While scrolling for inspiration on Pinterest, furniture upcycler Kayleigh Andrews – founder of Kookiwood – discovered the wonders of British wallpaper brand Newmor…
A specialist in high-quality materials, and a fan of Art Deco design, British-based statement furniture designer Kayleigh Andrews was immediately drawn to Newmor’s Savoy Starburst pattern, knowing that it would add that wow-factor to a 20th-century, walnut cocktail cabinet she was currently working on the revamp of.
With a keen eye for creating statement furniture, it is easy to see why the Starbust wallpaper’s visuals were what originally drew Andrews in, but it was Newmor’s exemplary quality which really blew the artisan away.
Image caption: Newmor’s Savoy Starburst wallpaper | Image credit: Kayleigh Andrews/Kookiwood
“Their commitment to craftsmanship was evident from the start”, Andrews said of Newmor, “they were incredibly accommodating, customising the wallpaper to fit my exact measurements and providing digital proofs for my review.”
Though a definite labour of love, the results of Andrews’ efforts were a product which surpassed any of her expectations: “the metallic gold finish is truly stunning, and the wallpaper’s quality and thickness are unmatched.”
Image caption: the original walnut cocktail cabinet | Image credit: Kayleigh Andrews/Kookiwood
The incredible quality of the paper has even had Andrews questioning if the wallpaper brand use a special coating on their designs. “I’ve never encountered wallpaper as durable. I typically need to apply multiple layers of varnish, but I didn’t feel the need to use any varnish with the Newmor Savoy Starbust design,” she added.
Image caption: The completed Kookiwood cocktail cabinet with Newmor Savoy Starburst wallpaper | Image credit: Kayleigh Andrews/Kookiwood
However, Newmor Managing Director David Johnson has happily clarified the source of the paper’s resilience: “Starburst is printed onto our mylar base; it’s one of our most robust bases and any of our digital designs can be printed onto it.
“Our standard vinyl bases are also incredibly durable as our wallcoverings are predominantly supplied to the contract interiors sector, hotels, bars, restaurants etc.”
Both champions of local products and designers, Andrews and the Newmor brand were as equally thrilled to learn about the British-origins of each others businesses. Designer-to-designer, creator of the Savoy Starbust pattern Jess Broxton couldn’t have been happier to see her artwork encorporated into a Kookiwood design.
Image caption: Kookiwood cocktail cabinet | Image credit: Kayleigh Andrews/Kookiwood
“I was thrilled to see my Starburst artwork being used in a different medium and in such a unique way. My Starburst was the first artwork I created whilst working on my first custom range when I started at Newmor straight out of university. I had the same excitement seeing the cabinet on social media as when I realised that it had got picked for our range 6 years ago!”
And it seems like fate really did introduce Andrews to the Starburst print, as Broxton describes how the paper design was inspired by the Roaring 20’s and, now presented upon a vintage drinks cabinet, is exactly where she imagined it to be displayed. “It works perfectly with the Walnut,” Broxton added, “Kayleigh has created a truly beautiful piece.”
Newmor is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Kayleigh Andrews/Kookiwood
