A Few New from 2011 & 2012
Wallpaper has long been used to add richness and personality to rooms, and of course, color. Wallpaper patterns and motifs can augment a period or contemporary room style, or the designs can be used to create unique and eclectic looks. I’ve selected examples from the recent collections of Cole & Son, Schumacher, and Thibaut – three major producers of fine fabrics and wallpapers. All of the patterns shown come in a selection of colorways. The effect of a different color on a pattern can result in a very different look and feel. Also, when selecting a wallpaper pattern, think in terms of the scale of the pattern. Some of the patterns in the collections have matching and/or coordinating fabrics.
Trends in wallpaper designs show a renewed interest in geometric patterns, as well as a continued interest in global and ethnic designs. Included in some collections are the well-loved traditional damask motifs. Exploring these designs is a journey in both time and place. Take a journey with me and enjoy these fabulous new patterns.
Cole & Son
Founded in 1875 in London, England, Cole & Son has released two collections, each with a very different focus: one very traditional; the other very modern with clean-edged geometric designs.
- Damask patterns often (though not always) use a limited color palette within each pattern. This can be one tone on a ground, or two or three tones on a ground. To create the 2012 Albemarle Collection, Cole & Son has drawn from its vast archive of traditional damask prints, prints which the company describes as evoking ”the glamourous and poetic era of the 18th & 19th century.” The company has invigorated the selected designs with new colors and printing techniques for a new and modern feel. They are simply gorgeous.
Coleridge pattern (94/9051).
Chatterton (94/2008) and Wyndham (94/3017).
Byron (94/7041 and Aldwych (94/5029).
- Cole & Son’s autumn 2011 Geometric Collection includes fifteen designs, some small and intricate, some quite large and bold. Here are five energetic choices:
Diamond Stripe (93/11038) is a large scale diamond trellis pattern.
Honeycomb (93/15051) and Labyrinth (93/5015) designs.
Circus pattern shown in bright colors (93/6020) is also available in achromatic colorways.
(Cole & Son wallpapers and fabrics are to the trade and are available in the US through Lee Jofa. Samples can be ordered online, and brochures can be downloaded.)
Schumacher
Founded in New York in 1889 producing fabrics, Schumacher added a collection of hand-printed wallpapers to the company’s line of offerings in 1938.
- Schumacher’s Spring 2012 collection of Byzantium Wallcoverings includes patterns in both vibrant and quieter colors. The collection reflects the continuing interest in global and ethnic patterns and motifs for interiors. The designs have a fresh, contemporary feel.
Nasrid Palace Mosaic design (shone in Aegean) incorporates a traditional Moroccan star pattern. The pattern is bordered with Cadiz Mosaic Border, Serallo Mosaic, and Darro Mosaic Border.
Kasari Ikat is a chevron pattern (shown in Terra Cotta. The Malaga (here in Gold) derives from Moorish fretwork.
The Queen of Spain pattern (Black shown) is actually derived from a mid-twentieth-century fabric pattern by the late designer Michael Taylor. The textural effect is striking.
- In the fall of 2011 Schumacher released two collections. The Jaipur Hand Block Wallcoverings are indeed hand block printed. Here are two patterns from the exquisite collection:
The richly textural Rampura pattern (in Turquoise) incorporates motifs of both paisley and stylized flowers. Askandra (Flower in Pear & Water Blue colorway) repeats an oval shaped motif with open spacing.
- Two from the lovely handcrafted and embossed Modern Glamour Wallcoverings collection:
Brushed Plaid (in Aged Silver) is a raised strie pattern in both directions. Greek Key Sisal (Peacock colorway shown) is a raised pattern on a fine sisal ground.
(Schumacher wallpapers and fabrics are to the trade.)
Thibaut
Thibaut, established in 1886 in New Jersey and New York, develops new collections several times a year. The Geometric Collection and the Richmond Collections have been released in 2012.
- The Geometric Collection has patterns that are clean and graphic. Among the collection are trellis patterns and small prints – even a bold zebra stripe.
Rothbury Trellis in Linen and Katsu in Aqua.
Medina in Metallic on Aqua and Etosha in Green.
- The Richmond Collection brings together inspirations from traditional American and British designs intended to reflect a sense of luxury. Four charming examples:
Helena in Lemon and Sprauer in Champagne.
Sansome in Lime and Summertime in Blue.
- Thibaut’s Winter 2011 eco-friendly Grasscloth Resource 2 collection includes sea grass, sisals, and “chunky paper” weaves in updated interpretations.
West Indies Damask in Metallic Gold on Aqua and Endless Knot in Cream.
Bac Bac in Black and Andros shown Cream on Coral..
- For the fall of 2011 Thibaut released its Jubilee Collection with designs related to adventure and motifs from global cultures. I’ve selected three from this lovely and varied collection:
St. Barts pattern in Cream.
Thai Ikat in Raspberry and Guadeloupe in Gray.
(Thibaut wallpapers and fabrics are to the trade. Also available through select retails locations.)
Walls Dressed in Style
Fresh and exciting, the new wallpaper collections of Cole & Son, Schumachar, and Thibaut provide a vast array of designs and patterns, in a wide selection of colors, to enhance and personalize room interiors.
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