Vintage 1940s wallpaper reproductions from Bradbury & Bradbury — “If cuteness were criminal, this paper would be public enemy #1.”

I thought I had died and gone to heaven…I fell off my chair…when I first saw that Bradbury & Bradbury, long renowned for its gorgeous art wallpapers for Victorian and Arts & Crafts homes, has introduced a line of mid century modern wallpapers. I’ve known this company for 15 years, since I began restoring a house when I lived in Michigan. My neighbor Donna did her whole Victorian house in their paper, and it’s breathtaking.

Now, we can have great vintage reproduction wallpaper for our mid century jewels, as well! Look at these 40s papers — they are so sweet and beautiful, I can’t decide which I like best.

Stephen Bauer, artistic director of Bradbury & Bradbury, gives us the inside scoop on why he chose each of them:

Apple Betty: “The most delicate of the 40s papers,” he says, “it’s probably the most suited for dining rooms as well as the kitchen and nook. And who doesn’t like a big helping of Grandma’s apple betty?”

Tea Pot: “Well, this is a real company favorite. It has that beautiful selection of colors found in so many postwar kitchens and kitchen accessories. And if cuteness were criminal, this paper would be public enemy number one.”

Geranium: “A real ‘late deco’ paper with the very common scallop feature found in (and on) 40s homes. A botanical charmer.”

Sunnyside: “With its metallic silver highlight on the lattice work, this paper is always bright and positive. Who needs coffeee in the morning?? Hard to ‘walk with your blues on parade’ with this pattern to greet you every morning!”

And…Scallop Trim: “It’s really a perfect complement to these papers, and such small ‘trims’ were very common in 30s and 40s decorating schemes. One version has a cream colored scallop that would work with any of the papers, and one has a metallic silver that really looks great with ‘Sunnyside’ in particular, (which also has silver in it.) One caution: Always hang the scallops with the curved side down, or it won’t smile at you anymore!”

Thank you, Stephen! For samples or to order, go to Bradbury & Bradbury’s website.

Tomorrow – the 50s papers, including Stephen’s insights on them!

And,be sure to see all my wallpaper posts for the full range of alternatives.