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Framing Antique Wallpaper Samples

Katy Elliott — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Reproduction wallpaper samples by John Derain for One Kings Lane.

Spotted on One Kings Lane framed reproduction wallpaper samples from John Derian. Derian purchased a collection of antique antique wallpaper fragments from a Paris flea market. The collection dates from the 1800s through the early 20th century. Care was taken to recreate characteristics of the originals from saturated colors to raw edges. “They’re wallpaper specimens, and that’s how I wanted to present them, floating in the frame,” says Derian.

While renovating my home we’ve discovered beautiful old wallpaper under layers of paint. Below my favorite discovery a pretty floral found in an odd little room that I hope to turn into a library. I’ve tried to remove large pieces of the wallpaper to hopefully frame. I thought it would be a sweet a reminder of the history of the room. We’ve also talked about including objects found in the walls and ceiling to display in shadow boxes. On a side note: Historic New England has created an extensive database of individual samples of historic wallpapers and photographs of wallpaper in situ. View the collection on their website: historicnewengland.com.

Don’t have any old wallpaper to peel off your walls but love this idea? Adelphi Wallpaper Hangings specializes in reproduction historic wallpapers from 1750-1930. The wallpaper is quite expensive but a 12 X 23 inch sample can be purchased for $10. Carnation & Shells is one of my favorites—framed ala Derian it would be quite striking on a gallery wall.

Wallpaper sources that offer original antique wallpaper are tough to find. Second Hand Rose in New York carries rolls from the 1880′s to the 1970′s. 5QM in Germany offers an impressive online gallery showcasing prints from the 50s, 60s,70s. I’ve gathered a few favorites from their site here.

And then their always ebay, Brimfield and French flea markets. If John Derain can come across a collection of antique samples so can’t we, right?

The little room where we found the wallpaper.

Reproduction wallpaper samples by John Derain for One Kings Lane.

A piece of wallpaper found on the walls of my library.

Wallpaper during renovation.

Floral wallpaper found on the wall under layers of paint in library.

Two layers of blue wallpaper found on the walls in the den.

Les Indiennes Wallpaper

Katy Elliott — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:46:38 +0000

I like the idea of using wallpaper in small rooms and hallways. Spotted in the recent issue of Elle Decor Les Indiennes just released a collection of wallpaper—I’m a huge of their textile line! The wallpaper is made to order with a lead time of 2-3 weeks. Each roll is 5 yards long and 27″ wide and goes for $105/roll. Twelve patterns are available in nine standard colors. I checked out the sample pack and was kinda bummed to see most of the designs were really large.

In their textile collection they make a ton of really pretty small prints. Super cute for side chairs, curtains, pillows. Maybe I could cover the walls with fabric rather then using wallpaper? Below an inspiration shot from their new wallpaper collection and Lucie fabric.

Wallpaper: Peter Fasano

Katy Elliott — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:47:26 +0000

I’ve been fretting all morning about what to write today. Everything involved too much effort for a friday. I’ll save the back door color inspiration and how I want to re-frame every exterior window till next week. Yes, I’m crazy….

I came across Peter Fasano’s prints on Stripe & Field’s blog yesterday (big hug to elisabeth who just had a baby!) How did I not know of this gorgeousness? The prints above are hand silk-screened in Fasano’s Great Barrington, MA studio; available as wallpaper or fabric. My mind had been whirling with possibilities. So pretty for a bedroom, bathroom, hallway….

One of my favorite bathrooms has a simple blue wallpaper that reminded me of Fasano’s work.

And what about these prints Lizzie pulled together for my den inspiration? I’m realizing I’m in love with muted ethnic looking prints that still feel traditional and colonial.

From top: Peter Dunham, Muriel Brandolini, Carolina Irving, and John Robshaw.

Happy Weekend!

Rose Tarlow: Textiles & Wallpapers

Katy Elliott — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:04:19 +0000

Last week Jennifer shared with me some great tips for decorating my den. One of my favorite suggestions was upholstering the sofa in Avignon from Rose Tarlow (above upper right-hand corner). I’m in love with the fabric—feminine but not over the top.

When I clicked over to Tarlow’s website I found all kinds of great stripe fabric (above) and beautiful wall coverings (below). How did I not know of this gorgeousness? The fabric is to the trade which is a bummer but many design centers now offer design services. Check the list of showrooms for purchasing information. Above and below just a few of my favorites. I love ‘Bloomsbury‘ in Merlot (above lower right-hand corner). How beautiful would those flowers be as drapes?

Chelsea Papers From Farrow & Ball

Katy Elliott — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:11:00 +0000

Farrow & Ball’s wallpaper has an amazing tactile quality that is achieved by block printing the designs in traditional techniques. A flat computer generated image just doesn’t do them justice. Order a few samples through their website and you’ll see what I mean. I’ve had my eye on a few prints for my bathroom and entryway if I ever get my renovation done.

Farrow & Ball just launched their newest collection, Chelsea Papers. The prints are inspired by original 19th century, pure silk woven jacquards. The papers are available in a number of different colorways. I’m attracted to pinks, greens, blues, and neutral tones. Above and below the papers featured in the new collection Peony, Wisteria (love!), and Petal Stripe. Find out more at farrow-ball.com.

Subway Tiles @ Soho Grand Hotel

Katy Elliott — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:52:40 +0000

I notice the funniest things since I started renovating a house. In our bathroom at the Soho Grand Hotel I was fascinated by the subway tile design. If you look closely the second tile from the top is not a standard rectangle. It’s square, interesting. I couldn’t find a reason why they did this other then to break up the line.

The hotel bathroom was simple but classic. A pretty pedestal sink with a gooseneck faucet and a stone hex floor. The floor tiles were cream, taupey brown/gray, and gray grout. Kinda funky and different. Look closely at the floor photo below. It may look out of focus on the edges but actually the floor really looked like this. It would change color as you looked at it in the distance. The sketch wallpaper keeps the space from feeling too traditional and adds a modern twist.

Below the view from our hotel room. How great is New York?

Soho Grand Hotel
310 West Broadway
New York, New York
sohogrand.com

update: The wallpaper featured in the bathroom is by New Yorker cartoonist Saul Steinberg. The paper can be purchased through Schumacher.

Antique Bird Illustrations As Wallpaper

Katy Elliott — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:18:07 +0000

The first time I discovered vintage illustrations used as wallpaper was probably at an Anthropologie store. Above actual vintage illustrations were used to cover a wall via nytimes.com. The illustrations are from ‘Birds of York’ folio. I would assume the illustrations are by Elon Howard Eaton. Below photocopies of vintage bird illustrations decoupaged to the wall via countryliving.com.

Red & White Wallpaper in Old House

Katy Elliott — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:28:24 +0000

I’m so happy to share my friend Heidi’s lovely living room wallpaper. Heidi lives just down the street from me in an old house too. Her house is adorable filled with old house nooks and beautiful wallpaper. The wallpaper in her living room is my favorite. A great pattern with a little pop of color.

This afternoon, I came across the source of Heidi’s adorable wallpaper (thanks jennifer condon!) My first thought, I can have her wallpaper too? You can see the print as well as few other very historic new england designs at waterhousewallhangings.com.

Above a photo of her living room perfectly decorated to fit the small space. How gorgeous are her floors? Below the wallpaper in a reverse colorway. Check out waterhousewallhangings.com for purchasing information.

Do you have an old home you would like to share? Send me an e-mail at elliott.katy@gmail.com.

Wallpaper in Bathrooms

Katy Elliott — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:32:25 +0000

Hinson’s Spatter wallpaper in a powder room via house beautiful.

I think a lot about bathrooms. It’s really hard to find realistic bathroom inspiration that fits normal sized budgets and room sizes. Above and below bathrooms featuring wallpaper. I love wallpaper above subway tiles and beadboard. Covering the walls floor to ceiling can be gorgeous in small spaces or powder rooms. Need some wallpaper resources? I have 65 sources and inspiration over here. Enjoy!

A floral pink wallpaper above subway tiles from domino.

“Ranalagh Papers” $195/roll Farrow & Ball from domino.

“La Promenade’ about $75/roll, Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper (800) 824-4204 designed by Rita Konig for domino.

A small medallion print wallpaper above creamy beadboard.

Travers Fabric & Pierre Frey Wallpaper

Katy Elliott — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:18:26 +0000

I was daydreaming about decorating again tonight. I have a long way to go with my renovation before I can actually buy fancy things. I came across a beautiful piece of Travers fabric above on sale for $35/yard. Pretty, classic, and I love the colors. Then, I thought what if I paired it with one of favorite neutral wallpapers; Pierre Frey’s Erevan? Might be too busy and heavy? Or maybe I could make curtains out the Travers floral and use it in the room I was thinking about painting a light green? Night!