You may have noticed that I’ve selected a trellis pattern for my bathroom wallpaper {post here}. I spent countless hours browsing wallpaper books and the second I laid eyes upon it, I knew this was the one.  Technically, it’s a quatrefoil shape used in a trellis pattern, but I’m just going to refer to it as a trellis design for simplicity.  I chose this particular pattern because it has a clean, more modern look, which will contrast nicely with the antique dresser I’m using as a vanity.  But what’s funny about saying that it has a modern look is that the trellis pattern isn’t modern at all!  In fact, it’s a classic pattern that dates back to 1800’s.

 

 

“Have nothing in your houses which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” – William Morris, 1880

 

Taken literally, a trellis pattern is based on the function of an actual trellis, which is a frame of latticework used to support fruit trees and other climbing plants.  In the mid-1800’s, William Morris {1834-1896}, a famous English textile designer, began to shift his focus away from painting and onto wallpaper design.  His first design, created in 1864, was called “Trellis” and was based his home’s garden in Kent. And so began the prolific use of the trellis pattern in textiles, prints, and wallpapers.

 

Today’s classic trellis design reflects an updated, simpler look where foliage has been removed and only the latticework remains, often consisting of graceful lines and curves.

 

 

But more geometric versions of the trellis design have emerged in recent years.

 

The design has made its way into all faucets of home decorating, including accent pillows, walls, draperies, rugs, and more.  Typically featuring two, maybe three, colors, it adds a lot of interest to a space without overpowering it.

 

What’s great is that this pattern works equally well in a variety of decorating styles, from Traditional, to Transitional, Modern, and everything in between.

 

 

I recently purchased a trellis curtain panel that I’m turning into a window valence for the kitchen and I’ll share photos of that project once it’s done.  In the meantime, I’m sitting tight waiting for the wallpaper to arrive and crossing my fingers that it’s *just” what I wanted!

 

 

Would you like to receive my posts via email? Enter your email address below. You will instantly receive an email from FeedBurner and you will need to click the link to activate your subscription.

Enter your email address:Delivered by FeedBurner