This week I wanted to blog about some of the wonderful wallpapers and fabrics available at the moment that feature scenery designs. Often we tend to jump head first into our plains, stripes and floral patterned fabrics but always seem a little hesitant to delve into the world of scenery fabrics or wallpapers. Perhaps it’s because the art historian in me is a sucker for a good renaissance tapestry, but I always liked a well thought out scenery design, so I’ve picked out some lovely scenic designs that are floating around at the moment that are sure to satisfy a variety of tastes and styles. So sit back and enjoy the view.
‘Arden’ from Zoffany
This Arden fabric, from a collection of the same name is the design that first inspired me to write a blog on scenery fabrics and wallpapers. The design was copied from a mid-15th century pattern found in a home in Halifax in 1901. A tapestry has been turned into a workable, beautiful design that can easily be used in the 21st century. The old red colour is full of heritage style and the animal and woodland design brings a mythical intrigue to an upholstery fabric.
Another from Zoffany from the same collection is this Verdure wallpaper design. The collection was created by artist Melissa White and each design mixes a historic past with a contemporary present, making each pattern highly versatile and ideal for a modern home. The Verdure design is based on a late 17th century painted cloth.
‘Verdure’ from Zoffany
If heritage style mixed with a hint of flamboyance is a little OTT for your taste, there are plenty of scenery designs out there that will complement an elegant and mellow interior. Barbary Toile from Nina Campbell has all of the usual lovely attributes that can be associated with her designs, but with a little twist. The pattern takes inspiration from her Great Uncle’s worldly travels, and here the design depicts the monkeys on the Rock of Gibraltar. This fabric is the perfect example of an alternative to floral patterns whilst keeping the same sophisticated feeling but with a little more cheekiness to it!
‘Barbary Toile’ from Nina Campbell
‘Trianon’ from Manuel Canovas
Another lovely, elegant scenery style pattern, this time from Manuel Canovas. Here the scenes depicts people playing in natural surroundings, I love the juxtaposition of the delicate imagery and the zingy red used, giving a little flavour to the pattern.
If a little flavour just won’t cut it and you’re looking for a big helping of pizazz, Cole and Son’s ‘Miami’ design is something you should take a look at, especially if you love an urban motif.
‘Miami’ from Cole and Son
As the name suggests, the design takes its influence from the architecture of South Beach, Miami. The design is filled with all the vibrancy and exuberance that comes with the Miami territory. From the monochrome tiles to the vegetation, it’s head-to-toe full of fun.
For an urban depiction that takes more of a traditional, rustic route the gondolier pattern from Zoffany is rather beautiful and full of character, showing off all the best aspects of Venice, the buildings, bridges and canals have all been included to create a wonderfully romantic image.
‘The Gondolier’ from Zoffany
Take a trip down history lane with this sweet and interesting design from Linwood of a collection of postcards that tell the narratives of The Grand Tour, which was a popular tradition during the 16th century where the upper-class would travel across European and discover all the wonders of the continent. The wallpaper design is rather unusual, and not something you’re likely to see every day, so put it in your house and dream about your next holiday.
‘The Grand Tour’ from Linwood
For a scene that shows off the classic Englishman in the classic English setting, Lewis and Wood have created a fly fishing design based on etchings by renowned engraver George Morland from 1823. The whole pattern has a quirky flair to it, showing off the idyllic countryside with just a hint of twee.
‘Fly Fishing’ from Lewis and Wood
Lastly another from Lewis and Wood that is my absolute favourite design of theirs right now, this ‘Wild Thing’ in velvet is just stunning. The beautiful array of wildlife and flowers creates a wonderful design that would look superb in any home. The pattern was uncovered during a designers travels to Italy and has a lovely, exotic sense to it as well as similarity to the illustrations of Quentin Blake.
‘Wild Thing’ from Lewis and Wood
Even if you thought that scenery designs on fabrics and wallpapers weren’t really your cup of tea, there are so many around that take the form of all kinds of styles you are sure to find something perfect for you.
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