Talking wallpaper design with Tim Wilman and Melanie Adams
Tim Wilman, the visionary Creative Director and founder of SketchTwenty3, boasts an illustrious career spanning over four decades within the luxury interiors market. His discerning eye for colour, honed from the tender age of 15, began its journey as he trained as an apprentice specialising in the art of hand-painted wallpaper. This early immersion in meticulous craftsmanship laid the foundation for his subsequent ventures into the pinnacle of Parisian luxury. In Paris, Tim collaborated with elite design houses along the prestigious Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Here, he supplied lavish artworks to the most exclusive companies that provide designs for the likes of YSL and Christian Dior. Tim returned to the UK to set up his own design studio and went on to become Art Director of Coloroll. In 2000, he founded ArtHouse, one of the worlds leading wallpaper suppliers which he then sold, in 2007. In 2012 Tim set up SketchTwenty3, a studio dedicated to the creation of luxurious wallcoverings.
Now, in 2024, Tim has collaborated with wallpaperdirect on a new venture, Timothy Wilman Home, creating an exquisite collection of contemporary wallpapers. This new collection draws inspiration from a rich archive of timeless designs, seamlessly blending heritage with modernity and beautifully reflecting today’s interpretation of luxury interiors.
Above: Osterley
Sometimes the best place to make a bold statement is in the most neutral of spaces. This pristine, modern white kitchen is elevated by the bold use of Osterley, an exquisite botanical wallpaper designed to be a visual feast of lush foliage and succulent fruits. The design features tropical palm leaves intertwined with clusters of ripe grapes, pineapples, and exotic citrus fruits, creating a welcoming vibrancy in the heart of the home.
Above: Tatton
Tim has created a collection which includes classic wallpaper designs – these are the building blocks for any large scheme – the always reliable, ‘go anywhere’, timeless backdrops of any space. Tatton is one of these. In this serene beach-house-inspired sitting room, the understated elegance of the ticking stripe creates a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication.
Above: Highgrove
Highgrove wallpaper transforms the space in this boutique-style bedroom – the traditional floral design, with its trailing leaves and profusion of blousy roses, brings a harmonious blend of old-school florals and contemporary chic, offering a tranquil yet stylish retreat from the outside world. We love the restrained palette of black, white, and brown; this blend of classic botanical motifs with a contemporary monochromatic scheme results in a fresh, elegant, and highly adaptable decor choice.
Above: Knightsbridge
We were always going to include a fresh tropical design in our collaboration with Tim, it is such an enduring trend and one which has recently evolved to become crisper and fresher than before. The harmonious blend of a clean white background and digitally printed design on this Knightsbridge wallpaper creates a unified aesthetic that is both visually stimulating and deeply relaxing.
Above: Marlborough
Utility rooms, laundry rooms and washrooms are truly the best spaces to unleash your bolder creative side. Small enough to experiment with a true style statement and ideal for treating yourself to a more expensive wallpaper, they are often some of our favourite rooms for makeovers. What’s not to love about this spectacular little space? It’s packing a whole lot of style-punch from just one roll of wallpaper!
Above: Henley
Henley is one of the many useful coordinates included by Tim. Using a small-scale plaid as a neutral wallpaper can be a clever way to add texture and interest to a room without overwhelming the space. Henley’s subtle pattern and warm colourway adds depth without being distracting, making it a versatile option and allowing the flexibility to mix and layer it with other patterns.
Above: Covent Garden
Taken from a library of archive design, Covent Garden is a beautiful chinoiserie inspired wallpaper. This enduring design style continues to captivate with its timeless allure, and we especially love this classic design reimagined by Tim in a vibrant lime green hue, perfectly combining the refreshing blend of tradition and innovation.
Below: Studley
We adore Studley in Bright Coral! Tim has taken a a traditional Toile du Jouy design, typically known for its intricate pastoral scenes, and daringly re-coloured it in bright orange tones. This design will serve as a powerful focal point, injecting energy and personality into the room. We think this is a perfect dining room wallpaper which will create an environment that not only stimulates conversation and energy but also exudes warmth and hospitality. Balance the vibrancy of the wallpaper with neutral elements in the room. This could include neutral-coloured curtains, rugs, and accessories to prevent the space from feeling too overwhelming.
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Timothy Wilman colour stories…
Green stories
Green is trending as a favourite wallpaper search term, probably due to the versatile and calming qualities of this colour. Green tones bring a sense of tranquility and balance to any space, making it ideal for creating a serene atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Blue stories
Blue tones and particularly blue and white combinations maintain timeless appeal in interior design. Its a favourite colour combination among interior designers seeking to evoke a sense of harmony and balance as it adapts to various design styles and preferences with ease – and will always look both classic and elegant.
Tim has carefully selected shades of yellow that balance warmth and brightness, such as a soft mustard and bold ochre, to add a sense of cheerfulness and colour sophistication within the collection. The juxtaposition of the traditional and contemporary through yellow wallpaper feels both timeless and refreshingly current, making it a versatile choice with a touch of modern flair.
Monochrome stories
We included a selection of strong monochrome wallpaper designs, including black and white and shades of grey, to offer a lasting and elegant aesthetic. These wallpapers are incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous design schemes, from minimalist to industrial to classic.
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1 thought on “Talking wallpaper design with Tim Wilman and Melanie Adams”
I really enjoyed this video, we don’t often know who’s the artist behind the designs. I especially loved the bedroom with the roses wallpaper, romantic and modern, just so elegant! I would love to see more of these videos with the different designers discussing their works.