Hello, greetings, and welcome to The Seam’s inaugural issue. I have been dreaming (for quite some time) of generating something positive to put out into the world, and this is it, my love letter to design and the creative spirit. Whether you’re scrolling through on a coffee break or curled up with your favorite blanket after work, I’m thrilled to have you here!
If you’re wondering why this digital magazine is called The Seam, the reason is twofold. First, we work with wallpaper seams all the time (butt seams, overlap seams, and double cut seams). A well-aligned wallpaper seam is the hallmark of expert craftsmanship, and it creates a seamless visual flow. Second, the seam is where things come together and, in a figurative sense, it’s where all the ideas begin to unite. In design, collaboration is essential — diverse perspectives spark creativity — it helps refine ideas, and leads to more thoughtful solutions than any one mind could produce alone. I am so grateful to the trade partners (interior designers, architects, builders, decorators) and clients who have fueled this business for nine years. We have truly come together to form this amazing community!
Inside we will highlight some of the latest collections now available through WallTawk, focus on new launches, share behind-the-scenes stories, include other design categories that simply inspire us, and some real-life spaces that made us stop and swoon. From timeless textures to playful prints, the makers design with a deep love for the little details (and yes, even the seams!).
Design isn’t about perfection — it’s about expression, and it’s about process. So don’t be afraid to mix, match, layer, strip back, or go full maximalist.
Thanks for being part of our creative little corner of the world. Let’s continue our patterned journey! xx,
Verte in Mink
by Kelly Ventura
House of Hackney
My Picks For Patterns & Product
The Foliage Collection by Kelly Ventura is here!
1. Fabric collection by Kelly Ventura x Subrella
2. Solar from Emma Hayes, New Zealand
3. Tablescapes from The Lawns 4. Printed grasscloth from Papier 5. Textiles Collection from Twenty2
Check Mate
From fabrics to tile, squares make their next big move.
I’ve long been inspired by chess and checkerboard patterns. My father played chess, as does my husband and my older son…and I was semi-officially ordained as the assistant-to-the-assistant chess coach at our local elementary school! I suppose you could say that I’m nostalgic for this sort of design, which is being creatively reimagined in contemporary applications such as handbags, rugs, wallpaper, art and home accents. Here’s a round-up of some innovative designs that have redefined the classic pattern in a contemporary way.
Lucille wallpaper by Pierre Frey
Chess Swivel Chair from Sister by Studio Ashby
Herbs birchwood tray from Hunt and Bloom
Kelly Ventura Design
Interior landing by Yond Interior
Published in Rue Magazine
Chess pattern from Eskayel
Moyen messenger bag in natural & cream woven checker by Clare V
pool by
YSG Interiors by Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem. Project: Mo Jacobsen, Melbourne Australia. Architecture, interiors & editorial styling: YSG Studio (ysg.studio / @ysg.studio). Builder: LocBuild (@locbuild). Photographer: Anson Smart (ansonsmart.com / @smartanson).
Inflatbale
Mylle
Photo by Taylor Hall O’Brien
In Season
Gather ‘round patterns rooted in nature and picnic-ready charm.
Below: Interiors feature “Aunt
(cute cat!)
Closeup of “Spring Garden”
Left: Funghi wallpaper from Milton & King
Maude”
A new collection of beautiful hand-woven wool rugs that are playful and whimsical, by Jessica Helgerson
This page: New wallpaper patterns from the Solera collection by Tres Tintas
Fabrics by Flat Vernacular
JOURNEY TO...
Greece
Our family trip through the heart of the Mediterranean, paired with patterns from the Skopelos Collection by Fayce Textiles.
Swim - Daylight
Wallpaper photography by Joanna Chattman
Sail - Dawn
Sailing through the Cyclades (departing from Sifnos) with Captain Fabio, was one of the highlights of our trip. The turquoise waters were spectacular.
Swim - Twilight
Shape - Clay
We spent the morning wandering through Plaka, and walking up to the top of the Acropolis in Athens in order to see the Parthenon.
Soar - Dusk
Soar - Sunshine
Triple Take
Three designers, three visions— each reframing the way we see and live with design.
NCourtney Wells of LuSi Design
Courtney is an accomplished interior designer known for her ability to seamlessly incorporate clients’ personal styles while infusing a fresh perspective into familiar aesthetics. Her company is named for Courtney’s two daughters, Lucia and Siena.
Nestled in the heart of Bonnie Brae, the S. St. Paul Project, designed by Courtney, will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was one of the most rewarding and heartfelt collaborations I’ve had — a true labor of love alongside one of my favorite clients. We partnered closely with the architect and builder to thoughtfully shape every inch of the home.
My creative process is deeply personal and collaborative — it begins with truly listening. For this project, that meant understanding not just how my clients wanted their home to look, but how they wanted to feel in each space. From there, we layered texture, mood-driven lighting, custom furniture, and artful details to bring their vision to life. The result is a collection of spaces that feel dreamy, intentional, and effortlessly curated.
Wallpaper played such a meaningful role in this home, especially pieces from WallTawk. Each paper added soul, story, and subtle drama — the perfect finishing touch to bring character to each room.
As a designer, the most rewarding part of my work is helping people live in spaces that reflect who they are and how they want to move through the world. When it’s done right, design feels like magic — it feels like them.
What does your creative process look like?
It always begins with listening. I dive deep into how my clients live, what they love and dream of for their space. From there, it’s all about layering — texture, lighting, color, furnishings, and personality — to bring their story to life in a way that feels purposeful and elevated.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere — from travel and nature to fashion and architecture. But more than anything, I’m inspired by my clients. Their stories, energy, and lifestyle drive the narrative of each project.
Do you have a favorite kind of project?
Ground-up homes with thoughtful clients are my dream projects — and S St Paul is the perfect example. Being involved from the very beginning allows for a deeper connection to the space and the opportunity to create something truly cohesive and customized.
Most rewarding aspect of your work?
Hands down — watching my clients light up when they walk into their finished home. Knowing I’ve helped create a place that feels like an extension of who they are is everything.
Favorite design quote?
“Good design is a story — and every piece has a part to play.” –Unknown
HRachel Mercier
We are thrilled to be carrying the work of Brooklyn-based artist Rachel Mercier. Rachel’s designs are filled with inspiration from travels near and far, originally painted and drawn by hand, and expertly printed on the finest wallpaper grounds through her eco-conscious manufacturing partner in CT. Get to know Rachel!
How did you get your start?
I grew up in California where I spent a lot of time outdoors and in nature, which has always been a huge source of inspiration. I was lucky to have access to wonderful art classes as a kid, in high school and through college but didn’t pursue art as a major or a career even though it always tugged at me. After having kids, I started sketching and painting again as a form of self-care without any specific goal in mind. I didn’t have a lot of time, but was really consistent with my painting practice and it led to learning how to make patterns (from Skillshare classes!). I probably spent 1-2 hours a day (sometimes late at night!) practicing painting, making patterns and putting my ideas down. Eventually, I started sharing my work with friends and family which led to commissions, winning a contest with Bounty to design a paper towel, and some design/licensing work for clothing brands. And now, I just finished my first wallpaper collection which has been a dream of mine for years!
flows without much thinking or planning. Once I have all of my design elements finished, I scan my paintings and start playing around with them in Photoshop and Illustrator. Making the actual pattern is like solving a puzzle and this feeds the more analytical part of my brain which I love. I make a lot of patterns that I don’t use which is part of the exploration. Sometimes I’ll step away from a pattern for a year or two then will pick it back up.
Where do you find inspiration?
What does your creative process look like?
My process usually starts with sketching. This is my favorite part of the entire process. I love sketching because my brain stops thinking and my hand just moves and things flow. It’s a really magical thing! After I sketch some ideas, I will typically take my favorite parts and either refine the drawing or will dive in with painting and exploring color. Color is also one of my favorite parts of the process because it’s so crucial to capturing a feeling or vibe and this is another part of the process that really
Inspiration is really a feeling more than something specific. It usually strikes when I least expect it. I’ll feel moved by certain colors I see at a playground, or the shapes and light created by trees. Flowers are endlessly inspiring to me. Travel is also a huge source of inspiration.
Best
piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Three famous quotes that really stand out to me about making art. 1) The artist Paul Gardner said, “A painting is never finished - it simply stops in interesting places”. This
has really helped me manage any lingering perfectionism. 2) Rick Rubin “If you want to catch a fish, keep fishing and you’ll eventually catch one.”. This really speaks to staying consistent and continuing on the path. Eventually, the success will land. 3) Ira Glass famously speaks about closing the gap between your taste and your skill. When you begin something new, that gap is big and as you continue at it, you eventually start to close that gap. This is such a helpful way to think about practice, work and patience! The first two years of making things can be really humbling because it takes awhile to close that gap.
Who are some of your design inspirations?
In terms of artists, I love Paul Gauguin paintings. The bold colors and landscapes are charming and colorfulunexpected moments and modern. I love Frank Lloyd Wright and his connection to the earth and materials. I have so many beautiful pieces of pottery from travels and appreciate the artisans who made them and work within a community and transition are inspiring to me.
Do you have a favorite kind of project to work on, or is there one you love that was recently completed?
I recently made a sailboat wallpaper for my friend Tory who moved into a new house in CT after living
in Brooklyn for a long time. Her father passed away and left Tory a family sailboat that she spent a lot of time caring for and has become a big part of her kids’ life.She asked me to make a sailboat pattern featuring their family sailboat for the kids’ bathroom. It felt delightful and personal. It was an honor.
Do you have a most treasured home decor item or piece of art?
My mom used to bring me back a small decorative box or keepsake from all of her travels and I still have all of them! They feel really special to me because they were gifts from my mom and given to me at various stages in my life from all over the world. A murano glass perfume jar from Venice, a wood inlay box from Petra, a painted ceramic dish from Provence. I love them all! I also have two paintings I treasure from one of my favorite artists, Henry Isaacs.
Favorite podcast?
It’s not on anymore, but “On Being” with Krista Tippet is still an all time favorite. I’ll go back and listen to old episodes on the regular.
Drink of choice?
Pomegranate juice with seltzer and a squeeze of lime.
and pillows. I launched my studio, BRIANA DEVOE, at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair with my collection Hues of the High Desert, which includes nine watercolor painted floral patterns that capture the essence of the American Southwest.
What does your creative process look like?
I design out of my home studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I paint almost every day and my daughter who’s almost three now paints next to me. If I’m working on a wallpaper design, I scan and digitize the painting, then work in Photoshop to make the artwork into a repeating pattern. A good repeat takes a lot of time. Then I do the color work; making a perfect shade of sage green, coppery mica, or sunset pink is so much fun. When the files are finally ready for production,
Flowers, always, and the high desert landscape of Santa Fe, which inspired my collection Hues of the High Desert. I love the muted colors of the native plants, the colorful pops of desert wildflowers, and the stunning sunsets. I like to use handmade watercolor pigments from L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts. I’m inspired by the colors they offer and can’t wait to get back to the studio to play around with them. The way paint has its own expression is so beautiful. With watercolor there’s a lot of letting the paint and water do its thing on the paper, and I love how the paints decide where to mix and flow.
Best piece of career advice you’ve received?
A studio owner I worked for was very encouraging of my painting style (lots of self-portraits that were beautiful and emotionally intense), but encouraged me to paint
1500_Strikeoff_BRIANADEVOE_Big-Sagebrush
Hires_Samples_Wallpaper_BRIANADEVOE_Big
Hires_Wallpaper_BRIANADEVOE_Big Sagebrus
hires_Wallpaper_insitu_Motley_BRIANADEVOE_
flowers and botanicals, a more widely approachable subject matter, but in my style. That guidance became an important moment in my career development and provided a creative lesson: you can still be true to your artistic self but also adapt and evolve. Florals and nature became my primary inspiration, and my paintings still retain an emotional resonance.
Professional accomplishment you are most proud of?
he has a beautiful collection of monographs, which is where I discovered Mies Van Der Rohe and Luis Barragon. I like to imagine what wallpaper or fabric could exist in one of these incredible interior spaces. I strive to create designs that are simultaneously a bit vintage in feeling but also modern in color, movement, and scale. I suppose my varied inspirations reflect that.
Do you have a most treasured home decor item or piece of art?
Launching at ICFF because it was a challenging journey to get there. I was originally scheduled to launch my collection at the 2021 Architectural Digest Design Show in NYC, but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Then my dad got really sick and I switched focus to caretake for him until he passed in 2022. In the midst of all that, my husband and I moved from NYC to my hometown of Santa Fe, and we had our daughter here. So launching at ICFF was like coming back to myself as a designer after so many crazy life changes that took me away from my art practice.
Who are some of your design inspirations?
Traditional block printers of India, vintage William Morris wallpapers, and the Liberty archives. I’m also inspired by interior design; I love everything from World of Interiors to Site Unseen. My husband is a modernist architect and
A glass sculpture by LA-based artist Austin Fields that we discovered at Corazon Contemporary on Canyon Road here in Santa Fe.
Favorite podcast?
I always find inspiration from the Business of Home, and I also love Culture Study by Anne Helen Peterson. I appreciate her academic approach to culture and her focus on women in various aspects of society. I listen to Popapologist when I want my pop culture fix.
Childhood dream job?
I always wanted to be an actress, but I really don’t have the personality for it at all. I’m a pretty private person, so I’m glad I found my stride as an artist / designer. I also always dreamt of being a mother. Being a stay-athome-working-mom is my current dream job.
Lasting Looks, Lingering Details
Into The Wild
Wallpapers that bring nature’s drama indoors.
A wonderful installation by The Modern Nest’s Kimberly Pellegrino, using our Fayce Textiles wallpaper in her client’s home.
A custom
of
daughter
used by Amanda
of
4. Mind the Gap was used by our client Madeline in her Cheesman Park home powder room (so good!). 5. And, finally, the sweetest use of our These Walls (Australia) used by Theodora Esparza of Stilo Design. PC: Madeline Tolle, featured in Rue Magazine. 6. Plantasia, used in a stunning project by Sarah Stapp of the interior design firm, Brooks and Tenn.
1. Wrap that switch plate, featuring Abigail Borg! 2. The sweetest nursery for the
of Katie Knock/Hard Knock PR. 3.
print
Herbarium
Larrimer
Form Studio (swoon!).
If you’d like to be featured in the next issue, please email us at hello@walltalk.com and include hi-resolution images and credit information.
