As a wallpaper designer, I’ve always been drawn to pieces that tell a story — and few designers tell a story as beautifully as William Morris. A pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris believed that our everyday surroundings should be beautiful, handcrafted, and full of life. From his iconic William Morris wallpaper to exquisite textiles, his designs bring a sense of history that’s perfect for creating nostalgic decor in any home.
One of William Morris’s most well-known sayings is “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” This statement perfectly reflects his philosophy within the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasising the importance of skilled craftsmanship and the harmony of beauty and practicality in everyday objects.
Morris championed thoughtful, high-quality design as a response to the mass-produced goods that were becoming widespread in his time.
Why I Can’t Get Enough of William Morris Wallpaper
I’ll admit it — I’m a little obsessed with Morris’s wallpapers. There’s something so magical about the way he captured nature in intricate patterns of flowers, leaves, and birds. It’s not just decoration; it feels like bringing a little story into your space.
I wanted to sprinkle that magic into your home, with a nod to the Arts and Crafts philosophy and medieval motifs used throughout Morris & Co's designs.
Morris & Co - Crafting More Than Just Beautiful Things
When Morris founded Morris & Co. in 1861, it was more than a company, it was a philosophy. From fabric for curtains to stained glass, furniture, and rugs, everything the company made was about craftsmanship and care, and about rejecting mass-production.
I love designing Morris & Co. style fabrics because they do something special: they bring a sense of hand-crafted luxury into a home without ever feeling stuffy. It’s that perfect mix of heritage style and complex pattern that makes a house feel like your home.
May Morris: A Creative Force in Her Own Right
I can’t talk about the Morris legacy without mentioning William’s daughter, May Morris. She was an incredible designer and embroiderer who carried forward her father’s love for handcraft while making her own mark. Her delicate, detailed embroidery designs are still inspiring today, and they remind me that every beautiful home tells a story through both big pieces and the small, thoughtful details, that tell a personal story about how you use and live in your home.
Why William Morris Still Inspires Me
For me, William Morris and Morris & Co. inspired designs for fabrics and wallpapers are a way to connect with history, craftsmanship, and artistry in a modern home. Whether you’re updating a cozy reading nook, creating a feature wall, or adding embroidered accents inspired by May Morris, these designs elements will make you happy.
I hope I have given you a bit of insight as to why of love Morris & Co's designs. And if you fancy it, why not explore my Wallpaper collections?
Until next time
April x