Design Lesson
Decorating trends: Grasscloth
![Decorating trends: Grasscloth](/assets/img/blank.gif?v=1721316075#https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-bc3c6c5f-7b6b-4ab2-acba-2d4e2ef37a0d-_-grasscloth-MEDIUM.jpg)
Decorating trends: Grasscloth
Design Lesson
Decorating trends: Grasscloth
A decorator staple in the '60s and '70s, grasscloth is enjoying a big comeback, with fresh designs being used in exciting new ways.
What is it?
A wallcovering made of woven plant fibres.
Where do you use it?
I count on grasscloth to provide a decorating element that defines a space. It works in both casual and formal living areas in traditional or contemporary interiors. Tip: Not the best choice for moist areas.
Why use it?
Grasscloth lends natural texture to a room and can add a jolt of juicy colour or bold pattern.
How do you install it?
Typically not pre-pasted, and wider than other wallcoverings, grasscloth can be difficult to manage when hanging. For large areas, I recommend hiring a pro. If you're an intrepid DIYer, go for it in smaller applications.
Who's using it?
Some of my favourite designers, like Jamie Drake, Mary McDonald and Windsor Smith.
1 The look Modern rustic
Why grasscloth works Today's designs epitomize the use of traditional materials in new ways -- like this metallic paper, which makes a salvage-glam statement when combined with raw wood.
Image courtesy of Crezana Design
2 The look: Updated classic
Why grasscloth works I was immediately drawn to this bedroom featuring a Phillip Jeffries grasscloth. Think of your space as a well-tailored outfit: the grasscloth is the beautifully textured suit fabric; the draperies, linens and accessories are like your silk blouse, scarf and jewelry, which pull it all together.
Image courtesy of Karyn Millet
3 Gutsy textures & colours
Palm and banana leaves bring exotic rough-hewn appeal to new traditional decor. Nowadays, grasscloth comes in a wide-range of saturated brights. Punch up a sunroom with one of these irresistible options.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Schumacher Natural Textures III Sachi Arrow Root in Aqua $86 per roll and Tapan Raffia in Light Red $120 per roll, through designers, bilbroughs.com. Phillip Jeffries Bahamas Raffia in Orange $177 per yard and Juicy Jute Grasscloth is Split Pea $47 per yard, crownwallpaper.com.
4 Elegant embroideries
Stitched designs are stunning for a powder room or dressing room. Splurge on a small amount -- think of it as art for your walls.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Peegee in Pink, Mandalay in Pistaccio, Jungle Fever in Twilight, through designers, crezana.com.
5 Shimmery metallics
Add striking iridescence to a dining room or study with metallicized grasscloth or cork wallcoverings.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Blue Mountain Wallcoverings Albert Van Luit Designer Program AVL 183802, avlwallpaper.com. 2010 Liquid Metal Madagascar in Mercury, through designers, crezana.com.
6 Punchy graphics
Refreshingly upbeat geometric patterns have brought grasscloth -- once mostly neutral -- into the 21st century. Boost the wow factor of a contemporary living or family room.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Phillip Jeffries The Voyage Collection Arches in Blue on ivory manila hemp $142 per yard, crownwallpaper.com. Fiorentina in Pea/Vanilla and Cala Luna in Aqua/Vanilla each $298 per roll, through designers, leejofa.com. Schumacher Natural Textures III Check Paperweave in Red $180 per roll, through designers, bilbroughs.com.
What is it?
A wallcovering made of woven plant fibres.
Where do you use it?
I count on grasscloth to provide a decorating element that defines a space. It works in both casual and formal living areas in traditional or contemporary interiors. Tip: Not the best choice for moist areas.
Why use it?
Grasscloth lends natural texture to a room and can add a jolt of juicy colour or bold pattern.
How do you install it?
Typically not pre-pasted, and wider than other wallcoverings, grasscloth can be difficult to manage when hanging. For large areas, I recommend hiring a pro. If you're an intrepid DIYer, go for it in smaller applications.
Who's using it?
Some of my favourite designers, like Jamie Drake, Mary McDonald and Windsor Smith.
![grasscloth-office.jpg](https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-dea089ab-67b4-48b2-b340-0c59b122211d-_-grasscloth-office.jpg)
1 The look Modern rustic
Why grasscloth works Today's designs epitomize the use of traditional materials in new ways -- like this metallic paper, which makes a salvage-glam statement when combined with raw wood.
Image courtesy of Crezana Design
![grasscloth-bedroom.jpg](https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-b4ff59fd-02e0-4fec-96a5-000590642c72-_-grasscloth-bedroom.jpg)
Why grasscloth works I was immediately drawn to this bedroom featuring a Phillip Jeffries grasscloth. Think of your space as a well-tailored outfit: the grasscloth is the beautifully textured suit fabric; the draperies, linens and accessories are like your silk blouse, scarf and jewelry, which pull it all together.
Image courtesy of Karyn Millet
![grasscloth-texture.jpg](https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-d8591237-baac-46e4-b547-4b50d44d310d-_-grasscloth-texture.jpg)
3 Gutsy textures & colours
Palm and banana leaves bring exotic rough-hewn appeal to new traditional decor. Nowadays, grasscloth comes in a wide-range of saturated brights. Punch up a sunroom with one of these irresistible options.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Schumacher Natural Textures III Sachi Arrow Root in Aqua $86 per roll and Tapan Raffia in Light Red $120 per roll, through designers, bilbroughs.com. Phillip Jeffries Bahamas Raffia in Orange $177 per yard and Juicy Jute Grasscloth is Split Pea $47 per yard, crownwallpaper.com.
![grasscloth-embroideries.jpg](https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-93c508b2-ce2b-4aff-8b1c-d10d6756a416-_-grasscloth-embroideries.jpg)
4 Elegant embroideries
Stitched designs are stunning for a powder room or dressing room. Splurge on a small amount -- think of it as art for your walls.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Peegee in Pink, Mandalay in Pistaccio, Jungle Fever in Twilight, through designers, crezana.com.
![grasscloth-metallics.jpg](https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-78cef6fd-4d0c-4af1-844d-eea8b68386bd-_-grasscloth-metallics.jpg)
5 Shimmery metallics
Add striking iridescence to a dining room or study with metallicized grasscloth or cork wallcoverings.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Blue Mountain Wallcoverings Albert Van Luit Designer Program AVL 183802, avlwallpaper.com. 2010 Liquid Metal Madagascar in Mercury, through designers, crezana.com.
![grasscloth-punchy-graphics.jpg](https://m1.quebecormedia.com/emp/sah_prod/style_at_home-_-d38a1d6f-ce3b-4d2d-b24f-939eed104bc2-_-grasscloth-punchy-graphics.jpg)
6 Punchy graphics
Refreshingly upbeat geometric patterns have brought grasscloth -- once mostly neutral -- into the 21st century. Boost the wow factor of a contemporary living or family room.
Wallcoverings {from left}: Phillip Jeffries The Voyage Collection Arches in Blue on ivory manila hemp $142 per yard, crownwallpaper.com. Fiorentina in Pea/Vanilla and Cala Luna in Aqua/Vanilla each $298 per roll, through designers, leejofa.com. Schumacher Natural Textures III Check Paperweave in Red $180 per roll, through designers, bilbroughs.com.
Comments