Graham & Brown was founded by Harold Graham and Henry Brown in 1946 during a paper shortage. Today, they sell wallpaper that spices up spaces and and helps people turn houses into homes. I spoke with Paula Taylor, Graham & Brown’s Color & Trend Specialist about what Graham & Brown does, and what trends we expect from them going forward.
Does Graham & Brown do custom designs for homes or individuals?
Yes, both.
Where can someone find/purchase Graham and Brown?
On this website.
When will the next Graham & Brown collection or design be released? Can you give us any hints as to what it will look like?
Graham & Brown will release their next Color of the Year and Wallpaper of the Year in September 2021–stay tuned!
Where do you find inspiration for new designs?
We have a vast 30,000-piece archive that we often look back to for inspiration for future pieces. It is really great for understanding how trends have changed and will continue to change moving forward. We also do extensive trend research and have various stories that we work to refresh and update every four to six months. [By] keep[ing] them as relevant and forward thinking as possible, [it] helps us capture any satellite trends that emerge.
What are some of the most popular designs Graham & Brown has created?
Boreas has been a popular design choice, tapping into the botanical look that has always been prevalent, but has taken on a new lease of life in recent months. This [popularity] has been highlighted through the biophilia trend of bringing the outside in. Other customer favorites are geometrics such as Palais–elegantly simple with a nod to the Art Deco, rounded styling we are seeing more of.
Can you tell us what styles and trends are popping up for the summer?
Whilst there has been a growing trend for feature walls, we are also seeing more people wallpapering all four walls to make a real statement. The latest trend is for the ceiling to be wallpapered too, furthering that statement look. By papering the ceiling, the edges of the room appear to blur, and you create a cozy feel that appears limitless.
We are also seeing trends that can help reduce stress, such as balance and geometry, [due to] a need to create order in these uncertain times. Simplified structures and architectural references with a repetitive pattern will calm the senses and bring order to the chaos, [as] comfort is found in the routine.
The biophilia trend will remain key for summer as we see organic imagery taking over. It brings the outside in and connects us with natural elements. This connection is of ever-increasing importance to our health and wellbeing in urban society. Research has shown that even indirect elements of nature help reduce stress, blood pressure and heart rates, as well as promote wellbeing.
Next time you are looking to re-do your home, office, apartment, or even dorm room, think of Graham & Brown and check out their website!
