Q. My husband and I toured several Victorian homes in London recently.  We fell in love with the ceilings that resembled tin tiles but the docent  told us they were made from a different material.  Do you know what product this is?  We want to use it in our master bedroom. 

A.  What you're describing sounds like lincrusta, an embossed material with a rich history.  A British invention, It was launched in 1877 to instant success in a host of applications from royal homes to railway carriages. Heralded as the first washable wallcovering, it appealed to Victorians because of its sanitary properties as well as its durability and ornate effects.

Lincrusta was the brainchild of manufacturer Frederick Walton whose father pioneered linoleum floor covering in the 1860´s. Originally launched as "Linoleum Muralis", it was subsequently re-named "Lincrusta-Walton" − Lin for Linum (flax, from which linseed oil is made) and Crusta (relief), with the inventor´s name being added to prevent other firms using the same title.

Even though it may have a delicate embossed look, both oil based and latex paint can be applied to lincrusta provided the surface has been properly primed.  Depending on where and how you use lincrusta it can go from contemporary (!) to transitional to traditional. 

Do's and Don'ts For Fall Decorating

DON'T do that karate chop thing to your decorative pillows. It's passe'.

DO choose  pillows with spice infused colors.  Or go for unexpected  textures such as mohair or embossed leather.

DON'T put that tired holiday wreath on your front door one more time.

DO start fresh with a new round or square wreath (hang it like a diamond).  We love to add hand made fused glass birds, stars and hearts by Reach Unlimited clients who are developmentally disabled. 

DO evenly distribute color throughout your bookcase following the eye- pleasing  Z  theory.

DON'T light real candles - especially pillars. We're obsessive about fire safety.    

DO use  remote controlled wax pillars with a guaranteed 100,000 hour LED bulb life.  Originally developed for hotels and commercial buildings, these candles can be used year round as night lights, too.  We did the math and it's almost 11.5 years of soft, twinkling light. 

Let Us Design  A Signature Fabric Just For You

Custom drapery fabric we created for Meredith Taylor

Maybe you've dreamed of seeing your name in lights.  Until you make it to Broadway, we're betting you'd love to see your monogram on a luxurious 100% silk crepe de chine duvet. 

Tell us what inspires you.  What's your  favorite element in nature?  Anybody can decorate with solids but that's not what makes a room sizzle. 

Put us to work designing and printing a one-of-a-kind stylized print.   Choose from seven  different fabric weights - from canvas to silk.  Organic cotton  sateen and twill are the most popular.  Going for a lighter, more sheer look?  Cotton voile is the fabric for you. 

If you're feeling dizzy looking for a fabric color that matches your wall color, don't bother.  Instead go for a hue  that's either more or less saturated.  Another solution is to go with an analogous or a complementary color. Still not sure?  We're color experts!  Call us @ 281-580-7775.