by Quinn Riley
We’ve recently discovered (and are thoroughly obsessing over) CommonRoom - do y’all know this company yet?! Founded in 2014 by Kate Hawkins, CommonRoom is a designer wallpaper studio and shop brimming with inspiration from the vast world of art and interiors. In addition to their contemporary collection of commissioned designs, CommonRoom creates an annual archival line, giving nod to the great designs of the past. Since its start, CommonRoom has grown to house a great collection of wallpaper, cushions, and art—all boasting a rich complexity of history, symbolism, and creativity.
In 2016, CommonRoom launched its first archival design, inspired by a 1918 watercolor drawing by C.F.A. Voysey, an English architect, furniture, and textile designer. Entitled “Lioness & Palms,” this design comes in two colorways, “Midday” and “Midnight,” telling the story of time as it exists in nature. Voysey’s drawing was found in the archives of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and was quickly transformed into one of CommonRoom’s bestsellers. Pictured below is the original drawing from Voysey, alongside CommonRoom’s “Midday” colorway.
Another archival design, “Love Leaves,” was inspired by a small-scale 1800 watercolor found in a sketchbook of illustrator William Kilburn’s descendent, Gabriel Sempill. Kilburn was known for his lead botanical illustrations in Flora Londinensis, a book that describes the flora of 18th century London. Similar to “Lioness and Palms,” “Love Leaves” is yet another stunning reminder of nature’s beauty and its influence over the history of design. In the words of CommonRoom, “Love Leaves grounds us in the knowledge that the seasons will spring again, the sun will shine another day, the leaves will shoot once more.” Even the creation of this design gives ode to the original methods of its day—the technique of woodblock printing is used to give the wallpaper a lovely, handcrafted feel.
CommonRoom’s contemporary designs are filled with just as much substance as their archival pieces. Founding artist Kate Hawkin’s pattern, “Dressing and Undressing,” references the Bloomsbury group, a collection of 20th century intellectuals who were famously quoted to have “lived in squares, painted in circles, and loved in triangles.” These writers and philosophers, notably Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, Clive Bell, Desmond MacCarthy, and E. M. Forster, greatly influenced present-day views on feminism, sexuality, aesthetics, and criticism. The nude portraits in this pattern simultaneously ‘dress’ and ‘undress’ each room that they enter.
Another original design by Kate Hawkins, “Lucky Leaf,” brings hope and good fortune into each home that it enters. Even more lovely than the well wishes, a portion of each Lucky Leaf sale is donated to Design Havens for Heroes, a charity initiative launched by interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden. Bringing talented designers together and offering room makeovers, Francesca’s initiative creates personal ‘havens’ for the frontline workers of the COVID-19 Pandemic—a truly uplifting mission!
It is crystal clear that CommonRoom creates spaces with intention, keeping in mind the impact that interiors have on one’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Out of this deep warmth, CommonRoom’s “Hold mE.U.” cushions were born. In “blush” and “envy” colorways, with screenprinted linen hands, these Brexit pillows offer a hug in times of distress and trouble, a soothing message of inner-peace in moments of worry. These hand-finished duck-feather cushions are the perfect compliment to a tranquil space. Seriously, how amazing are these?! #musthaveoneormanyforourselves
Mindful of their carbon footprint, all of CommonRoom’s products are designed and sustainably produced in the UK. Making use of every last material, CommonRoom also sells authentic collage artwork, made from cuttings of wallpaper sample orders. Each piece is created in reference to Henri Matisse’s cut-outs and drawings, totaling a collection of 20 artworks. The off-cuts act as curtains as well as hair, giving the series the name “Don’t Draw the Curtains.” These striking portraits are available for purchase on CommonRoom’s site, each original in form.
Pairing spectacular designs with a genuine passion for history, sustainability, and humankind is CommonRoom’s essence. And based on what we’ve seen so far, we are holding our breath look for their next endeavor—be it wallpaper, cushions, art, or something entirely new!
PS. Looking for even more textile and wallcovering inspiration? Check out our little passion project - The Textile Files - on Pinterest. These rich boards are the go-to spot for our all time favorite textiles and wallpapers, all sorted by hue! You’ll definitely be finding CommonRoom’s patterns pinned there.
