Wallpaper Archives - Elizabeth Ockford Ltd

Posted on 22nd December 202021st January 2021 by Gemma Fraser — Leave a comment

Forecast: 2021 Interior Design Trends

With a fresh new year ahead of us, we’ve curated our predictions of what will be trending in the world of home design and interiors in 2021.

As a consequence of spending a lot more time at home during lockdown, the quirky and wholesome #cottagecore movement gained huge traction on social media and we’re certain that it will continue to be on trend in 2021.

As well as baking, crafting, and gardening there’s been a noticeable swing towards the comfort of ‘grandma chic’ and the appeal of romanticised traditional décor. In addition, #cottagecore also reflects a more conscientious consumer – a move towards sustainability and away from ‘fast fashion’.

How? Celebrate the faded elegance of one-off vintage finds – nostalgic touches of velvet and antique ‘brown furniture’ – and pair with muted pastels, pretty ditsy patterns and handcrafted macramé pieces.

After a challenging year and long cold winter, we’re already looking forward to the renewed hope and freshness that we associate with spring – what could be more optimistic than warmer temperatures, lighter days, and vivid green buds?

How? As its name suggests, our soon-to-launch wallpaper collection, The Garden is a series of delightful designs that were inspired by the beauty of flora and fauna and the idea of ‘bringing the outside, in’.

Harnessing the fluidity of watercolour, as well as a tighter botanical drawing style, we have explored the freshness of an English country garden and exotic blooms of hothouse orchids.

The popularity of entirely neutral interior schemes is finally on the wane. Again, we believe this is linked to spending more time at home and wanting to stamp some personality on walls, furniture – wherever!

How? A vivid wallcovering – especially in a living room, dining room or hallway – is a great way to achieve this look. Check out three of our most vibrant and best-selling designs:

As we all long to escape to distant shores, many trend forecasters have predicted that this will translate into interiors inspired by coastal get-aways.

How? Our collection, The Islands, offers a series of contemporary wallpaper designs featuring whales, shells, lobsters and tropical birds to evoke a sense of dreamy relaxation in a beachside hideaway.

With self-care and mindfulness as lifestyle buzzwords of 2020, this follows into home décor and many elements of the pared-back but snug Scandi and Hygge aesthetics will remain popular into 2021.

How? The soft and earthy textures and tones of natural materials – from cane, linen and rattan to jute, wool and leather – have a much-needed soothing and grounding effect. We recommend adding subtle texture to walls with a semi-plain linen-effect wallcovering, such as our Lucia design.

As our homes have come to represent a place of sanctuary, our attention turns to making our spaces feel like serene retreats.

How? Our latest range, Horizon was inspired by the mesmerising fluctuations in light and gives a wonderfully dreamy graduated finish to walls. The light blue and ink shades are especially calming and reflect Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year – Aegean Teal.

We’ve dedicated an entire blog to Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year but it’s worth mentioning that the colour experts have also unveiled a palette exploration – inspiration for various ways to deploy Ultimate Gray and Illuminating – from the clear brights of Aviary or Enlightenment to the subdued tones of Sun and Shadow.

We hope our predictions for 2021 interior design trends have inspired you to refresh your home – if you’re considering updating your interior with one of our beautiful luxury wallpapers then please contact us for advice as we’d love to help you.
enquiries@elizabethockford.com

Posted on 22nd December 202021st January 2021 by Gemma Fraser — Leave a comment

Posted on 21st December 202021st December 2020 by Gemma Fraser — Leave a comment

Pantone Colour of the Year 2021

Pantone Color of the Year 2021 announced – and it’s a pair of colours! This week we were surprised to see Pantone announce – not just one, but – two hues as Color of the Year 2021…

Experts at the Pantone Color Institute have chosen 17-5104 ‘Ultimate Gray’ and 13-0647 ‘Illuminating’ for 2021, declaring that they are “a marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.”

Bold, bright, and uplifting, Illuminating is a cheerful yellow that is reminiscent of a child’s drawing of the sun or the visual zing of zesty lemons. By contrast, Ultimate Gray is steady and calm – resembling pebbles or sturdy urban concrete landscapes – and has a more timeless and resilient connotation.

After the tumultuous events of 2020, it’s no surprise that the experts at Pantone weren’t able to settle on just one colour to represent the year ahead. A Pantone representative reflected:

“It became apparent that there was never going to be one colour that could express everything that needed to be expressed — that it was, instead, critical to have two independent colours that could come together.”

In choosing the contrasting hues – sunshine yellow anchored by a steely grey – Pantone were not simply ‘hedging their bets’. They have chosen a pair of colours that reflect the world as we have come to know it: a juxtaposition of hope and despair; light and heavy; bright and subdued; dynamic and inert; fresh and enduring.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, commented:

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity s upported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

The announcement has been met with a mixed response. On social media, many have objected to the colours, likening them to hi-vis safety clothing, industrial cement and road markings, and the grey sweat pants of lockdown (!).

However, Vogue referred to the combination as “a chic colour duo for 2021, guaranteed to have a positive effect on your mind and wardrobe”. Pantone has justified the selection by stating that the colours are “conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.”

The experts at Pantone have created five colour exploration palettes that showcase Ultimate Gray and Illuminating to illustrate their versatility – we especially like the mood evoked by Sun and Shadow, with dramatic Blue Nights and earthy Wild Ginger and Oil Green.

We’ve been looking through some of our previous collections and have used a softer combination of these two hues in several of our designs.

Check out our collection of grey and yellow wallpapers on our website here.

If you would like any more advice on interiors or have any general enquiries then please don’t hesitate to contact us! enquiries@elizabethockford.com

Posted on 21st December 202021st December 2020 by Gemma Fraser — Leave a comment

Posted on 1st December 202021st December 2020 by Gemma Fraser — Leave a comment

Colour theory: immersing ourselves in green

W-01013 Kitts fish wallpaper in the colourway aqua

Whether vibrant or subtle, we’re passionate about colour: how it makes us feel, its role in our designs, and how we use it in our homes.

Studies show us that colour can alter our brain waves, affect the autonomic nervous system and our hormonal activity, and can stimulate our emotions: we react physiologically and psychologically to colour.

From dazzling lime and vivid emerald to muted olive and moss; to delicate celadon, peppermint and eucalyptus through calming sage and aquamarine to deep teal and forest green – we love green in all its iterations.

Green is synonymous with nature and the natural world – it is the colour of grass, trees, woodland. An environment containing plenty of green vegetation indicates fertile land and the presence of water – little danger of drought or famine – so green is considered to be reassuring on a primitive level. These lingering associations with nature mean that green can make us feel grounded, tranquil, fresh and healthy.

Being in the centre of the colour spectrum, most shades of green require no visual adjustment and therefore, this is deemed restful. Green is also said to be soothing, uplifting and healing – in the presence of green, the pituitary gland is stimulated, muscles become relaxed, and blood histamine levels increase (decreasing allergy symptoms). In short, green is calming, stress-relieving, and also invigorating – researchers have found that green can improve reading ability and creativity.

For centuries, artists searched for a stable and truly green pigment – it was a notoriously difficult colour to manufacture from available natural substances. Egyptians used earth or malachite before the ancient Romans developed verdigris – a process where copper plates were soaked in wine or vinegar, causing a vivid blue-green surface residue to form – which they used as a pigment in mosaics, frescos and in stained glass. Subsequently pigments such as cobalt green, emerald green and viridian were developed in the late 18^th century by heating and combining certain chemicals.

Green features in many of our designs – here’s a few examples of its use and explanations for our choices:

Our Pearl River design features a deep emerald ground with large circular Eastern-inspired illustrations. In this context, the green chosen as the background provides a calm coolness while also matching the strength of the saturated colours of the illustrations, allowing the eye to scan the design in its entirety.

The use of muted aqua and olive for the linear design on a neutral linen ground gives a ‘heritage’ feel to our Coleton design. It’s very classical and would work beautifully in many locations including a conservatory or orangery, where there’s a transition between being indoors and out.

We chose a soft aqua as a ground for a host of vividly coloured fish as this gentle shade allows the bright shoal to ‘pop’.

Inspired by crystalline structures, the small coordinate design of Pyrite is enhanced by the use of a precious jewel-like emerald green with touches of shimmering raised gold metallic ink.

Although the overall design isn’t dominated by green, we love the energy and fizz created by the use of lime, aqua and jade on the lobsters in this version of Aruba. As well as using different green shades, we’ve played brights – hot pink, coral and turquoise – against softer lavender and olive to create a zing against the grainy black linen background.

If you would like any more advice on interiors or have any general enquiries then please don’t hesitate to contact us! enquiries@elizabethockford.com

Posted on 1st December 202021st December 2020 by Gemma Fraser — Leave a comment

Posted on 14th April 202024th April 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — Leave a comment

New collection: Return to The Islands

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:

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

Posted on 14th April 202024th April 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — Leave a comment

Posted on 30th March 202030th March 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — Leave a comment

Interior inspiration: 5 ways to use wallpaper in your home

Decorative wallpaper has been used for centuries but now – more than ever before – there’s a design to suit your interior project and personal style.

Put down that paintbrush! Here’s five ways to add wallpaper to your home, along with our advice on selecting the best style for you:

1 Create a talking point

Conversational wallpaper can be used to make a statement throughout the home. Bold designs or colours that catch the eye will create a focal point, injecting a sense of personality and interest into your room.

Here’s just a few examples of conversational designs from our newest collection – The Islands – which illustrate this:

Shop our selection of conversational wallpapers.

2 Show off your unique style

With so many styles of wallpaper available, it’s never been easier to express your personality through your choice of wallcovering.

Wallpaper is a highly effective way of personalising the design of your interior, as there are so many different options. Whether you’re looking for something subtly neutral, highly patterned, textured, geometric or floral – wallpaper provides myriads of ways to make your space as individual as you are.

3 Consider your space and your taste

When it comes to rooms that lack natural light or are smaller in size, you might hear traditional design ‘rules’ about the depth of hue or size of pattern. But we think rules are made to be broken!

Fresh, light colour schemes can be great in a darker room, but if that’s just not your taste then deep, dramatic tones can create really inviting interiors, too.

And smaller spaces – such as a powder room, shower room or under-the-stairs nook – can really benefit from the impact of wallpaper with a large bold print if that’s your style.

4 Enhance a feature

Feature walls have long been a popular way to introduce an accent of bold colour or pattern to a room.

And there are no boundaries when it comes to using wallpaper – although ‘wall’ is in the name, it can be used creatively in other places. Old cupboards in need of an update or does your ceiling need to be refreshed? What’s to stop you from using wallpaper?

5 Create a mood

Exploring a mood is often a key starting point for our creative process and it might also help you to think about what you’re trying to achieve in your home.

Colour and pattern can evoke a range of feelings – from calm and relaxed, to fun and quirky, or intense and dramatic.

And finally…

Wallpaper can pull together a look by injecting a blend of colour, texture and pattern into your room.

To narrow down which style of wallpaper might work for you and your home, we recommend taking a look on Pinterest or Instagram, or checking out interiors magazines or websites for inspiration.

Your choice of wallpaper is an expression of your creativity and personal aesthetic –and it provides a layer of style that is unrivalled.

Posted on 30th March 202030th March 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — Leave a comment

Posted on 20th March 202026th November 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — 1 Comment

New collection: The Islands

Introducing our newest collection…

We drew inspiration for The Islands Collection from the fantasy of escaping to beautiful faraway destinations. We wanted our designs to breathe fresh air into interiors, from homes to hotels, restaurants, boutiques and bars.

From that starting point, we then explored a few different angles – playing with bold organic forms as well as fragments of illustration and then adding in some more geometric motifs.

Some of our designs are quite minimal – which makes them feel modern and sophisticated – whereas others are more intricate – they’re more conversational or whimsical, even. However, as with all our designs, our passion for colour is an ever-present characteristic that runs through the entire collection. We also harnessed texture to add emphasis to our designs, with subtle raffia finishes and pearlescent accents that mimic shells.

Here’s a little insight into three of the more conversational designs from The Islands collection…

Our pledge to the environment

We’re committed to environmental sustainability and improving our company’s green credentials. As part of our ongoing responsibility to the environment, all products from The Islands collection are part of collaboration with the One Tree Planted initiative.  We’ve pledged that, for every roll of wallpaper purchased from The Islands collection (and all future collections), Elizabeth Ockford Ltd will contribute to one tree being planted.  

The Islands style box

We thought about how we could create an innovative, cost-effective and compact tool that would give professional interior designers access to the entire new collection, so we created The Islands style box.

The pack includes an A4 sample of all references in the new collection – you can order a style box by emailing enquiries@elizabethockford.com

The moment of truth...

Debuting a new collection is an exciting time but it can also be a little daunting. So far, we’ve been delighted with how well The Islands has been received.

In the midst of February’s stormy weather, we made the long journey from Sussex to Polmont, taking our new collection to the Scottish Interiors Showcase.

The feedback we had from fellow designers, interior designers and retailers was extremely positive and we’ve had many requests for our style box and other enquiries since we returned from Scotland.

Stay tuned… we’ll be discussing more of The Islands collection in a future blog article, coming very soon.

Posted on 20th March 202026th November 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — 1 Comment

Posted on 1st February 202026th November 2020 by elizabethockfordltd — Leave a comment

Interior inspiration: 5 ways to use THAT colour blue that will be in interiors everywhere in 2020

Back in December 2019, Pantone announced that its colour of the year for 2020 would be 19-4052 Classic Blue. But what does that mean for the average person, who wants to decorate their home in the latest trend?
I have always loved having a blue bedroom- and have painted at least three bedrooms in different houses in a Sanderson Boy Blue – to me it is the perfect shade of English Sky blue. Each of those bedrooms always felt full of celestial light; calm and relaxing.

But this shade as advocated by Pantone is much stronger and bolder- so how can it be used?

I am hopeful that at the start of the new 20’s, we will see a much greater use of characterful design and rich, jewel like colours. Embrace them- as a healthy, happy antidote to the grey years of the noughties.
The trend for sophisticated neutrals has gone on too long- Long Live Colour!!!

Visit my Instagram @elizabethockford to follow my designs and colour inspiration.