I was giving my website a spring clean when a burst of colors and patterns jumped out at me,a fantastic commission for Madame Figaro Magazine that I’d almost forgotten. It was one of those rare, « free and easy » briefs: we were asked to curate a selection of fabrics and wallpapers that worked harmoniously together. The best part? It was published as three double-page spreads, which always provides such a powerful visual impact.
Since « Swinging London » is the undisputed heart of wallpaper design, I reached out to the incredibly talented UK-based stylist Louise Grey for her expertise.
While Matthew Williamson had just released a new range for Osborne & Little, Louise suggested incorporating pieces from other brilliant UK designers to add depth and texture to the images, because, let’s be honest, wallpaper can sometimes feel a bit flat on its own.
The lineup included an impressive list of names: Nigel Coates, Bethan Gray, Max Lamb, Lee Broom, Katie Walker, Tom Dixon, H Furniture, Rachel Whiteread, Naomi Paul, and Barber & Osgerby.
Due to the logistics of teleworking and the challenges of transporting furniture across borders, we ended up shooting the entire project at my home in Brittany, which often doubles as my studio. The double-height ceilings were a lifesaver, allowing us to hang long lengths of paper. We spent a fun couple of days building custom frames and backboards to showcase the products. With a mix of beautiful natural light and subtle artificial touches, I’m really happy with how these turned out.
Wall paper is bold statement, but the most difficult step is making a choice.
