A Kent Blaxill History of Wallpaper and Décor

A lot has changed since 1838 when we opened the doors to our first store. However, one thing hasn’t changed… the subtle joys of interior design and home décor. Whether that be the modern, sleek homes we see today, the vibrant, psychedelic homes of the 60s and 70s or the subtle timelessness of pre-war townhouses, the goal is the same – to create a comfortable and inviting living space that we call home.

If you have ever been curious to know how interior design has changed throughout the years, including popular interior décor trends during specific periods of history, we are taking a look back in time. Today, we are going all the way back to the industrial boom of the Victorian era to look at the homes and designs of yesteryear.

The Victorian era.

When we think of the Victorians, it is very easy to get caught up with the niches that have stood out over the last 150 years, Oliver Twist, Charles Darwin, and Queen Victoria to name a few. It is also very easy to think of the comparable brutal nature of the time with cities shrouded in deep smog and working days that make even the worst days now seem like a doddle.

However, it is easy to forget some of the beautiful examples of Victorian homes and décor that we have left to view and admire today. Think of the finest woodwork, extravagant covings and the boom of imported materials that made the Victorian homes a class ahead of their predecessors. The themes of the era took great inspiration from the themes of the century, including the Royal Family and the industrial revolution to name a couple. It birthed the roots of what we would now call contemporary modern design.

Image Credit: Little Greene

If you want to spice your home up with hints of the Victorian era, Farrow and Ball have just what you might be after… Farrow & Ball Silvergate puts a modern hue on to a classic design! This range features ornate flourishes in various shades, from light and bright hues, such as Farrow and Ball Silvergate BP827 Wallpaper to neutral shades, such as Farrow and Ball Silvergate BP802 Wallpaper.

Farrow & Ball’s St Antoine range is also a great choice for those looking to add a luxurious feel to their homes. This range builds on the grand aesthetic of the era, featuring opulent damask patterns available in various colours, including Farrow and Ball St Antoine BP947 Wallpaper. Little Greene also offers a wide range of stunning wallpapers suited for a Victorian-styled home, such as Little Greene Brodsworth Consort Wallpaper.

Early 20th Century (1918-1939)

Moving on from the rapid expansion of the Victorians, we come to the early 20th Century and, more specifically, Post World War One and Pre-World War Two. In a time greatly dampened by the effects of the war, it is easy to forget some of the great moves forward we made as a society. After the First World War, the wealth gap between the greatly rich and wickedly poor closed drastically, allowing the everyday person to live in a space which suited them.

Think of the sleek and modern look of roaring 20s design, inspired by the luxurious ocean liners and rapidly developing air industry, whilst also moving away from the constraints of war-torn Britain. As the 30s rolled around so did the origins of the colour palette still popular today. More neutral and cooler colours were in with soft greens and royal blues paired with whites, golds and light greys becoming a huge trend. As interior design changed, so did the way we perceived our houses. Many houses from this era resemble a modern art sculpture more than that of a home, this is reflected in the interiors with sleek contemporary modern patterns draping the walls.

Image credit: Farrow & Ball

If any of the trends described take your interest why not transform your home with our wallpaper patterns? At Kent Blaxill, we have over 4500 patterns at your fingertips. So, whether you want to add a touch of the 19th-century elegance to your home or want to capture the subtle tones of the era, we have it all. For example, Farrow & Ball’s Lotus range, such as Farrow and Ball Lotus BP2051 Wallpaper, features an Art Nouveau inspired Lotus design that will add a dash of 19th century sophistication to any property whilst the Farrow & Ball Tourbillon range, such as Farrow and Ball Tourbillon BP4809 Wallpaper, is inspired by the early 20-century French silks. Little Greene Pines Ash Pine Wallpaper is also a great option. This wallpaper design is drawn from an early 19th-century silk kimono of pine trees emerging from the clouds.

Mid-Century-Modern

Maybe the absolute pinnacle of interior design was the era known as Mid-Century-Modern or Madness (depending on how you view it!). A time inspired by the modern evolution of the world, from the space race to the jet age, the rock and roll boom, atomic prosperity and the psychedelic 70s, the work produced in this era by names such as Ray Eames, Arne Jacobson and George Nelson is timeless even in its aged appearance. It is easy to spot from a mile off.

Image credit: Little Greene

The interior design of this era features space age inspired patterns with loud blues, yellows and oranges dominating the colour palette. Homes took on a much more complex design with high vaulted ceilings, enormous skylights and staircases out of a sci-fi set. As the 70s rolled around so did the advent of textured wallpaper such as woodchip and anaglypta. The house of the time became more of an artistic expression of the designer and occupants rather than just a living space.

Fancy giving your home a bit of Mid Century spice? We have a vast selection of Mid Century inspired wallpaper patterns, from Farrow and Ball Yukutori BP4307 Wallpaper to Farrow and Ball Arcade BP5304 Wallpaper. The latter wallpaper is inspired by the Art Deco movement that characterised design in the 1940s. Little Greene Low Wave Lavaliers Wallpaper is another fantastic choice for homes looking to add a touch of the 70s.

The 1980s

The 1980s is synonymous with neon lights, arcade games, thrash metal and glam rock. A decade defined by flamboyance. This trend is reflected in the interior design of the era with extravagant glass brick walls/windows and colours that electrified even the plainest of rooms. Wallpaper was no exception, the anaglypta and woodchip styles adorned with pastel colours and repeating patterns which brought the rooms to life. With floral bedrooms, naval bathrooms and futuristic living rooms, it was a truly eccentric time.

Image credit: Farrow & Ball

With our extensive range of wallpapers, there is certain to be something for everyone’s taste. Farrow & Ball offer a vast array of wallpapers that would fit into the 80s better than jean jackets and leather trousers, from animal print wallpaper, such as Farrow and Ball Ocelot BP3701 Wallpaper, to striking stripes, such as Farrow and Ball Closet Stripe ST351 Wallpaper. For a hint of colour, Little Greene Tailor Stripe Pastel Wallpaper is a must-have.

The 90s & 2000s

Whilst decoratively wallpaper may have taken a back seat, it could be argued this era birthed the modern feature wall. In a time known for its cringe-worthy trends, such as inflatable furniture, and iconic vibrant aesthetic that never died, it is easy to forget where it all came from – the home. There were various sides to interior design in the nineties. The minimalistic design of clean white and beige interiors started to make its appearance in spaces such as Calvin Klein’s flagship NYC store. Whilst in most people’s homes, design was the complete opposite, with bright colours, prints, patterns and textures taking over. Think: beaded doorway curtains, flower patterned wallpaper, multi-coloured patterns and lava lamps.

The 2000s were a more relaxed time when it comes to interior design. Open floor plans became a home staple, making spaces more inviting for all and lighter woods took the place of darker shades of wood. However, not everything about the 2000s was subtle and understated. Remember shabby chic spaces and Tuscan-style bathrooms?

Image credit: Farrow & Ball

To find that retro feeling in your own home, why not adorn a tired-looking wall with a feature of Farrow and Ball Bamboo BP2107 Wallpaper, Farrow and Ball Feather Grass BP5103 Wallpaper or Farrow and Ball Peony BP2303 Wallpaper. All available online at Kent Blaxill.

Looking to revamp your home?

At Kent Blaxill, we have absolutely everything you could possibly need to give your home that retro look or quaint Victorian vibe. From paint, such as emulsion paint, to wallpaper, such as patterned wallpaper (and even all the decorating tools you will need – from paint brushes to paint rollers and more!). We stock a variety of wallpaper brands besides Little Greene and Farrow & Ball, including Galerie and Cole & Son.

Feel free to ask us any questions you may have by simply chatting to our online assistant, or alternatively please feel free to call your local branch where a member of staff will be more than happy to help you out. Happy decorating!