6. PATTERN: BOTANIC MIX
The Bloomsbury Group were a community of artists living in London’s Bloomsbury district who rebelled against the staid aesthetic conventions of Edwardian England with daring literature and nature-inspired art. Colourful floral and botanical prints are common motifs in Bloomsbury-style fabrics and wallpapers, and this year they’re all the rage as homeowners seek to connect with nature through their furnishings.
The Bird Sonnet wallpaper from 1838 Wallcoverings and curtain and upholstery fabrics from Travers are great ways to bring the magic of the natural world indoors. “Pandemic restrictions have made us more appreciative of the beauty of Mother Nature and Bloomsburyinspired patterns provide a much-needed dose of escapism from excessive time spent indoors,” says Victoria Cheung, sales and marketing manager for Altfield Interiors.
Winnie HeimgartnerWong, managing director of Cetec, agrees. “People understand the benefits that nature-inspired elements can bring us: a soothing and homey atmosphere,” she says.
She advises that the patterned wallpaper you choose should match the overall theme of your home, and to use fabrics in complementary tones.
In terms of pattern placement, Cheung suggests using these vibrant wallcoverings to create a striking feature wall in an entrance foyer, bedroom, or a snug reading nook. She also suggests framing a separate piece of the wallpaper and hanging it as an artwork. “A little goes a long way. Your eye will be drawn to a focused area; think of feature wallpaper as that final cherry on the cake,” she says.