About
One day, some time ago now, I wanted to draw little blue biro birds on my walls.
A little kookaburra hidden here, a little rosella to be found over there. I wanted to sketch leaves cascading down my hallway and scribble stars upon my roof…so I began to make wallpaper, drawing and sketching with my biro pen.
Slowly seeking out good people to work with who are ethical and kind, I was able to produce wallpaper prints close to my home in Sydney, Australia. I am continuing to grow my dreams of “the papered room”, using timeless design that creates calm visual conversation filled with organic lines and forms connected to the elements.
It’s pretty good here; I am a wallpaper lover.
Process
A visual gathering of leaves, flowers, flotsam and jetsam… the designs draw inspiration from the experience of togetherness, beauty and nostalgia.
Each design begins as an intricately hand-drawn biro artwork. These unique artworks then become repeats for both wallpaper and fabric, finding that beautiful space where art meets design.
The hand of the maker remains central to the design, bringing with it the joy of process and the presence of being in the moment. There is a quiet honesty and calm warmth in the work that brings a gentle layer of character into an architectural space.
Sustainability
All of the wallpaper and fabrics are designed and printed in Sydney, using non-toxic water based inks.
The papers are 30% recycled and 70% renewable.
The papered room prints all wallpaper and fabric to order to minimise wastage.
The core philosophy of the business is to not follow fashion trends and cycles, but instead make high end, quality and sustainable designs that can last a lifetime and more. All design decisions are based on these inspirations. The papered room has its own culture as ‘an antithesis to the throw-away society. We’re focused on making a high-quality product that is timeless.”
Quote: Wonderground.
We are aways looking for ways to be more sustainable, it is a constant evolution.
About Kate Swinson
Born in rural New South Wales, Kate’s childhood was spent climbing trees, floating down rivers, making treehouses out of wood, and venturing to untouched corners of the Australian bushland. It’s this freedom and immersion in nature that inspires her work today - a whimsical celebration of carefree childhood, infused with a reminder of the beauty, and fragility of the unique Australian landscape.
An artist by profession, Swinson completed her studies at RMIT University and the University of New South Wales School of Art & Design before embarking on a three-year stint designing homewares in Indonesia. It was there she ignited her passion for wallpaper and fabric, uniting her love of fine arts and homewares design with her desire to help people express their creativity and bring beautiful elements of the outdoors into their interiors. Kate launched her first wallpaper collection a few years later: a homage to Australia’s native flora and fauna and an invitation to step inside and discover the magic of childhood whilst inviting clients to create their own.
Today, Kate works with local interior designers, architects and furniture designers who share her love for slow design. Kate’s wallpapers and fabrics create beautiful textural narratives that are cherished by those who live, work and play in the space.
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SMH - True Blue by Georgie Gordon, August 2021
SMH - The New Neutrals by Georgie Gordon, February 2021
SMH 'The Source', - Georgie Gordon
Local design Hero. House & Garden.
Stellar living by Neil Whittaker.
Home Beautiful: Australiana style
Stellar: Floral tribute by Neale Whitaker
Inside out. Three of a kind - Louisa Bathgate
Inside out. Australiana - Jono Fleming
SMH The Source - Georgie Gordon
The Interiors Addict. Our top ten names in Australian wallpaper.
Aimee Tarulli Style collective
Country Style. August edition.
The Life Style Edit. Profile.
SMH. The Source by Alexia Biggs.
House and Garden. September issue
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Salon des refuses finalist
Front/Centre by DENFAIR
2018 Style Awards, House and Garden
HOME:MADE exhibition, DESIGN Canberra
At Home: Modern Australian Design exhibition, curated by David Clark at Old Government House
Australian Design Centre WORKSHOPPED19 exhibition
“Kate has combined a love of nature with a passion for creating environmental and ethically responsible surface design that explores our relationship with the unique Australian landscape whilst treading ever so lightly on our planet. She has turned her back on mass production, preferring small intimate production. Her upholstered artisan furniture pieces invite the client to connect and become part of a process of sustainability and ‘slow design’.”
