This post could well be all about bringing a touch of the 40s in your home, as this is the era behind Farrow & Ball's latest wallpaper collection, launched earlier this month.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of the 1940s with Farrow & Ball's exquisite wallpaper collection. Transport your home to an era of elegance and sophistication, where classic designs and timeless patterns reign supreme.

From soft pastel hues to bold geometric shapes, every design encapsulates the essence of the era, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Whether you choose a floral motif reminiscent of post-war optimism or a geometric pattern that exudes Art Deco allure, each wallpaper tells a story of a bygone era while adding a contemporary twist to your decor.

Let your walls whisper tales of a glamorous past as you adorn them with Farrow & Ball's 1940s-inspired wallpapers. Embrace the elegance and sophistication of a time gone by, and create a home that reflects the timeless beauty and grace of the golden age of design.

With this collection, you can effortlessly infuse your space with a touch of vintage charm and transform your home into a sanctuary of style and sophistication. The pattern is also great for high traffic areas.

Before we dive into the collection, let's reflect on that decade for a moment.

Design in the 1940s

WWII lasted between 1939 and 1945, so most of the 40s were spent without much thinking of design or innovation. It was all about survival and making do with what was already available - there was a general shortage in materials including colour after all.

One colour that was in abundance, was military green!

During the 1940s, a significant number of European designers sought refuge in the United States due to the tumultuous events of World War II that ravaged their homelands. This influx of creative talent brought a rich diversity of artistic styles and influences to American shores, shaping the landscape of design in the country for years to come.

These designers, hailing from various European countries such as France and Italy brought with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, and innovative ideas that would greatly impact the American design scene.

The integration of European design sensibilities into the American design landscape during the 1940s marked a turning point in the history of design, paving the way for a more interconnected and dynamic creative community.

The legacy of these European designers who found refuge in the US continues to resonate in the world of design today, serving as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the resilience of human creativity in the face of adversity.

After the War, the Modernist movement - which was all about purity of form - gained in popularity.

Farrow & Ball 2016 Wallpaper Collection

The 40s are a pretty simplistic era, a complete opposite to the extravagance that the Art Deco movement introduced in the 20s and 30s. It also marks a return to traditional decorating which became popular as women wanted to create a homely atmosphere for their husbands returning from service.

Even so, Art Deco continues to influence much of the designs in this decade and ARCADE is reflecting this style in a toned down way.

Above: Arcade BP 5307 in Studio Green with metallic gold shadow on a background of Green Smoke.

Top row: ARCADE BP 5301, 5302, 5303; Middle: BP 5304, 5305, 5306; Bottom: BP 5307

After attending Farrow & Ball's launch for this collection last week, we were invited to a lampshade making workshop. Arcade was the design I chose for my lampshade and here are the results in Jr's room!

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024.

When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.