A bedtime story for design lovers

dvele / to linger or dwell

For the design of Dvele Inn, I envisioned a seamless blend of historic details and modern furniture and accessories, always planning to create something very unique to the tourism property market in Newfoundland & Labrador. Inspired by my travels, particularly in Europe, I wanted to create a vibe that made guests feel like they were at home — but better. A big departure from my usual Nordic-style vibe and inspiration, Dvele was a challenge I was excited to embark on. My jumping-off point was a wallpaper that instantly drew me in, and from here, the design was born. Arbutus, a paper originally designed by Kathleen Kearly, a member of the Morris & Co. design team, was designed on the eve of the First World War in 1914. Morris & Co. designs come with a rich backstory that all started with William Morris, a man who pioneered patterns that still resonate today.

This story is the very beginning of my inspiration for Dvele Inn. Paired with Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green HC-124, we used Arbutus by Morris & Co. as the foundation for the Inn’s design, available to order along with many other beautiful wallpaper options at SAM Design.

Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green HC-124 used at Dvele Inn in Regal Matte, available The Paint Shop

Arbutus by Morris & Co at Dvele Inn, available at SAM

THE STORY OF WILLIAM MORRIS

Once upon a time, in the quaint village of Kelmscott, there lived a man named William Morris. Known for his artistic genius, William had a passion for creating beauty that transcended the ordinary. One day, as he strolled through the lush meadows surrounding his home, he was struck by the vibrant colours of nature and the delicate patterns that adorned the petals of flowers.

Inspired by the enchanting sights around him, William felt a burning desire to bring this natural beauty into the homes of ordinary people. He envisioned a world where every wall could be a canvas, a testament to the wonders of the natural world. And thus, the idea of William Morris wallpaper was born.

With boundless creativity and a heart filled with reverence for nature, he set to work. He meticulously translated the intricate details of flowers, vines, and birds onto paper, capturing the essence of the meadows that had stirred his imagination. Each design was a testament to his love for craftsmanship and a celebration of the organic forms that surrounded him. As word spread of Morris's exquisite creations, people from far and wide were drawn to Kelmscott. They marveled at the magical tapestry of patterns that adorned the walls of his home. The William Morris wallpaper became more than just a decoration; it became a window into a world where art and nature co-existed harmoniously.

One day, a young couple named Eleanor and Thomas visited Kelmscott. They were captivated by the timeless beauty of the wallpaper that adorned Morris's home. The intricate patterns seemed to tell a story of nature's wonders, and they felt an instant connection to the artistry that surrounded them.

Upon returning to their own home, Eleanor and Thomas decided to adorn their walls with William Morris wallpaper. As they unrolled the wallpaper, they felt as if they were bringing a piece of Kelmscott meadows into their living room. The delicate patterns transformed their space into a sanctuary of tranquility, where every glance was a reminder of the beauty that could be found in the simplest of things.

The fame of William Morris's wallpaper continued to grow, touching the lives of countless individuals who sought a connection to nature and a sense of beauty in their everyday surroundings. Morris's legacy lived on in the homes that bore witness to his artistry, a testament to the enduring power of nature-inspired design.

And so, in the village of Kelmscott, the story of William Morris and his wallpaper became a cherished tale, passed down from generation to generation. The walls, adorned with his intricate designs, whispered of a time when a man's love for nature gave birth to a form of art that transcended the ordinary and brought beauty into the hearts and homes of all who beheld it.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM DVELE

Wallpapers have long been a foundation for many of our designs at SAM. Here’s a look at some of our most loved papers through the years, both in my own properties and those that we have used in our clients’ spaces: