Claire Coles Wallpaper Panels

Why It's Good:

One-of-a-kind works of art, Claire Coles' wallpaper panels instantly transform a room from simple to special.

Why It's Green:

Coles hand-makes her pieces using vintage wallpapers, which cuts down on the pollution and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new products.

Where To Get It:

http://clairecolesdesign.co.uk/
To see other examples of panels done by the designer, go to the website above and click on "Wallpaper." To buy, email the designer at claire@clairecolesdesign.co.uk for price quotes and for separate commissions.

Style Secret: Give Your Rooms Oomph in Seconds

The writing's on the wall. All over the wall, in fact. Junior took a stray crayon—and took advantage of your turned back for one second!—to bring to life his creative vision. And no offense to his masterpiece, but it wasn't quite what you had in mind to complement the ethereal new window treatments in your living room. What would complement them, however, is a Claire Coles hand-sewn wallpaper panel.

Coles sources vintage floral or striped wallpapers and adds touches of her own dreamy yet compelling aesthetic. Using fabrics and contrasting scraps of wallpaper, she painstakingly stitches directly onto the panel, fashioning layered, textured images. The result is decidedly delicate and utterly unique. Past works have featured winding flowers, coquettish women, and an end table topped with a fringe-trimmed lamp. Add a panel to a dining or living room for a fresh and sophisticated statement that will accompany most any decor. It might even give Junior inspiration for his next great masterpiece—to be executed on construction paper this time around.