I was surprisingly inspired by my trip to Colonial Williamsburg last Fall. The rich color and pattern I saw in the historic homes was pretty amazing.(And, little did I know that I’d be living in a colonial style house a year later. . .) While I was there, I got a sneak preview of the wallpaper line the WILLIAMSBURG brand was working on with York Wallcoverings, and now, it’s finally here. (And, it’s gorgeous!)
The papers are pretty online, but even better in person. I photographed some directly from the sample book so you can hopefully see the beautiful textures and sheens:
Since wallpaper can sometimes be tricky to visualize, I put together three design boards to show how these patterns could take a traditional dining room, for example, and kick it up a notch, making it all feel young and fresh. I created all of the looks using WILLIAMSBURG products:
wallpaper // rug // artwork 1 and 2 // paint // lamp // fabric 1 and 2
wallpaper // rug // artwork // paint // fabric 1 and 2 // lamp // ginger jar
wallpaper // rug // paint // mirror // artwork // fabric 1, 2, 3
Which look is your favorite?
Thanks to WILLIAMSBURG brand for (@wmbgbrand) sponsoring this post.
Julie @ Creating This Life says
September 24, 2015 at 10:12 amOh wow…those papers are beautiful. And I love the looks you put together. I’m just about ready to tiptoe back into wallpaper again.
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
September 24, 2015 at 10:56 am#1 would totally be me. They are all wonderful.
Cara says
September 24, 2015 at 11:36 amEmily, you are SO good!! Without your mood boards I probably would’ve dismissed these patterns at first pass as too traditional but showing us the whole picture with more modern accessories and fabrics is kind of magical. I love all three looks but my favorite is #1. The various layers of black would give a room so much depth!
P.S. Thanks for sharing fun glimpses of your new home. Colonial + modern accents = design perfection!
Sarah Clark says
September 24, 2015 at 1:38 pmI especially like #2.
Back in the early 70’s we went to Williamsburg. It inspired me and I used the line of Williamsburg paint by Martin Senour. Colors outside the box for a time of avacodo and harvest gold!
JennyBC says
September 24, 2015 at 2:25 pmI really like your mood boards. We are rather traditional by nature but I do like an updated look. The combo of light and dark makes my heart sing!
JennyBC says
September 24, 2015 at 2:26 pmI meant to say the combo of traditional with modern elements makes my heart sing. Slightly distracted….
Tess says
September 24, 2015 at 3:03 pmThey are all very pretty but number 1 is my favorite! I have really enjoyed reading your blog.
Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says
September 24, 2015 at 3:10 pmDang this rental house, I love that trellis wallpaper! and always a fan of emerald and yellow as the accents.
Erin says
September 24, 2015 at 4:13 pmOh, I love #2, but they are all gorgeous. I’m impressed that you are even thinking of wallpaper after all that you stripped from the last house. I still haven’t recovered from all the wallpaper removal I did 15 years ago!
Emily Clark says
September 24, 2015 at 4:15 pmCan you believe I’m actually considering it for our entry?! I am counting on those new “removable” wallpapers to actually be removeable!
Brenda A. says
September 24, 2015 at 4:35 pmI like all three but I ADORE #1.
Lolin Melo says
September 24, 2015 at 6:49 pmOh that #1 is a perfect 10!
Belle says
September 24, 2015 at 10:44 pmI like the Garden Images Wallpaper. But I know there’s more. I’m into details when decorating homes so this really works for me. Seems like Williamsburg really takes pride of their wallpapers. I love them!
Karen says
September 25, 2015 at 8:57 amWe actually live in Williamsburg so I get to see their striking design influences a lot around here! But the way you’ve combined them is a treat–thanks so much. I’m a fan of #1 especially. I’ve noticed on Little Green Notebook and other design blogs that they’ve used wallpaper in their entry for quite the dramatic effect. You’re on to something!
Emily Clark says
September 25, 2015 at 9:11 amI didn’t realize you live in Williamsburg. I would love to go again at Christmas sometime!
Karen says
September 26, 2015 at 2:10 amMy husband and I love hosting visitors so just let me know when you want to visit! You’d enjoy it here at Christmas time. We locals sometimes can’t believe our “downtown” is just Colonial Williamsburg and it’s neighboring Merchants Square area–so quaint. We have only lived here for six years but I can see why those who’ve lived here all their lives feel so strongly attached to the area.
Pam says
September 25, 2015 at 9:43 amI stripped so much wallpaper (mostly borders, thank goodness) from this house 5 years ago that I vowed never to go there. But now…. after seeing your Look 1… It’s just what my bland dining room needs! I could never commit to, or afford to do a whole room in that beautiful black floral. Any thoughts on using a little for big effect? Would a high chair rail like Sarah Richardson’s country house dining room work?
Emily Clark says
September 25, 2015 at 10:01 amI love the idea of a high chair rail with everything below painted in the black. Could be beautiful! Or, maybe even just a smaller dose of the paper in the back of a China cabinet or shelving. . . (The high chair rail idea is my favorite, though.)
Pam says
September 25, 2015 at 10:18 amThanks! I feel so inspired!
NR Designs says
September 25, 2015 at 9:56 amGreat mood boards! I enjoyed seeing how the traditional Williamsburg wallpapers could be used to create 3 different looks.
Mary says
September 25, 2015 at 1:53 pmI love the black! My house is naturally dark & the black would be so dramatic. The mood boards really helped me see it. You’re so good!
Emily Clark says
September 25, 2015 at 2:03 pmThanks, Mary. And, I’m so glad you left a comment because it reminded me that I never emailed you back. Yikes! (Your bedroom is gorgeous, btw.)
Mary says
September 26, 2015 at 7:23 pmHi Emily,
No need to email me back after all. I managed to make some changes & I like my room much better now. So my design emergency has been fixed. Would you be interested in seeing updated pictures?
And I understand you have your hands full so don’t feel bad.
Emily Clark says
September 27, 2015 at 9:16 amYes, yes, yes! I would love to see them. You seem to be doing just fine making decisions on your own :)
Heather W says
September 25, 2015 at 4:18 pmI love #3 because it looks traditional but is still seems light, fresh and up to date…
mandy says
September 25, 2015 at 4:52 pmyour design boards are beautiful! my husband’s family lives in the Williamsburg area and i love going to visit and seeing all of the lovely homes there – they are just so gorgeous! i bring home little treasures every visit and will be checking these out for our new dining room. thanks for all of your great ideas and wonderful style – i really enjoy your blog!
Sasha says
September 25, 2015 at 8:11 pm#1 is so great. Love the artwork!