The age-old craft of tapestry weaving is enjoying a resurgence thanks to a new wave of contemporary textile designers. Along with these modern pieces traditional tapestries are still beloved by decorators for their ability to add texture, colour and perhaps a touch of grandeur to a room.
The salvage firm that sourced an 18th-century piece
This tapestry, dating from 1780, informed many of the decorating choices in this London home. One of the first items chosen by the clients of Maria Speake, co-founder of interior design and salvage firm Retrouvius, for their home, ‘it represents a touch of richness, age, warmth and texture,’ they reflect.
The pattern-filled lodge surrounded by nature
This vibrant lodge nestled in South Africa’s Kruger National Park mixes geometric patterns of varying colour and scale to great effect. This playful abstraction continues into the bedroom, where a tapestry created by a local artist hangs over the bed. ‘We studied the classic designs of the 1960s and 70s to inspire the South African artisans and craftspeople that we commissioned,’ notes designer Boyd Ferguson, adding ‘there is a definite mid-century modern feel throughout Sweni Lodge.’
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The original tapestries in an English country house
This Grade II-listed manor house was reimagined by CSK Architects who meticulously stitched together past and present to create a home fit for contemporary life that also honours its heritage aspects. This grand entrance features the home’s original tapestries, now cocooned in new wooden frames, while Barber Osgerby’s striped ‘Tobi-Ishi’ table for B&B Italia adds a bit of monochromatic drama to the serene scene.
The delicate tapestry in a Parisian mansion
The ‘In the Manner of Hanon’ tapestry by Brooklyn artist Myles Bennett sets the tone in this space, with its soft streaks of blue, orange and pink reflected throughout the room. A ‘L’OiseauI Botte’ rug by Delphine Chopard for Roche Bobois echoes the colour scheme while lime-washed walls frame Marcel Wanders’ upholstered ‘Dream’ headboard and bedside table for Poliform. The cushions and bedspread are from Mapoésie and the ‘Tolomeo’ reading lights are by Michele De Lucchi for Artemide.
The bedroom decorated with verdure fabrics
Printed fabrics are a clever way to incorporate the feel of tapestry into a home – this London bedroom features not one but two such textiles. Interior designer Rachel Chudley paired Dedar’s ‘Schwarzwald’ fabric in ‘Verdure’, with Watts 1874’s ‘Hampstead Verdure’; the latter covers the homeowner’s original bed and side tables.
The modern tapestry inspired by an age-old story
Multi-disciplinary designer Laurids Gallée was inspired by the tragic love story of 16th-century count Ladislaus von Fraunberg when designing this contemporary tapestry. It hangs here in the snug of a Melbourne home designed in collaboration between Pandolfini Architects and interior decorator Simone Haag. It is situated above an ‘Urban Curve’ sofa by Kolbi Living, upholstered in fabric by Stout.
The leafy wallpaper on the route of the Camino
This verdant wallpaper from Pierre Frey ‘is typical of Aubusson productions of the 17th and 18th centuries,’ and depicts a vantage view from the edge of a forest. It’s a fitting choice for the dining area of this boutique hotel in the village of Lectoure that welcomes pilgrims who walk along the Saint Jacques de Compostelle, the paths of which are similarly green and leafy.
The Parisian home bursting with pattern
The home of graphic designer and illustrator Pierre-Marie brims with his own artistic creations. The eye-popping kitchen/dining room features one of his floral tapestry designs, handwoven by Manufacture Robert Four d’Aubusson – it clashes spectacularly with the printed melamine surfaces that are also his own designs.
The show apartment decorated with antiques
There’s an inherent challenge to designing a show home – it must appeal to a broad audience but also retain character. When it came to creating this apartment in London’s iconic Whiteley building Joyce Wang sourced antique pieces from around the globe, working with the likes of Pinton, a third-generation tapestry and rug maker. A tapestry titled ‘La Grande Porte Bleue’ hangs above the Cappellini dining table.
A London home that showcases British excellence
The home of Mary Portas, champion of British brands, is similarly filled with pieces from UK-based designers and makers. Artist Grayson Perry’s larger than life and intricately made tapestries are true collectors items, and his piece ‘Britain is Best’ hangs here above the fireplace, cannily summing up the energy and outlook of this homeowner.
