Scarlet.In employing screen printing techniques learned while he worked with Andy Warhol, Walter Knabe produces lushly patterned wallcoverings and fabrics in his art and design studio. Shown: Chinese Chop and Byzantine Medallions, both on beige silk.Barbara Beckmann is a textile designer and colorist, and uses unusual and intricate floral patterns, Far-East designs, fanciful sea creatures, exotic butterflies and imaginative organic forms as her inspiration. Shown: Petit Orange Trees on Tobacco silk linen and Spring Bouquet on Antique Ivory linen.

Faux or No?

Faux Bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media. It was very popular during the late 19th century through the 1940's, generally in the form of garden art. No longer is it relegated to the outdoors, but comes in a variety of forms and fashions for your indoor paradise.

The "Beaujon" Loveseat through Mecox Gardens, just what a pair of lovebirds might need to feather their nest.

A garden stool in the truest sense of the word from Treillage, Ltd.

From the more contemporary side of the forest, the Branch Side Table from West Elm.

Assemblage, Ltd. through 1stdibs offers a stunning carved and painted headboard that is oh-so-dreamy.

The fabulously twisted Root Wood Console handmade in France by Thomas Boog for James Duncan and Pieces, Inc.

Nobilis puts the wood on your walls with Papier Bois in 15 fabulous colorways from quiet, earthy neutrals to otherwordly pinks, blues and yellows.

And just for fun, cb2 lets you go a little stir crazy with these fun, faux twigs.

Technically, several of the pieces are not true faux bois, but are carved, painted or root wood. Can you tell which is which?

Romo Mirabel Wall Coverings

Until recently I was under the false assumption that wallpaper was a thing of the past. However, with companies like Romo producing original, eye-opening product I have been forced to admit I was wrong. I think the thing that strikes me most about the Mirabel Collection is the clarity of the image. You can really tell high quality wall coverings when you see them, and this collection radiates high-end design. The attention to detail is amazing and I would jump at the chance to have some of these wall coverings adorn the barren walls of my home. Romo has a way of always coming up with something new and inventive, and this collection certainly does not disapoint.

More Stunning Wallpaper

Never before has the urge to wallpaper something been so strong! I received these images from ATADesigns today and couldn't wait to share them. Founder Annette Taylor-Anderson has created a dazzling collection of wallpapers that can be complemented by matching cushions and lampshades. The Regal Collection, imspired by 18th century creations, includes (from left to right) Regina, Noble, Regina Stripe and Empress. This latest collection, which debuted at the Paris Maision et Objet earlier this year, is a welcome addition to ATADesigns family of wallpaper, cusions, lampshades and even tiles.

It's not your Grandmother's wallpaper!

Lately, it seems that wallpaper is everywhere! New patterns, colorways and treatments are coming out of the woodwork. There is no end to the beauty, versatility and yes, price points that are represented in the marketplace today, with hundreds of choices for the custom product. Designers and clients asked, and the industry responded in spades.

The design trade has a special place in their hearts for de Gournay, their detail, use of color and motif is beyond compare. While specializing in 18th and 19th c. chinoiserie and French designs, they can reinterpret classics for a more modern ambiance.


Gracie Studio also specializes in the luxury of the hand-painted scenic wallcovering. Historic documents, photographs or local landscapes can be used as a source of inspiration for the artists to create the most traditional subjects or contemporary patterns on silk, paper or metallic grounds.

One of the newest kids on the custom block is Fromental, but their creativity and depth of experience speaks volumes. Their embroidered silk collection is unique to the industry. From the more traditional chinoiseries, the collection moves through re-interpretations of 1930's florals, 1950's mod, bold super graphics and the sweetness of children's papers.


Elegance and exuberance meet in the latest creations from Maya Romanoff, with one of the finest examples displayed in the 2009 Kips Bay Showhouse. The company incorporates ancient techniques with modern design and production, and also maintains an environmental sensibility.





With tongue firmly planted in cheek are the clever designs of Dunford Wood, available in the US through Lucy Rose Designs. With an extraordinary color sense and great humor, traditional designs are turned on their head!


For an eco-friendly wall treatment, Given Campbell prints on no VOC, no trim paper, with water soluble, air dry inks. Her patterns and colors are fresh, modern and truly inspired.



Custom capabilities go a step further with Alluminare, giving the designer complete control of the pattern, scale and colors. You choose from dozens of patterns, scale the pattern appropriately for your application, adjust colors and 3 weeks later, your custom paper arrives. This is just plain fun!




Choices today are virtually infinite, allowing designers and their clients complete freedom of expression and the chance to create a unique and personal design statement.