Living Pattern – Hand Painted One of a Kind Wall Coverings
Living Pattern embodies a new way to say “I Love You” to a space. Surprising colors stories, original pattern and curiosity are the vectors of experience that go into Living Pattern Hand Adorned Wall CoveringTM.
Q&A with Living Pattern Founder and Designer Jenny Kiker
What is your background that led you to start your own business?
My professional background began working with Free People and Anthropologie coupled with a stint in apparel textile design, all of which inspired me to start my own brand. I saw firsthand while working with these companies how the humanist approach allowed consumers to be a part of the brand.
You live and work in West Palm Beach. How did you find your way there?
After graduating from SCAD nine years ago, I made my way through Atlanta, San Diego, Asheville, and Pittsburgh, before finding a home on Antique Row in West Palm Beach — a mecca for interior design. There is a lot of life breathing in and out of this area, and it was an easy choice that here is where we would make our stand.
With Living Pattern, how many patterns do you offer? Is each pattern available in any color or ground?
We have conceptualized hundreds of patterns! And have brought to life approximately 50 of them, the patterns we have selected to represent us are showcased on our website www.livingpattern.net Each and every one of our pieces is made to order by first choosing a ground and color. We then produce a 16×16 strike off of your custom product.
Have you seen a big variance in the look of a pattern through using different grounds?
Absolutely! Granted, form comprises about 2/3 of how a pattern feels, but it is truly amazing how the relationship between ground and paint color can transform a wall covering and the aura of the room it inhabits.
Your patterns are hand painted but are drawn with a stencil. How did you come to that process?
While most companies use printers and machines, we have found that hand printing has unequivocally a better covering power on our natural paper grounds and has given us much more control over the quality of the printing. What we have learned is that our process enriches the life of our colors. There are always slight gradations that occur in a handmade product. We continue to find new ways to embellish these unique properties.
How much time is involved in the creation of a pattern for a project? Please tell us a little bit about the process.
Some patterns can be triggered by the smallest inspiration and fall into place quickly. Others patterns take refining to become aesthetically pleasing. Once conceptualized, our production is much like block printing. A pattern grows and comes to life piece by piece generally taking about 2-5 hours per yard to create.
Every print’s process is so unique. One of the only congruent starting points is Henry Miller’s concept of the blade of grass. In that he says when given close enough attention, “[a blade of grass] becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” Total immersion in the things we choose to look at is what really brings the magic to the surface.
Who do you feel is the perfect Living Pattern customer?
We tend to attract courageous and curious individuals who are well versed in design and enjoy unplugging from time to time. Living Pattern is a luxury; not in the way that gold and silver are luxuries but in the way that time and freedom are luxuries.
Where can someone purchase your wall coverings?
Through yours truly! Let’s start a conversation – Hello@livingpattern.net. Working with designers one-on-one makes the experience as personal as possible and produces the best results. We are a “to the trade only” workroom.
Some personal questions…
What would you say is the sound track to your life?
My brush hits the paper at about 140 beats per minute so I usually keep the tempo in the studio high. I always feel comfortable falling back on the Red Hot Chili Peppers or rediscovering an Avett Brothers song. As long as the music stays fresh, I’m happy.
Happiness is…?
…Waking up every morning with the opportunity to do what I love. My career allows me to meet the most talented people and see truly amazing places. Happiness stems from the honor of taking part in the inception of these spaces.
What is the tackiest thing you love?
I own a hot pink, Native American fringe poncho—showcased on a gold-sequined hanger. I will never get rid of it.
Women should always…
Drive a truck.
Biggest design influence?
The Natural World.
Photography by Aric Attas
Originally Published on Vero Home Life & Design
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