Wallpaper for the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s
November 27, 2007
I was reading this post yesterday over at Retro Renovation and decided to go over to Bradbury & Bradbury and take a look at their new wallpapers. Eric has been bugging me for the past couple months, because he’d really like to put some wallpaper up in our library/back bedroom. I’ve said no, because I rarely see wallpaper I actually like that would go well with our house. But, Bradbury & Bradbury has created an exquisite lineup and we’re going to order some samples (I can hear my mother groaning right now while she reads this — she hates wallpaper). Of course, Bradbury & Bradbury is not cheap, and because we’re not experts and the wallpaper is art, we’d only do one large wall. (Besides, all the other walls are filled up with doors and bookshelves).
After looking at the three collections (Art Deco, Post-War, and Atomic) we both agree the Art Deco papers would look best in our house. The more we shop for old furniture and reproduction items, the more obvious it becomes that our house is a 1940’s/50’s art deco style (the originale tiles, window and door trim, and the arched doorway are all deco). I’ve done some research and found that the art deco style continued through the 1950’s. Here are our favorite ones (so far):
Eric likes this one best, because he says it will create a visual tie with our screen door insert (which we still need to put up, but it’s cold outside!).
I like this one best, but Eric says “only in a kids room.” Boohoo.
Posted in 1950's Design
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November 27th, 2007 at 6:54 am
What an interesting house you have, yu must really be proud of all the hard work you have done. I love the third wallpaper sample (I think it’s the one your husband likes). It’s a great idea to only do one wall and will save you money. I’m looking forward to more great pictures from your progress.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:30 am
I can’t decide which one I like the most… maybe the third one? It will look fabulous as an accent wall!
November 27th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
I love the airplane one! And why not in another room?! What’s with these guys? I lobbied hard to do the 1950’s Wild West Cowboys on Bucking Broncos curtains in our living room. Unfortunately, my husband vetoed it. You’d think I suggested soemthing completely insane. I’m with you on this one.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I like the one Eric likes…reminds me of a movie theater. I LOVE the airplanes for a boy’s room. That being said, I’m with your mother: not a fan of wall paper.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
They make such gorgeous wallpaper! Makes me wish I had three different houses so that I could have Arts and Crafts wallpaper in one, Victorian in another, and Deco in the third. So pretty!
April 19th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I love the Bradbury and Bradbury papers as well. I am looking for a Deco style house or condo, and mentally redecorate all the ones I see. The “Twilight” paper, that you did not select, was actually featured in “The Aviator”, it was in the evil Juan Tripp’s office, along with wonderful “cloud” chairs and sofa. I like your choices, I actaully prefer the Zenith, because it has a lot of movement. For a library, I would get a great old Macassar bookcase and add some overstuffed chairs. Don’t forget to add some great old Deco lamps and fixtures, the Lady with the Ball, etc. What is your furniture like? You could redo some Deco “barrel” chairs in a soft camel mohair with some shimmery beige, and add some streamlined tables. Make sure you hit the “Rugmark of Henley” website, for fantastic Art Deco rugs, that are actually priced quite nicely, they are under $1000 and are pure wool. They have about twenty different styles. Heaven, you’ll be in heaven! As for me, well, I am a Decophile, morning, noon and night. Enjoy your decorating, send some photos to the sight when you are done.