our process
At Meander Wallcoverings, we believe that beauty unfolds when we take a moment to pause and observe. As Nathaniel Hawthorne so wisely noted,
'Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.'
This philosophy resonates deeply within our creative journey—each pattern begins not with hurried inspiration, but with a quiet, open heart, ready to embrace the wonders of nature.
a chance encounter with inspiration
Each Meander wallcovering has a unique origin rooted in the natural world. Just as happiness alights unexpectedly, so too do our inspirations find us when we hold space for awe and reverence towards nature's grandeur.
Take, for instance, the story of our beloved Moth Dance pattern. One crisp autumn morning, as I let the dog out, I found a Long-tailed Skipper resting on the back steps—a petite gift from nature. Instantly, visions of this moth-butterfly hybrid began to dance through my mind, and I knew I had to capture its essence through brush strokes. What started as a simple rendering of varying moth sizes evolved, layer by layer, into a pattern of rich depth and texture, mirroring the metamorphosis of the creature itself.
the dance of color
Once the initial pattern takes form, we turn our focus to colorways—a process steeped in thoughtful consideration and collaboration. Color is more than just a visual choice; it’s a reflection of the story the wallcovering is meant to tell.
For Moth Dance, inspiration struck during a conversation with a dear friend, Pam, who was in search of a traditional palette of crimson and golden yellow. Though I naturally lean toward cooler hues, I found myself envisioning the vibrant Vermillion Gold colorway. It was a step outside my comfort zone—a reminder that the most beautiful ideas often emerge when we remain open to life’s little nudges.
crafting the canvas
With the pattern and colors in place, we shift our focus to substrates—the foundation that brings our designs to life. This is where co-founder Mark Simon’s decades of expertise truly shine.
Whether it’s the depth of metallics in a cozy, candle-lit space or the durability of wipeable substrates for high-traffic areas like kitchens and mudrooms, we thoughtfully select the perfect medium for each design. Grasscloths and custom textures add tactile richness, ensuring the final product marries form with function
bringing the vision to life
Our collaborative process with our North Carolina-based printer allows us to fine-tune patterns efficiently. Each final product is tested, celebrated, and finally, returned to nature for one of our whimsical photoshoots—bringing our creative journey full circle. In this way, every roll of Meander Wallcovering tells a story of quiet observation, artistic craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the natural world.
We invite you to slow down with us, to wander as you wonder, and to discover how nature’s paper trail can transform your space. Our hope is that in a world moving ever faster, you will find a moment of stillness in the patterns we create—each telling a story, each inspiring reflection.
