Expanding its reach from Upstate New York, Calico Wallpaper broadens its spheres of influence
Calico Wallpaper: A Journey of Alchemical Design
Calico Wallpaper, the renowned interior design brand, has made a name for itself in the upper echelons of the industry. Their unique, handmade designs, envisioned as wall murals instead of traditional rolls, can be found gracing the homes of Oscar winners, major company owners, and discerning clients.
The story of Calico Wallpaper began in 2012 with an art project by Rachel Cope, experimenting with the ancient craft of paper marbling. Alongside her partner Nick Cope, the couple launched their brand, creating designs that are both alchemical and ethereal.
Their latest collections, Alchemy and Enchantment, were inspired by their newly formed roots in Ghent. In collaboration with Janene Ping, a longtime educator and puppeteer at The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, these collections feature dreamy silk tapestries, made with all-natural dyes, translated into large-scale murals.
Rachel Cope has also experimented with jewel tones and deep colors, resulting in a playful series called Ensemble that taps into the inner child. The company's Design Director, Alexandra Karamallis, explains that the digitization process involves scanning the art, mocking it up digitally, and applying filters and digital processes.
Calico Wallpaper's collaborations extend beyond their upstate art studio. They have worked with notable figures in the industry, such as Faye Toogood, Daniel Arsham, and Colin King, as well as artists like Leilah Babirye, Howard Tangye, and Avril Loreti. Their first collaborations included Woodlands, channeling childhood memories of rural England with British designer Faye Toogood.
The move to the Hudson Valley has helped Nick Cope grow the business, despite the absence of a central office. The slower pace and fewer distractions of upstate life have provided the perfect environment for creativity to flourish.
Calico Wallpaper's success is also evident in their recent expansions. They have moved to a separate office in Red Hook, relocated their design offices to the Hudson Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic, and opened a physical showroom in Tribeca.
Their latest collections include Unami, a tulip tree-inspired series with artist and Lenape leader Joe Baker, and Supernova, a celestial-themed collection with New York's Studio DB. Each art panel from Calico Wallpaper can be custom-fit to your space, making them one of a kind.
With their unique designs and commitment to collaboration, Calico Wallpaper continues to push the boundaries of interior design, creating spaces that are as beautiful as they are unique.
