Wallpaper – the greenery edit

As an unsuccessful urban jungle enthusiast, I’ve discovered that wallpaper can be a gorgeous 2D replacement for plants in my life. In this greenery edit, I’m sharing the perfect foliage patterns for your walls and my favourite jungle and leafy wallpapers.

I find it rather surprising how divisive wallpaper can be. It seems to generate the same amount of heated discussion as Marmite. Granted patterned wallpaper seems to scare some people, the worry of not liking it after a while being a key reason. My living room is wallpapered in the most fabulous leafy Zoffany wallpaper, and has been for the last seven years (it might also be part of reason for this greenery edit if I’m honest). Yet in my view, there are few design elements that are as engaging as colourfull wallpaper. Whether we’re talking fully-papered rooms to spaces with wallpaper feature walls, I’m a fan. Yes, of course, it all depends on the scheme, but the simple addition of wallpaper can radically alter a room’s mood. Wallpaper isn’t the only surface finish to do this, paint can do this too but not in the same personalised, layered and nuanced way.

Nick Olsen’s Brooklyn Brownstone Photography by Pieter Estersohn for AD

In the last couple of weeks, I have been searching and requesting wallpaper samples left, right and centre. I’m on the hunt for the perfect foliage pattern, to be more precise I’ve been hunting for botanicals with a precise leafy greenery coverage. Something possibly verging on the jungle, a verdant tree motif, a design that will provide a biophilic element but without me having to kill any plants (I’m a well-known house plant killer). The perfect green antidote for this hay-fever suffering urbanist. So as the research has already been done here is my wallpaper greenery edit.

First up in my greenery edit is the Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection for Cole & Son Wallpaper. Royal Fernery is inspired by the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh, where I am planning on visiting on my trip to Marrakesh in October (and I can not wait!). It’s lush, inviting and the depth of colour just makes me want to dive straight in. Hollywood Palm is an instant classic born out of both common Cole and Son motifs and deco Palm Springs design. Both are absolutely gorgeous. In fact, Cole & Son have a lot to offer this greenery edit as their iconic Palm Jungle can not be forgotten from this list, nor the Fornasetti designed Chiavi Segrete. Another often overlooked in my opinion option is the beautiful Great Vine from their Historic Royal Palaces collection.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage, Royal Fernery, Cole & Son
Royal Fernery by Cole & Son
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Great Vine wallpaper, Cole & Son
Great Vine by Cole & Son
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Hollywood Palm, Cole & son Wallpaper
Hollywood Palm by Cole & Son
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Cole & Son, Fornasetti wallpaper
Cole & Son Fornasetti Chiavi Segrete

“The Original” Martinique Banana Leaf wallpaper was created in 1942 by decorator Don Loper for the Beverly Hills Hotel and has since developed iconic status. It is after all from that quintessential Hollywood Regency period when glamour reigned supreme. It’s now sold exclusively by Designer Wallcoverings who ship worldwide, but it’s certainly a pricey option. It’s featured in many a TV show and movie and has been used in projects by designers such as Nate Berkus. What you may not know is that in 1937 in California, Dorothy Draper’s designed Brazilliance for a hotel project. Which is extremely similar, in fact, it’s easy at first glance to think they are one and the same. BUT there are differences between Don Loper’s Martinique and Dorothy Draper’s Brazilliance wallpaper.  The biggest being that Dorothy Draper’s earlier version has little sea grapes among the leaves. In addition, the green used for the leaves are more vibrant shade of green.

Martinique Banana Leaf wallpaper
Dorothy Draper’s Brazilliance
Paloma Faith’s Home photography Photograph by Luke White

Pierre Frey are probably best known for their high-end luxury fabrics especially those featuring 18th-century styles. But they also have an adventurous spirit with plenty of colourful and stylized prints. The family-owned company founded in 1935 by designer Pierre Frey continues to innovate the French weaving tradition by reinterpreting vintage patterns and creating an eclectic collection. Kipling has an equatorial forest background, in which animal motifs have been added. There is plenty of detail to discover. Another favourite is from the South African inspired Rituel collection which includes the Pachira wallpaper with it’s brightly coloured lianas trees. And also Vahine with birds set against a background of foliage. Both were debuted in January at Deco Off in Paris, which I wrote about for Interior Design Magazine.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Kipling Wallpaper, Pierre Frey
Kipling Wallpaper by Pierre Frey
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Pierre Frey, Pachira Wallpaper
Pachira wallpaper by Pierre Frey
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Ritual collection, Vahine wallpaper, Pierre Frey
Rituel Collection, Vahine wallpaper by Pierre Frey
Pierre Frey – Vue d’en Haut

Founded by Nina Marika Tarnowski, Woodchip & Magnolia is a family run business whose wallpaper is printed using water-based inks on FSC-sourced paper. As a self-confessed wallpaper, pattern and colour addict, Nina’s collection packs a powerful punch of eclectic full-throttle colour and not surprisingly has plenty of tropical greenery represented in the range. I think Fern is my favourite as it ticks all those boxes I love in Royal Fernery above, particularly the dark ground in it.

I was reminded of another French design by Phoebe Oldrey at Smart Style Interiors who saw my stories on Instagram, which is Toucan by Casamance. With tropical birds and dense foliage, you get a glimpse of these magnificent birds peacefully perched on branches. My son was particularly taken with this one I have to say. Definitely a contender for this greenery edit.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Toucan by Casamance
Toucan by Casamance

British manufacturer and retailer of wallpaper and fabrics, Osborne & Little have plenty to offer this greenery edit whether you’re interested in fabrics or their wallpaper collections. The ones that caught my attention were Palmaria which is part of the Manarola collection, Tiger Leaf, Green Wall and Tropicana from Matthew Williamson for Osborne & Little.

I couldn’t do a foliage round up without including the leafy goodness that House of Hackney has to offer. From the tropical grasslands of Sri Lanka to the iconic references of Art Deco design in the Palmeral wallpaper, they championed the way in jungle inspired wallcoverings going mainstream.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Limerence wallpaper, House of Hackney
Limerence Wallpaper by House of Hackney
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Bambusa wallpaper, House of Hackney
Bambusa Wallpaper by House of Hackney
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Palmeral wallpaper, House of Hackney
Palmer by House of Hackney
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Babylon wallpaper, House of Hackney
Babylon wallpaper by House of Hackney
Paradisa by House of Hackney

My friend Stuart has a fantastic palm in his wallpaper collection that is so full of playful joy that his stand at Decorex had a queue of people photographing it. To see all the colourways visit Stuart Rodgers Wallpaper.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Stuart Rodgers Wallpaper
Stuart Rodgers Wallpaper – Unseen Future Sky Palm
Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Stuart Rodgers Wallpaper
Stuart Rodgers Wallpaper – Unseen Future Suburban Palm

The Loft and Us have one of my favourite leafy nature-inspired options which is the Feuilles de Luxe wallpaper. It’s a classic and captivating banana leaf pattern which does have some references to the iconic Beverly Hills version (up above), but this one was painted by stylist and owner Rebecca Loftus.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Feuilles de Luxe wallpaper

Lucy Tiffney was a Finalist on BBC2’s ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’ in 2016 and has become the queen of original, bold large scale murals and wallpapers. Two of my favourite botanical wallpapers from her range are Forest Grande and Sante Fe. Her colours are so wonderfully vibrant, in part from her palette but also as her wallpapers are matt finish it gives the colour more oomph.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Lucy Tiffney
Forest Grande by Lucy Tiffney
Sante Fe by Lucy Tiffney

Large scale nasturtium leaves are a graphic statement in this modern botanical wallpaper design by Designers Guild. Brahimi Leaf is available in 5 colours but of course I’ve only got eyes for the green option.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper, Brahimi Leaf, nasturtium leaves

These nature-inspired wallpapers should offer plenty of inspiration for every ‘wannabe’ gardener, to all wallpaper addicts and also to the new wave of designers supporting biophilic design. Or to those of us who just love a really good leafy design. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post on the greenery edit, to read more of my posts on decorating take a look here. Or take a look at my Instagram where I’m sharing my renovation story.

Green Wallpaper, the greenery edit, leafy wallpaper, jungle wallpaper, foliage wallpaper
PIN THIS FOR QUICK REFERENCE
Follow:

20 Comments

  1. August 18, 2019 / 10:27 pm

    Oooh Mary these are gorgeous! I love them and this has inspired me to (maybe) be a big braver and try wallpaper for the first time!

  2. August 18, 2019 / 11:36 pm

    I love the banana leaf designs. It’s such a classic. It looks really great in the bathroom design here with the black and white tiled floor

  3. August 19, 2019 / 10:19 am

    I am obsessed with this current trend, although I’m finding I’m going off the palms and prefer other greenery, they are all pretty fabulous though, fantastic round up!

    • August 20, 2019 / 9:05 am

      I think we’re going to see softer seafoam greens coming through in the new year, as there have been lots of coastal references in trend predictions. Minty hues too and maybe a reemergence of duck egg green.

  4. August 19, 2019 / 10:23 am

    Great post Mary – I love the Rituel Collection, Vahine wallpaper by Pierre Frey. This look is great for someone that wants to make a bold statement in their home. They work so well – to create a a tropical oasis in the bathroom.

    • August 21, 2019 / 9:52 am

      I know you’re not afraid of some bold pattern Lin. The Vahine is very lovely isn’t it?

  5. August 20, 2019 / 7:47 am

    What a wonderful selection of amazing green wallpapers! My personal favourite here is the Pierre Frey – Vue d’en Haut! Absolutely stunning.

    • August 20, 2019 / 9:01 am

      It’s so lovely, isn’t it Camilla? I have a real soft spot for their eclectic patterns

  6. August 20, 2019 / 6:47 pm

    Ooh some lovely wallpapers here! I’m determined to get some green in somewhere, obsessed with it at the mo!

    • August 21, 2019 / 9:51 am

      Me too Sam, I think it’s my inability to keep house plants alive but I need some greenery.

  7. August 20, 2019 / 9:46 pm

    Wow wow wow. What a lovely selection of wallpaper. To be honest, I’m not brave enough to have wallpaper. I think if I had a Victorian house, it would look incredible with just the one wall with it perhaps. This is one way to bring some vibrancy into the home 🙂

    • August 21, 2019 / 9:51 am

      I understand the bravery thing, I think that’s why so many people experiment with bold wallpaper in the downstairs loo first!

  8. August 22, 2019 / 12:17 am

    What a good timing. I’m on a lookout for a wallpaper for our kitchen myself and I absolutely love that Royal Ferney wallpaper by Cole and Son. To be honest I like most of them 🙈 Great post, very helpful ☺️

  9. Nicola Capper
    August 22, 2019 / 5:36 pm

    Another fantastic post Mary, the more I saw the more I loved. Even though I’m not brave enough for wallpaper, my house is getting rather full of plants at the moment x

  10. August 23, 2019 / 12:52 pm

    Oh I love these Greeneries wall coverings!! I would love to have something like that somewhere. It is so pretty and elegant. I like the tropical plants wall covering, it has something colonial and so stylish! Thanks for sharing all these ideas

  11. August 25, 2019 / 8:35 am

    Great post Mary! Having my own botanical wall mural (Banana Leaf) from Photowall in my kitchen I can vouch for how transformational these kinds of wallpapers are. They add a great sense of calm and wellbeing.

  12. September 1, 2019 / 10:17 pm

    What a fab selection Mary, so many to choose from. As a serial plant killer myself, I also opted for leafy green wallpaper in my living room. I love how it brings the outside in and makes me feel calm and restored. I hope you find your perfect paper and will show us the results.

  13. September 26, 2019 / 6:21 am

    What a marvellous selection of these wonderful green wallpapers! I’m on a lookout for a wallpaper for our kitchen and living room and I think I have found smething for them. But, to be honest I like each and every wallpaper present for my kitchen and living room. I think that these wallpapers will completely change the look of the house.Thanks for sharing all these ideas with the audience. Keep up the good work.

  14. January 20, 2021 / 10:38 am

    I love leafy looking wallpaper. I nearly decorated our hallway and landing, but decided it would be a bit too much and it would be better suited to a feature wall. I still might do it in the dining room.

    • February 12, 2021 / 11:34 am

      Hi Sally, I’d personally say go for it. But then I’m biased as my living room used to be decorated in the amazing Richmond Park wallpaper by Zoffany.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.