One of the most exciting truths of any creative trend is that what was once old will almost certainly become new again—interior design trends are no exception. And in an era when whitewashed walls and millennial gray are losing favor, count us fortunate to be living through a wallcovering renaissance. Consider the resurgence officially underway, as Crate & Barrel announces its first venture into wallcoverings, featuring exclusive, in-house designs available through Crate & Barrel, Crate & Barrel Kids, and CB2.
Photography courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Working alongside York Wallcoverings, the oldest and largest wallpaper mill in the United States, Crate & Barrel has developed a collection that ranges from subtle textured neutrals to bold, graphic patterns. With various printing techniques, including digital, screen printing, surface printing, and gravure—applied to materials ranging from grasscloth and linen to hand-woven sisal—the collection offers an assortment of patterns and textures to bring a room to life.
Photography courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Rather than following a particular aesthetic, the design team looked to historical references and original artwork to create patterns intended to feel timeless.
“We looked to vintage references—from antique tapestries I’ve collected to vintage ties and scarves from flea markets in Europe—and also created original artwork to create designs that bring warmth and character into a room,” says Sebastian Brauer, Crate & Barrel’s SVP of product design. “For me, it’s never about following a particular trend and more about giving people options to bring personality, character and beauty into their homes that will last forever.”
Photography courtesy of Crate & Barrel
The decision to work with York Wallcoverings was equally intentional. A manufacturer of wallcoverings since 1895, York brings generations of expertise in traditional craftsmanship and specialized printing techniques to the collection.
“York was a natural partner for us because quality and craftsmanship are at the heart of both York and our brands,” Brauer says. “We connected to the heritage of their savoir-faire. That shared commitment made them the right manufacturer to help bring our designs to life.”
Photography courtesy of Crate & Barrel
York still uses 19th-century machinery for surface printing, producing a textured finish reminiscent of traditional hand-blocked wallpaper. Other techniques capture the detail of hand-painted artwork or create raised surfaces that add dimension to the finished designs. The combination of materials and printing methods lets the wallcoverings serve as more than decorative backdrops, bringing texture and depth to a space.
Photography courtesy of Crate & Barrel
The new wallcovering collections launched Oct. 7 and are available exclusively online through Crate & Barrel, Crate & Barrel Kids, and CB2.
