Cole and Son Fornasetti II at Maison et Objet

Cole and Son has long been one of my favorite wallpaper lines so I was delighted to see their booth at Maison et Objet. And they did not disappoint with the debut of their fabulous new Fornasetti II wallpaper collection. With opportunities for wide ranging creative applications, the tradition of craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration at Cole and Son is well represented by this new group of fifteen fantastical designs.

Cole and SonCoinciding with the 100th anniversary of the birth of Piero Fornasetti, the collection is overseen by son Barnaba who now heads the company, continuing his father’s legacy. You may have seen his Milan home, featured recently in ELLE DECOR.

Cole and Son

Keeping with the Fornasetti tradition of complicated artisanry, the collection is not only creative in its designs but also in how the rolls are engineered. Some are vertical rolls offered as a set. Rolls A and B match up and must be purchased together but then the third roll is a half drop and can be installed at any height, allowing for a wide variety of compositions.

Cole and SonThere are, in addition, horizontal wide width friezes, borders, digital panels and double width papers that can be mixed and matched for an infinite number of combinations. Above, for example is the tromp l’oeil pattern Nicchie shown with the charming Pennini border at top, also below, which looks striking even on its own.

Cole and SonThe large scale and graphic execution of the imagery feels fresh and unique.

Cole and Son

Above, the illustrative Macchine Volanti coordinates with the Balaustra horizontal frieze, another tromp l’oeil design depicting a marble balustrade that effectively frames the bottom segment of the wall.

Cole and Son

The architectonic Procuratie e Scimmie, above, is available with or without the visiting monkeys. Named after the building facades of St. Marks Square in Venice, it lends itself to so many imaginative utilizations, such as the creative one below.

Cole and Sonphoto courtesy of Cole & Son

Teatro, shown below in its original color way, was originally designed for umbrella stands in the mid 1950’s. It’s always a party with this paper in the room!

Cole and SonIt has a very different feel in this pretty linen and aqua colorway.

Cole & Sonphoto courtesy of Cole & Son

And here it is shown with the playful Multiplette frieze, as both father and son Fornasetti were avid cyclists.

Cole and Son

One of my favorite patterns is Acquario. Fish have long appeared in Fornasetti’s work and this theme is based on some elements used on his decorative trays. The clownfish are as amusing as decorative swimming across the wall. The dark colorways are dramatic

Cole and Sonand the pale blue is totally dreamy and so perfect for everything from a powder room, bath or beach house.

Cole and Son

There are more wonderful patterns for both overall designs, headers and friezes. You’ll be able to see them for yourselves soon at Lee Jofa showrooms nationwide. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the installations – the possibilities are endless!

11 thoughts on “Cole and Son Fornasetti II at Maison et Objet

  1. Great post! So creative– makes you want to design a room just to use the wallpaper! Thanks so much for bringing this (and other amazing ideas and innovations) to all of us.

  2. Even viewing “on line” one can just see the “depth” in this wallpaper…amazing!! Oh, I would luv to see it “in person,” etc. Isn’t it beautiful!! franki

  3. wow, just catching up over here…you have been beyond busy…here, there and everywhere! no wonder you are under the weather! LOVE this line of papers….off to read some more Q:)

  4. I’m a mystery writer but never thought of decorating around my profession. But might just need the Pennini border in my office! Thanks for the beautiful photos.

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