Here is a perky design that seemed appropriate for a summer post. Printed in shades of pink and green this floral stripe pattern is quite striking in its intensity. While this all but screams late 1960s it is a fun design that could work beautifully in a maximalist interior today.
Different shades and hues of reds and greens were used to create vibrancy in this pattern, you can just feel the energy radiating from these colors. The inclusion of the white flowers was quite clever as it prevents the color scheme from becoming overwhelming and creates a sense of movement as the eye tends to gravitate towards these pigment voids.
Woodson Wallpapers, founded by A. Woodson Taulbee in 1956, was known for its use of pure and vivid colors, making a break from a market dominated by pastel colors. Woodson is also credited for reviving the popularity of matching wallpaper and fabric, with most of his wallpaper designs available in a matching linen or cotton fabric.
This design is one from a gift of eleven Woodson wallpapers donated by the manufacturer in 1969. Ranging from florals to paisleys, all the designs in this gift sport this same design boldness and color intensity. Enough with minimalism already, bring on the color and pattern.
Greg Herringshaw is the Assistant Curator for the Wallcoverings Department at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
