The craft of gold leaf gilding, in which thin sheets of pure gold with a small amount of silver, copper, or other metals are applied to objects for embellishment, dates back over 4,000 years. This technique has been used throughout history to decorate interiors around the world. Gold foil was first applied to wood in Northern Africa in order to give the illusion of solid gold. During the reign of Cleopatra, gold leaf gilding was used to adorn palaces and temples. In the early eighteenth-century, Louis XIV used gold foil to establish France as a leader in the decorative arts.

In modern architecture and design, gilding adds an element of glamour and sophistication to interiors. When used on walls, ceilings, and in architectural details, gold and silver leaf brings a luxurious touch to a wide range of spaces. Schumacher offers authentically made and exquisitely crafted gold and silver leaf wallcoverings that are perfect for classic and contemporary interiors alike.

View the artisanal process used to create Gold Leaf Wallcovering…

For fall, the color orange is popping up everywhere, from red carpets to runways and interiors alike. The psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, even rejuvenating, like the sweet fruit originally brought from China and India.

Historically orange is associated with nobility. In the Netherlands, it is the color of the Dutch Royal Family, dating back to Willem van Oranje (William of Orange). During the Elizabethan Era in England, only the aristocracy was permitted to wear this hue, since the bright color represented an elevated social standing and wealth.

Today, the inviting, autumnal color can be used for chic accents and bright focal points that are inspiring both fashion and interior design. Schumacher offers a stunning variety orange fabrics and wallcoverings for both classic and modern interiors.

• Metropolitan Velvet in Blood Orange
• Madison Wool in Mandarin
• Montebello Damask in Russet
• High Voltage in Berry & Spice
• Palermo Mohair Velvet in Butterscotch
• Bagan in Spark

Schumacher’s Views of Paris was featured at the 23rd Annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Nursery Works used this sophisticated black  and white wallcovering to complement their modern cribs. What’s better than chic and playful?

Designing a modern nursery? Tell us about the products you are planning to use…

Enter Your Design for a Chance to Win

Schumacher is inspired by your interiors. This spring, we would love to see how our wallcovering fits into your designs. Submit your favorite projects featuring our iconic wallcoverings for the chance to receive a $200 credit on your next order. The contest winner and three finalists will be featured on the Schumacher blog.

To enter, email whatsnew@fsco.com with images of your installation featuring Schumacher wallcovering (no larger than 5MB total), a brief description of your project, inspiration behind your selection, your contact information and a recent headshot.

Deadline: April 29, 2011

Featured Above: Imperial Trellis, Custom Color. Interior Design by Slifer Designs of Edwards, Colorado. Contact Schumacher Contract/Custom for more information on custom made products.

Contest will close on April 29, 2011 at 12:00pm ET. Winners will be announced the week of May 9th. Credit valid only on full price fabric, wallcovering, trimming and furnishings. Offer does not apply to closeout or discounted Schumacher merchandise and excludes orders placed on Patterson, Flynn & Martin products. Entrance only valid for designers holding active Schumacher trade accounts. Schumacher maintains the right to use images submitted on http://whatsnew.fschumacher.com.

Our former Schumacher intern spotted the brightly saturated Chiang Mai Dragon in the foyer of the Vera Bradley boutique. We love how the vibrant wallcovering is  highlighted by white accents. What an amazing way to showcase Vera Bradley’s lovely products!

Have you been to the store? Tell us what you think…

The crisp, clean combination of black and white is one of our favorites. The perfect collaboration lends itself to both modern and classic interiors.

Love black and white? Tell us how you use this color combination…

• Balusters
• Beauty Bark Print
• Camden Cotton Check
• Knit
• Leather Stripe
• Celine Arabesque

Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada said it best, “Florals? For spring? Ground breaking.” But let’s be honest, there is nothing quite as evocative of warm, breezy days ahead. Find comfort in these timeless motifs and let’s be thankful for their presence as a sign that winter is almost completely behind us.

• Alana Floral Vine
• Centennial Bouquet
• Chickadee Floral
• Isabella Vine
• Lampasso Flori
• Mandarin Peony

Planning to celebrate the first day of Spring with design? Tell us about your favorite floral…

We are not the only ones going wild over feather inspiration. Check out Garden and Gun’s shared appreciation for an avian aesthetic.

Tell us what you think of The Nest Collection and where you would use it…

The Wall Street Journal looks at the changing tide of top-tier wallpaper companies and asks who is sticking To The Trade and who is crossing into retail? And why?

Tell us what you think of the WSJ’s message…

Get inspired by Black Friday with this round up of  luxury designs from ISuwannee, including contemporary wallcoverings from Schumacher: Imperial Trellis in Onyx Gloss and Balusters in Jet.