Luxe Living

I've always had a bit of a fixation with wallpaper, more than likely due to the fact that growing up I was told that it was an old fashioned and impractical form of embellishment. My parents views on the decorative material clearly went in one ear and out the other because if I had my way, I'd turn every room into a canvas for different colors, textures and patterns.


Most of the colors, textures and patterns would most certainly be those of Timorous Beasties, purveyors of surreal and provocative wallpapers and fabrics. Their style has been described as "William Morris on acid" and features contemporary and uncompromising takes on antique wallpaper motifs.


Timorous Beasties was founded in Glasgow in 1990 by Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons. As well as wallpaper, they produce special commissions and projects which include graphic interpretations of images of flora, fauna and controversial scenes. Most notable of which is their infamous 'Glasgow Toile' collection, an 19th Century Toile de Jouy style portrayal of the homeless, crack addicts and prostitutes of Glasgow depicted against a forbidding backdrop of run-down tower blocks.


With names such as 'Devil Damask' and 'Oriental Orchid' and prints featuring reptiles and game in neon colors, their eclectic and unique wallpaper designs aren't for the faint of heart.

Currently listening to 'The Scale' by Interpol.