Mini Moderns’ designs
riff on mid-century
cultural references.
Their Paisley Crescent
wallpaper (above) was
inspired by the blend of
Indian and Western
cultures prevalent
during the 1960s.
Opposite: a 1960s home
with original parquet
and open-tread stairsW
here does an obsession with
mid-century design come
from?Ifyou’reanythinglike
us,itkicksinatanearly
stage. Over the years, we’ve
each amassed a collection
offartoomuchcrockery,clothes,magazinesand
fabric–allpickedupatcarbootsalesandjumble
sales for next to nothing. Mid-century style means
Scandi design classics to some people and thrift store
treasurestoothers,butitspansthewholeperiod
from mid-1930s to early 1970s. When we began,
crockerywasinplentifulsupplyviacarbootsand
charityshops.Welearnedwhatweliked–from
HornseatoMidwinter,SusieCoopertoJessieTait.
An avid interest in the Festival of Britain, the 1951
exhibition on London’s Southbank, which
showcasedallthatwasnewinBritishdesign,
followed. This was our introduction to the work
ofdesignerssuchasLucienneandRobinDayandthe post-war style that we still love today.
So,itwasano-brainerthat,whenwestartedto
thinkaboutourfirstMiniModernswallpaper
collection, our shared passion for mid-century
designwouldinformourwork.
Beingfascinatedbyallaspectsof20thcentury
culture,socialhistoryhasamajorinfluenceonour
work,ashastravel.Sometimes,inspirationstrikes
closertohome–manyofourdesignshavesprung
fromourloveofTV,filmandliterature.Andthen
there’sourpassionformusicandthegraphicsand
visualsthataccompanyit.
We’reinterestedinusingthespiritofmid-century
design as a springboard for a contemporary style
that’s firmly rooted in 21st-century living. Let’s call
it Mini Modernism. It’s about bringing together the
thingsyoulove,andadaptingtheoddunlovedpiece,
tocreateacoherentinteriorscheme.It’sabouttelling
yourownstoriesthroughyourhome,havingfun
with colour and pattern, and creating your take on »WAYS TO PLAY
WITH WALLPAPER
Top drawer Upcycle a sideboard or
chest of drawers by lining each drawer
with wallpaper for an unexpected hit of
pattern each time you reach for a spoon.
Shelf conscious Treat box shelves like
picture frames and wallpaper the back
of each one in a contrasting design.
On the rise If you have uncarpeted stairs,
wallpaper individual stair risers and
finish with several coats of hardwearing
varnish to protect them.
Be dazzled Wallpaper a landing’s walls
and ceiling in a bold geometric paper.114
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