We’re so proud of our newest collection – here’s a little insight into a few more of our designs and what inspired them…
As we mentioned in our previous blog, The Islands was inspired by the excitement and promise of discovering a secluded beachy haven or an exotic hideaway.
We explored the organic forms of underwater flora and fauna – playing with scale, colour and line. We also ventured into the kinds of motif that might be found on fabrics or ceramics in far-flung places, pulling these through into textures, illustrations and abstract patterns.
As with most of our designs, we wanted to capture a mood – whether that was the relaxation and contentment one experiences in a peaceful little idyll, the serenity of diving into an underwater world, or the intrigue of exploring an exotic destination.
With a bold but accessible colour palette throughout, our designs work equally well in homes as they do in hotels, restaurants, boutiques and bars.
Conversational designs
We’ve previously introduced the outsized shells of Martinique, the botanical-style illustrations of Bahama, and the Eastern influences of Pearl River, but here are four more of our conversational wallpaper designs:
Kitts
Like Bahama, Kitts was inspired by an archive of detailed linear prints of fish, shells and jellyfish which we brought alive with a vivid palette of turquoise, magenta, coral and jade. The fish weave in and out of stylised strands of bubbles and we added subtle zig-zag lines to suggest the gentle mesmeric motion of being underwater.
Kitts is available with four different background shades which change the way the eye reads the overall design:
• Moody dark blue, petrol tones make the colours pop – we see this adding drama and sophistication to a space
• Neutral cream and taupe grounds make the overall design a little softer and lighter
• The aqua background is at once calm and fresh, and is tonally harmonious with the fish
We can picture this statement-making design working equally well in residential and commercial spaces.
Faroe
Having found a version of this endearing grey and white Sei whale in a portfolio of antique prints, we were inspired to create a wallcovering where he was the main feature. We added him into a contrasting background of stylised foam-crested waves so that the overall effect resembled the retro art of decoupage.
Available on a pale blue, dark blue, pink, or sepia background, Faroe would work wonderfully in a child’s bedroom or family room but equally well in a living room, bathroom, or hallway – we could also see it being a superb addition to a quirky tea shop or children’s boutique.
Aruba
In part inspired by Dali’s ‘Lobster Telephone’, Aruba’s whimsical crustaceans are fun and cheerful and lend a playful mood to a room. The repeat lobster motif mimics a screenprint, with details and accents picked out in contrasting colours.
Aruba is available in three colourways – the first two options were inspired by the bright array of colours found on traditional beach huts with near-neon highlights – either on a black or cream linen-textured background. Alternatively, we offer a more subdued palette of softer neutrals with pastel accents which creates a bright and breezy effect on the wall.
Montserrat
Delicate swaying seaweed fronds and corals reveal dainty seahorses and sea urchins in our Montserrat wallpaper design. Conjuring up serene feelings, this is a really charming little print that adds visual interest but without dominating a scheme.
We offer this linear design in four colourways:
• Black and white – neutral taupes and khakis
• Multi – mustard, teal and aubergine on taupe
• Blue – jade, turquoise, teal and inky navy
• Coral red – deep orange-red and magenta
Subtle texture and geometrics
We’ve also created some designs that were inspired by woven textiles and rustic materials from exotic shores:
Lucia
We created this semi-plain design on a pearlescent ground with thoughts of the sun illuminating the raw silk drapes on a cabana, or beating against the raffia walls of an island hut.
Lucia is very versatile and pairs beautifully with the ornate lines of Bahama – or it can be used alone to add subtle texture to walls – it is available in cream and black/gold, as well as neutral and ocean-inspired hues.
Nevis
Inspired by the abstract beauty and simplicity of horizontal brushmarks, we created the striking Nevis wallpaper design.
When printed in white and soft grey tones, Nevis echoes the cool hues found in airy and elegant Cape Cod beach houses. Translated into steely tones and the design is more intensely masculine with an industrial quality. The addition of spicier ginger tones would add a rustic yet exotic feel to an interior.
This wallpaper is very versatile and we can see it being used in a variety of locations to inject a sophisticated and contemporary look to a residential or commercial space.
Butia
We created this contemporary geometric design with a starting point of opulent woven silk textiles and this was enhanced by the use of a pearlescent ground for a soft shimmer on the wall.
Colour is always a prominent part of our design process and Butia was no exception. Available in four subtle but distinctive tonal colourways, we wanted the palette to be really mellow and muted – look up close and you’ll see that the thread-like gradations of (sometimes unexpected) colours act to subdue the overall appearance of the design.
Because we’re passionate about our planet…
The beauty to be found in nature underpins much of this collection, and is a constant source of inspiration for us. With an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, we have partnered with the One Tree Planted initiative. This means that, for every roll of wallpaper sold from The Islands collection (and all future collections), we contribute to one tree being planted.
Discover The Islands for yourself…
We’ve created The Islands style box – a sleek pack that includes A4 samples of all references from the collection. To order a style box please contact us by emailing enquiries@elizabethockford.com
