Fornasetti Still Fascinates

Cole & Son recently debuted their new Fornasetti II collection of wallcoverings, and I think it's a breath of fresh air...or maybe that should be flair.  Available in the U.S. through Lee Jofa, the collection features all kinds of eccentric designs such as pen nibs, umbrellas, walking sticks, and trompe l'oeil architectural niches. Rather than seeming silly, though, these designs are quintessential Fornasetti, dashing in appearance and plucky in attitude.

Take, for example, Magia Domestica, seen above.  It's a classic trompe l'oeil design with its open door, suit of armour, bookshelves, and drawn curtains.  On the other hand, Nuvolette, a white and black cloud design paper, is probably more versatile and suitable for those who prefer subtlety.  Regardless of whether you're a design renegade or someone who can tolerate just a hint of humor, you should take a look at the new collection.  Fornasetti's designs are truly unlike any other.

Teatro has to be one of my favorite prints from the collection, and it would be so appropriate for a home theater. In fact, it reminds me of this old Lancome ad, which also beguiled me when I first saw it:

I would paper the walls of a small foyer or coat closet with Promenade.  Or, perhaps the dressing room of a dandy?

Recently, I have seen Nuvolette used in two different showhouses, and both times, the paper was used to stylish effect.  I also think this print might be the most versatile of the collection.

I believe that I like Uccelli's border almost as much as its menagerie of colorful birds.

Pennini has masterpiece written all over it.

This print comes with monkeys (Procuratie E Scimmie)...

...or without (simply Procuratie). The zebras peeping through are not part of the new collection.


All images courtesy of Lee Jofa/ Cole & Son.