The Sydney-based designer Vicki Meintjes was selling pretty gift boxes and bags when a local restaurateur commissioned her to design a bespoke wallpaper for his tapas bar. The one-off project turned into a thriving business, and these days she screen-prints beautiful wallpapers by hand on 30 metre-long tables, then sells them by the roll or turns them into striking lampshades for her online shop, Dearwood.
Dearwood's Deer in Woods is quite a mouthful, but I like this design best. Think Cole & Son's classic Woods pattern but with a contemporary twist; it makes a fabulous lampshade. I'm also smitten with the unusual monochrome Horses wallpaper. It's perfect for a feature wall or an alcove - or a whole room if you're feeling brave.
If quirky is not really your thing, check out the pretty floral patterns on offer, such as Autumn Blossom, with delicate metallic blooms. Have a look at the Scandi design, too, which has a 1950s flavour and would suit a kitchen scheme for a retro diner look.
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The new Waves design is gorgeous. It feels slightly oriental and is reminiscent of Hokusai's woodblock waves. Available in dove grey or icy mint, it would look lovely in a bedroom.
In this digital age, handprinted papers such as these are rather special. Every order at Dearwood is unique and the texture of the paints gives these papers a luxurious look that mass-produced designs just can't compete with. It's worth noting that Meintjes can produce bespoke patterns and colours, too, so if you don't find quite what you're looking for on the website, let your imagination run riot and commission something original.
More good news: the DIY-challenged need not fear. All Dearwood papers are "paste-the-wall" types, so no need for messy pasting tables. Always a bonus.
For UAE shipping costs, visit www.dearwood.com.au, call 00 61 2 0438 028 019 or e-mail info.wallpaper@dearwood.com.au
