Maureen Whitemore
I’m working on a project where the client has given me a blank canvas. The brief is to create something bold but elegant, something colourful and
unusual, something to make you smile as you walk into the room. So I’ve been investigating options and have found amazing ideas, approaches and designers. One of these might be out of most people’s price range but the others are surprisingly accessible.
Let’s start with the couture approach of London-based designer and embroiderer Claire Coles. As you might guess, her bespoke embroi- dered silk panels and intricate appliquéd flora and fauna are not a budget option but they transform walls into works of art and inspire all sorts of ideas that could be adapted into any home. I would certainly recommend considering hanging fabrics, tapestries or similar textile panels in large rooms with hard floors – our ancestors knew a thing or two about sound and warmth.
Murals have tended to be the domain of children’s bedrooms – and they create lovely spaces with lots of personality so it’s little wonder – but digital printing technolo- gies and fresh approaches are taking wall art into other
Appliqué and embroidery transforms walls into works of art
This wallpaper by local firm Astaura will create a standout feature
Wonder walls… Cumbria Life’s interiors expert has got it covered
Problem solved
A neglected space at the bottom of a staircase can soon become a dumping ground for shoes, scarves and any other random bits and pieces. It needs careful thought and a little inspiration to transform it into a tidy, practical area. This alcove was created by blocking up a doorway – the clue is the wooden lintel – and it is now an attractive feature which also provides useful storage. The chest of drawers fits perfectly and lighting, a picture and accessories complete the overall effect. And not a shoe in sight!
rooms too.
A simple painted mural is
ideal for wall decoration in an unusual space or to fit an odd shape. Gable ends of loft conversions can look wonderful with a piece of very special artwork and you don’t necessarily have to be a dab hand with a paint brush yourself. I know of a couple of Cumbria-based decorators who can turn their hand to a mural and we have theatre set designers and others in the county whose skills are wonderfully transferable. Whether it’s disguising a blank wall with a pretend view or using trompe I’oeil to create a different perspective, the only
limit is your imagination. Digital technology is also playing a part. AST Signs at
Penrith is using its expertise and experience on vehicle wraps and exhibition printing to develop a new business, known as Astaura. This new company is collaborating with contemporary artists to build up a selection of images that can be digitally printed on to wallpaper that is the right size and finish to use on complete walls in your home. The wallpaper is applied in the traditional way and prices start from £25 per square metre, which is really reasonable for something so wow.
Finally, I came across a
brilliant example of how modern stencils are used to create stunning spaces. The artist is New-York based Albert Sultan and the stencils are available from The Stencil Library in Stocksfield.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to add wow to your walls as long as you’re prepared to be bold.
Maureen Whitemore runs Whitemore & Thwaytes interi- ors in Penrith. She has been in the interiors design trade for nearly 50 years and is on the Board of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers. See Maureen’s blog at maureenwhitemore.co.uk.
CUMBRIA LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2017 / 75
CLAIRE COLES
ASTAURA