History for the Home
Whether you live in a resplendent period house or a contemporary apartment – everyone’s home is their castle. With that in mind, introducing magnificent wallpapers inspired by the most delectable historic homes in the country into your interior scheme is a way of adding a sense of splendour.
Little Greene have teamed up once again with The National Trust to bring you 7 remastered wallpaper designs in 42 colourways. Designs were taken from magnificent homes from across the British Isles and reinvented for today’s interiors.
Uncovered at Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk, the original Beech Nut design was block printed in a subdued grey colourway. Taking the original design and recolouring it in six unashamedly colourful interpretations has given the original design a new lease of life, which will undoubtedly be loved for generations to come. Select from six colourways all carefully surface printed for a handcrafted appearance including the woody, aubergine Córdoba reminiscent of autumn leaves to the more spring-like Florence colourway, which seamlessly pairs with the Tea with Florence paint colour. This bold pattern provides warmth in texture to a narrow transitional space like the hallway or can be used all-over in a living space to create impact.
Wallpaper: Beech Nut - Córdoba.
The turn of the century was an exciting time for design and industry, and following a flurry of industrial initiatives and inventions, the design world looked to nature for its inspiration and especially to delicate, feminine oriental design. Massingberd Blossom (c.1905) features an abundance of trailing blossom and resting birds and was taken from the Grey Room at Gunby Hall, Lincolnshire. Available in 7 colours (Verditer, Deep Blue, Pale Blue, Oriental, Mineral, Yellow and Grey), the use of traditional surface printing produces a painterly, tactile quality in a chalk-like finish. This is a truly versatile design for any room in the home, but particularly charming in reception rooms flooded with natural light, pair with woodwork painted in fresh Shirting 129 or use all over in a cloakroom for a truly joyful look.
Wallpaper: Massingberd Blossom - Mineral
Damask designs are always coveted and this traditional damask has an additional twist. Printed onto graded colour, rather than a flat colour, providing a sumptuous three dimensional quality. ‘Tulip’ was discovered in Erddig, North Wales in amongst an enormous collection of fine wallpapers and it showcases undulating scrolling leaves swirling around tulips that seem to have their own fluid movement. Available in 7 colours (Powder Blue, Aqua, Cloud, Pale Grey, Sugar, Theatre and Blue Black), this damask is an undoubtable statement for contemporary and period homes alike. Use ‘Tulip’ across huge expanses of wall on stairways or landings – or conversely use this design in smaller spaces like living rooms or bedrooms where the detail can be admired at close quarters.
Wallpaper: Tulip - Blue Black
From a distance, sprays of flower motifs create a rhythmical pattern on the stylised design - but step a little closer and you will notice that these blooms have attracted the attention of some mischievous snails. ‘Mischievous’ is also a good description of the designer of Knightshayes Court in Devon, William Burges, from where the Burges Snail design originates (c.1878). Once the designer of some of the most extravagant Victorian interiors, he was known to be eccentric and controversial, and would even go to work dressed in medieval costumes on occasion. Available in 7 colours (Ocean, Dark Blue, Travertine, Lemon, Silver, Juniper and Rosie), combine Burges Snail Juniper with Juniper Ash 115 painted walls in a contemporary bathroom and add in natural wooden elements and the fresh Slaked Lime 105 on window reveals. Alternatively, contrast the pink of the Rosie colourway with modern black furniture pieces and accessories for an elegant dining area with a quirky touch.
Wallpaper: Burges Snail - Juniper Left Wall: Juniper Ash
The floral detail of Millefleur (c.1478) is drawn directly from an incredibly rare and important object - the oldest tapestry in the care of the National Trust. It is lovingly conserved at Montacute House in Somerset. It also completely changes character depending which colourway you are drawn to. The dark, intense Knight colourway references the original wool and silk tapestry in which a knight is positioned against a dark backdrop adorned with tiny flowers. The depth of the blue hue is the perfect partner for Basalt 221 on painted walls. Use in bedrooms or in reading rooms, where deep relaxation is key. Alternatively, the Garden colourway is fresh, homely and joyful – and helps link the inside of the home to your outdoor space for a serene feel.
Wallpaper: Millefleur - Garden Right Wall: Loft White
Small scale wallpaper patterns are ideal for pairing with other colourways of the same design to add interest and intrigue. Here the Pompei colourway of the Moy design (c.1875) covers the wall below the picture rail (painted in Pompeian Ash 293) and the lighter Lime colourway draws your eye upwards. Use in a study space for a muted colour pairing to aid focus and concentration. This look works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings and creates cosiness in a large space. This gentle design was found at The Argory in Northern Ireland. Unusually the original was painted in diluted watercolours, so it is a triumph that is has survived and has a slightly broken effect with delicate shadowing on the loose, geometric design. Available in 7 colours (Pink, Red Ochre, Lime, Blue, Ash, Pompei and Mall).
Wallpaper: Moy - Pompeian Ash
If you have ever visited Bateman’s - Rudyard Kipling’s East Sussex home, you will immediately recognise the link between this beautiful tree of life design and the influence of 17th century Indian chintz. Winding its way from the floor upwards, branches, blossoms and birds entwine to create a rhythmical design across the lower section of wall lifting your eyes upwards to the clear skies above. Printed on 70cm wide rolls, this beautiful design is available in 4 colours (Archipelago, Ceviche, Pollen and Arbour) and is perfectly suited to restful rooms that require tranquillity, such as bedrooms or well ventilated bathrooms to create a haven within the home.
Paint adjacent walls in blocks of colour linked to the design to provide balance within the room. Here, Mandalay in Ceviche is teamed with Olive Colour 72.
Wallpaper: Mandalay - Céviche Right Wall: Olive Colour Inside Window: Loft White
Whichever design you choose, The National Trust Papers II collection is perfect for today’s modern interiors whilst also giving your home a sense of heritage, homeliness and historical tales.