The surge in popularity for period dramas, such as Downton Abbey and The Paradise, has provided damask wallpaper and fabrics with a growing popularity. Although the ornate and decorative pattern lends itself to the opulence of a bygone era, we are seeing a resurgence of these designs.While some designers are creating contemporary fabrics and designs that will be out of fashion within the year it is heart-warming to see that many are looking at our heritage and reworking the classics. It seems in times of austerity what you know is always a better bet than taking a risk.
Byron wallpaper by Cole & Son is a perfect example, a damask design in soft metallic colours overlaid with an amazing peacock design. Similarly Tivoli Damask, which combines rich reds and burgundy overlaid with an almost hand drawn damask design in gold.
For those who want a totally different look, fabricsandpapers.com have Preston Damask, a hand printed wide width wallpaper that can be printed in a colour of your choice, from vibrant orange to the softest aqua. Osborne and Little’s stylised damask Fernery is a beautiful example of a contemporary take on this traditional style.
We have noticed a huge surge in the popularity of our gaufraged velvets, sumptuous silks, and damask curtain fabrics. In the old days these would have been used for furniture, curtains and walling – where wallpaper was not available, the walls of the grand houses would be upholstered with fabric – and now are used in our homes to add glamour and sophistication to formalise a more relaxed environment, or just to complement a beautiful inherited antique.
Most of the designs used in traditional damasks today are copies of those woven centuries ago in Italy, Spain and France. Though damask weaving was not an English art, the English decorators of the 18th century used large quantities of Italian damasks, both for furniture coverings and upholstered onto the walls. Damask wallpapers mimic the look (and sometimes the texture) of damask fabrics in which the pattern is intensified by the weave running opposite that of the background.
By exploring www.fabricsandpapers.com, the leading online retailer for curtain fabrics, upholstery fabrics and designer wallpaper, customers can create their own schemes and request wallpaper samples from over 6,000 carefully selected wallpapers and fabrics. A dedicated design team is on hand at the end of a telephone line (01273 495500) to discuss customers’ individual requirements and offer help and advice.
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