Large scale, leafy botanical prints are apparently “in” right now, but this style of barkcloth has always been hip with the vintage Hawaiiana and tiki-loving crowd. To get the vibe with barkcloth made new today — and at a much more affordable price — check out these 11 designs in 31 colors available from Barkcloth Hawaii/Trendtex.
The barkcloth that almost killed my boss — and why we like it anyway
Above: After we both had a chance to review the barkcloth samples, we agreed that we like the graphic punch that the selection of leafy fabrics provide for accent pillows, pinch pleat draperies and room accents. The ‘Bird of Paradise’ pattern was our favorite because the addition of the flower — and the extra pop of color it gives the pattern — creating a depth and versatility that is unmatched by the other purely botanical prints.
If you’re looking for botanical prints that would feel at home in a vintage Hawaiiana style room or tiki lounge, the selection available through this company is a great place to start looking.
Above: These botanical prints are an excellent option for those who are not into flowery tiki or Hawaiian decor and want leafy only.
I really like the way the patterns are rendered. Up close they have a lovely painted effect that is very reminiscent of vintage barkcloth patterns.
To see all the color ways of each pattern, check out the slide show below. Mega thanks to Ann Brunett from Big Kahuna Fabrics for sending us samples and answering our questions.
Link Love:
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back by clicking on the photo… you can start or stop at any image:
louise says
where can I buy the halekoa sage curtain fabric
pam kueber says
Click the hotlink(s) in the story to get to Diamondhead Fabrics
Becky Roorda says
I just bought two Bird of Paradise (Burgundy) pillow covers, $14.99 each. They are beautifully made. The material is simply gorgeous. The photo on the website doesn’t begin to do it justice. I see some drapes in my future for my 1956 rancher.
Joe Felice says
I love the vibrant colors in these. My parents lived in Florida until they died, and my sister still does. I’ve noticed on my visits that these fabrics, patterns & colors are also very popular down there, especially on lanai and sun-room furniture.
Matt says
Is this hung like wallpaper? Are is it fabric and could I hang it as wallpaper for a feature wall? Thank you.
pam kueber says
It’s fabric.
There are ways to hang fabric like wallpaper… either “upholster” it onto the wall, or I have seen tutorials for using starch.
Linda Weeks says
I have always loved barkcloth! I mean, fifty several years ago, that was so unique and what a statement it makes! When one of the historical buildings at the local college was going to undergo a renovation, I tried to get their old draperies, barkcloth, vintage, and wonderful, not to mention about ten feet long each… but it didn’t work. It’s nice thinking that Joann’s might actually have some!
tammyCA says
You can see a bit of that classic banana leaf Beverly Hills hotel in “I love Lucy” (when they go to Hollywood) and in some old movies.
Yeah, I wish the new barkcloth came in fun colors and not so serious colors. Once I found a bunch of barkcloth sample squares at Joann’s on sale and bought them..was gonna maybe sew them into throw pillows but instead I made tote bags since calif outlawed plastic bags.
lisa in Seattle says
I don’t see prices on any of their listings; it says you have to sign in and I didn’t bother. However — try going to the Designer Wallcoverings site (I used Pam’s link above) and putting “tropical” into the search bar. Wow, some really cool stuff comes up. Love the palm tree print on grasscloth!
pam kueber says
All the prices for the DiamondHead fabrics are right there on their web page, I am not sure what you are talking about…
lisa in Seattle says
Sorry, Pam! I meant the prices on the wallpapers at designerwallcoverings.com. I didn’t see any prices there, though it may be possible to see them if one creates a login. So many pretty wallpapers, though!
You are correct that the fabric prices are perfectly clear.
pam kueber says
ah! okay! thanks for that clarification, lisa. I am with ya – sites that require a login to get price, bleck. So… 1994!
SebastianFTL says
Well, these are all great & I will be sure to use this fabric on my next set of living room curtains. The leafy wallpaper from the Beverly Hills hotel, I think that’s the same one used in Blanche’s bedroom on the Golden Girls!
Is that paper still in production???
pam kueber says
Yes, the wallpaper still seems to be in production. I discovered it preparing this story. It’s on our list to write about. It appears to be so expensive that they don’t even list the price (although I may just be blind): http://designerwallcoverings.com/WallpaperStore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1
Paige says
I really like the Lani natural, I’ve got some peach/orange lamps that would really pick up that color & I think the print would make great pillows!
Robin, NV says
I just love #32 – Lani Melon. I keep thinking how fabulous it would look as pinch pleats in a retro 40s living room.