Scenic Paper in the Bedroom

I've always loved hand-painted scenic wallpaper, but I never thought of using it in the bedroom until I saw this bedroom above, designed by David Netto. How clever, really, to use a paper that traditionally has been used in entryways, dining rooms, and the like. While it may seem incongruous, the use of this paper works in this room, especially when juxtaposed against the modern chrome bed.

It seems that bedroom walls adorned with scenic wallpaper are not all that common- I just can't seem to find too many images of them. One reason could be expense- if you're spending a pretty penny on this hand-painted wallpaper, wouldn't you like to show it off, so to speak, to your guests? (You could bring the party into your bedroom to enjoy your Zuber, but this might be rather awkward.) Also, the painted scenes could be deemed a little busy for a bedroom. This is, after all, the room in which we relax and recharge our batteries, and this could prove difficult with scenes of battles, expeditions, and mercantilism surrounding us.

An easier sell might be the use of a scenic print with softer colors like blues, whites, and silvers. Just look how designer Marcel Rochas used it in his bedroom. Now this is a bedroom I could live in. It's a vision of icy elegance. I think you could also achieve this look with the Zuber print in the Michelle Nussbaumer image below. How gorgeous would that be in a bedroom?

So, what are your thoughts about scenic prints in the bedroom?


Marchel Rochas' bedroom, c. 1954.


A vignette by Dallas designer Michelle Nussbaumer with panels of Zuber paper. (Image courtesy of Veranda, Dec. 06)

Penchant for Prints- Vol. 1

Here are my top five print picks for this week:


"Bokhara" fabric in red and cream, by John Stefanidis


"Kipling" by Nobilis


"Lambeth Saracen" wallpaper by Hamilton Weston


"Windfall" fabric by Borderline


"Lindenzweig" wallpaper in Toffee, by Studio Printworks

Fun with Books

Last week we had a lively discussion on how best to display books in one's library, books by the yard, display of figurines on bookshelves, etc. I think we came to the conclusion (or at least I did) that we agree to disagree.

Despite the fact that many libraries tend to be serious rooms, there's no reason why one can't add a little humor to them. To me, well-loved and well-worn libraries are already full of life, but what's the harm in having a little fun in them too?

The image above is of a library designed by Colefax & Fowler. Some of the bookcases in the room are real, functional bookcases with chicken wire mesh doors. But look closely at the section above- it's actually a trompe l'oeil painted panel that hides a jib door. The painting of the faux books and mementos is covered in chicken wire to make it look like the real bookcases. What clever subterfuge! Here is a blurry detail shot below.



Another clever trick is to be found in the library at Chatsworth. Instead of using trompe l'oeil painting to hide a door, the late Duke of Devonshire chose to inset faux books into a door. These "books" have all types of witty titles: "Consenting Adults" by Able N. Willing; "The Endless Road" by Wanda Farr; and "Venus Observed" by Sawyer.



Or, you can just paper a wall in books like Nina Campbell did using Brunschwig & Fils "Bibliotheque" paper. One of my all-time favorite prints, this paper would look great in a small room or hallway leading to the library or on blank walls in the library.

Architecture on Paper

A classic motif for wallpaper is that of architecture, buildings, and architectural elements. Some are quite exotic, like "La Foire du Caire" (below), while others seem influenced by folk art (namely the Diamond Baratta print for Lee Jofa-actually a fabric rather than a paper but you get the idea). And some are so architecturally authentic, like the wonderful Adelphi ceiling paper below, that they blur the lines between reality and fiction.


"Oriental Toile" by Thibaut

"La Foire du Caire" by Lee Jofa


"Long Meadow Weave" in Leaf; Diamond Baratta Design for Lee Jofa


"Belvedere" by Tyler Hall


French Coffered Paper from Adelphi Paper Hangings.

Image above: Pillar and arch wallpaper panel fragment, from Old Manor House, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, England, c. 1769 (collection of Victoria and Albert Museum)

Gray and White Matter

I've got gray and white on the brain. It's everywhere lately! And what is more classic than this color combination? It can be crisp and tailored, cool and glamorous, or moody and mysterious. Think Dior's Paris salon, Mary McDonald's former bedroom, Charlotte Moss' Pagoda logo for The Townhouse, or a glam set from a 1930s movie. It's a fail-safe mix of color (or might that be non-color?) that is always chic.

(For information on Dior's glorious rue Royale apartment, see the article from the October issue of Elle Decor)


"Fioretti" wallpaper from Cole and Son- a perfect combination of gray, white, and a bit of black


Mary McDonald's bedroom (a perennial favorite) that was inspired by Dior's salon.


Gray and white vintage cabinet available at Coleen and Company


"Portobello", a grisaille handpainted wallcovering from Paul Montgomery Studio


"French Paisley" fabric in gray and white, from the Suzanne Rheinstein collection for Lee Jofa


20th c. Duchesse Brisée available at William Ockham

Image at top: This gallery in Château de Tanlay has walls painted with grisaille trompe l'oeil images. (Photo courtesy of World of Interiors)

A Truly Fascinating Find

For those who have not yet read the November issue of World of Interiors, I have to share a most interesting story that appears in the magazine.

A Dutchwoman who recently purchased an apartment in Paris called the magazine to alert them to an unusual find in her new home. The walls of the sitting room were painted with beautiful panoramic scenes similar in style to those of Zuber. What is amazing, though, is that the walls were painted by the former homeowner, a designer by the name of "J. d'Ars". In fact, he signed his creation with "J. d'Ars, décorateur, 1955".

Now here's the really interesting part. After some sleuthing, the new homeowner was able to piece together the story of J. d'Ars. As a young man, d'Ars had been a waiter at a Russian restaurant in Paris. One evening he was serving a young American couple who was celebrating their honeymoon. The waiter and the groom fell in love that night! The American man eventually set d'Ars up in an apartment and in an interior design business. And every year for about fifty years, the American man, unbeknownst to his wife, would come to Paris to spend a few weeks with his love. They especially enjoyed visiting France's glorious châteaux, which in turned inspired d'Ars to paint the walls with scenes of these châteaux.

Now, if I had been the lucky new homeowner, I would have kept the walls intact. How can you alter something with such beauty (not to mention such history)? Unfortunately, the Dutchwoman did not agree and she removed the paintings (d'Ars had painted the scenes on paper backed with card). She has preserved these paintings and plans on using them in her own château, which I suppose may be a very appropriate place for these marvelous paintings.






Even the ceiling was painted!

(All images courtesy of World of Interiors; photographed by René Stoeltie)

Cecil Beaton Fabric

I've always admired Cecil Beaton. This creative force was a photographer, a diarist, a costume designer, and a set designer (have I left anything out???). He was also known for his amusing line drawings, some of which appeared in his books.

So, I was quite thrilled when a reader informed me about the Cecil Beaton Fabric Collection. According to the website, the prints, drawn by Beaton in 1948, were commissioned by Zika Ascher for his couture fabric line. Many of the prints are produced in linen, cotton, and silk fabrics as well as wallpaper (the prints also come in various colorways).

I'm crazy about "Ashcombe Stripe". This is not your everyday striped fabric, especially as you can see the drawn lines in the stripes. And what about "Beaton Rose"? If the color shown below is too graphic for you, then you must look at the Mink colorway on the website- it's very creamy and subtle. I'm also drawn to the "Beaton Pansy" (below). To me, it's a little reminiscent of a Porthault print. What do you think?


"Beaton Rose" and "Ashcombe Stripe"


"Beaton Rose" "Ashcombe Stripe" and "Pelham Check"


"Beaton Pansy"


"Beaton Bloom" "Ashcombe Stripe" "Pelham Check"



"Beaton Tic Tac Toe"



Image at top: Cecil Beaton at Reddish House

The Classics II

A continuation of my series on classic design. See The Classics I for further reading.

The Saladino Lamp


Designed by John Saladino, this lamp is so simple and so perfect. And the fact that it has been in production for over 30 years just goes to show that many times it's the simple things, and the simple designs, that have staying power.


Le Creuset Dutch Oven


Not only is this Dutch (or French) oven stylish, it is the perfect vessel for beef bourguignonne and winter stews. And what's more timeless than the orange Flame color?


The Parsons Table


Legend has it that the Parsons table was conceived by students at the Parsons School of Design in Paris and their lecturer Jean-Michel Frank. Again, another simple design. This Parsons side table, available at Apsara Interior, was from the estate of saloon singer Bobby Short.


"Bowood" print


Discovered by John Fowler at Bowood House in the 1950s, this charming chintz is one of Colefax & Fowler's most popular and enduring prints.


"Blue Canton" China


This Mottahedeh pattern, inspired by blue and white Chinese Canton ware, is so versatile. The bonus? You can wash it in the dishwasher!

"Chou Chou" print


This classic Sister Parish design is available in both wallpaper and fabric. A tasteful way of injecting some pizzazz into a room.


"The House in Good Taste"

The Elsie de Wolfe book that has inspired generations of designers (and ghost written by Ruby Ross Wood).

Porcelain Prints

Novelty prints- those prints whose themes are so unique that they can't be categorized- often get a bad rap, and sometimes rightly so. Many times the prints are cutesy, childish, strange, or just plain bad. One type of novelty print that does at times catch my eye is that which depicts porcelain. Perhaps it's my love of porcelain that draws me to these prints, but porcelain prints can be quite lovely.

Take Manuel Canovas's "Ming" linen (above)- to me, this print is quite sophisticated. Or "Precious Cargo" by Scalamandre- this wallpaper could work quite well in the right (traditional) home. A drawback to these prints? Be careful- porcelain prints can veer into twee territory quite quickly.


A powder room designed by Elaine Griffin. The plate print fabric on the walls is by Stroheim.


"Precious Cargo" wallpaper by Scalamandre


"Francie & Grover" fabric by Carleton Varney. I know many of you are thinking "Is she for real?". Yes, this is a little too cute and corny, but someone with a great sense of humor (and a love of Staffordshire dogs) could definitely pull this one off.


"Sheffield" wallpaper by Thibaut. To me, this is a versatile and fresh print.


The entrance hall at Haseley Court, Oxfordshire- the home of Nancy Lancaster. Notice the chair with the blue and white porcelain fabric, as well as real blue and white porcelain displayed through out.


This glazed chintz which depicts porcelain, tables, and umbrellas is modern, graphic, and crisp. And to think that David Hicks designed this room!

Image at top: Manuel Canovas's "Ming" linen on the walls of the Creel apartment (photo from Elle Decor, photographed by Simon Upton)

Design Weakness- Prints

As I've mentioned before (perhaps to ad nauseam), my weakness is for prints. Sometimes I think that I've never met a print that I didn't like, although in actuality there are a lot of ugly prints out there too and I definitely don't like those! My problem is that there is never enough room in which to use all of these printed wallpapers and fabrics that I like. Yes, you can mix and match prints but you have to have a trained eye, and to be honest, I'm not quite there yet. So, in the meantime, I just collect photos of these prints and hope that one day I will be able to use them somewhere.

Here are a few of my current favorites. What are yours???


Mauny "Draperie Marie Louise" wallpaper. I love this trompe l'oeil design.


"Castiglione" fabric from the Madeleine Castaing Collection


"Oasis" fabric by Scalamandre


"O'Marra" fabric by Scalamandre. I think I'm drawn to the color combination here.


Zuber wallpaper, no. 30023- another glorious trompe l'oeil print. Notice a theme here?!

Image at top: A home designed by Diamond Baratta. Very disparate prints used in this room, but the color scheme ties them all together and creates some harmony.