
- Collaborators
Calico Wallpaper
Nick and Rachel Cope, founders of Calico Wallpaper, have redefined wallpaper in interior design since establishing their Brooklyn studio in 2013. Their work combines artisanal methods like marbling and dip-dyeing with innovative digital technology to create custom, non-repeating wall murals as expansive works of art. Their designs—which have been exhibited internationally at the London Design Festival, Milan Design Week, and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum—range from NASA-inspired cosmic imagery to delicate natural textures.
Working with leading architects and designers on both residential and hospitality projects, Calico Wallpaper transforms ordinary surfaces into captivating spatial experiences. We spoke with Rachel and Nick about their creative partnership, their process of merging traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, and how their approach shapes spaces that enhance our daily experience of home.

Your journey began with the desire to move art beyond the frame. What inspired you to specifically focus on wallpaper as your medium of expression?
Our journey began with the idea of creating immersive environments where art wasn’t confined to a frame but became an integral part of a space. Wallpaper felt like a natural extension of that vision—an opportunity to envelop people in a mood, a story, or a feeling. We were particularly drawn to wallpaper because of its history as a decorative art form and its potential for large-scale, site-specific installations.


Calico Wallpaper draws heavily from traditional paper marbling techniques like Suminagashi and Ebru. How did you discover these ancient art forms, and what drew you to incorporate them into contemporary design?
We’ve always been fascinated by organic processes that embrace fluidity and chance. During our research into artisanal techniques, we discovered Suminagashi, the ancient Japanese art of floating ink on water, and Ebru, the Turkish tradition of paper marbling. These techniques resonated with us because they capture a moment in time, translating movement into something tangible. By adapting these age-old methods into wallpaper design, we were able to create pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary.

Each of your collections tells a distinct story. Can you walk us through the creative process of developing a new collection, from initial concept to final execution?
Our process always begins with inspiration—whether from nature, art, science, or personal experiences. We start by experimenting with materials and techniques, often creating physical artworks by hand. These become the foundation for our designs, which we then refine digitally while preserving their organic essence. We collaborate closely with our team and sometimes external designers to develop color palettes, textures, and compositions. Each collection is a dialogue between craftsmanship and innovation, ensuring that the final product feels both artistic and functional.

Your work uniquely balances artisanal techniques with digital technology. How do you maintain the handcrafted essence while scaling designs for large-scale installations?
Maintaining the integrity of handcrafted techniques is central to our process. We begin with hand-painted, marbled, or textured artworks, which are then carefully digitized at high resolution to preserve every detail. When scaling, we pay close attention to proportion and texture, ensuring that the final design retains its depth and organic quality. Every installation is customized, so we work closely with architects and designers to tailor the scale and composition to each space.
The Atmosphere collection incorporates NASA telescope imagery. What sparked this intersection of cosmic science and interior design?
We’ve always been inspired by the vastness of the cosmos and the way celestial phenomena evoke a sense of wonder. The Atmosphere collection was born from a desire to translate that awe into an immersive experience. NASA’s telescope imagery captured ephemeral cosmic events—nebulae, auroras, and cloud formations—that felt poetic and otherworldly. We wanted to bring that same sense of expansiveness and mystery into interior spaces.


As partners in both life and business, how do your individual backgrounds and perspectives complement each other in the creative process?
Our partnership is built on a balance of creativity and pragmatism. One of us is more drawn to the conceptual and artistic aspects, while the other focuses on execution and logistics. This dual perspective allows us to challenge each other in meaningful ways and ensure that every design is both visionary and technically sound. Working together, we’ve developed a rhythm that allows us to push boundaries while staying grounded in our shared vision.
Your designs often create immersive environments. How do you envision these spaces affecting the daily lives of those who inhabit them?
Our goal is to create spaces that evoke emotion—whether that’s tranquility, inspiration, or a sense of connection to nature. Wallpaper has the power to transform a room into an experience, altering mood and perception. We love hearing from clients who say our designs make them feel calmer, more creative, or more at home in their space. It’s about designing atmospheres that support well-being.

The Eden collection reflects a connection with nature. How does the natural world inform your design philosophy?
Nature is an endless source of inspiration for us. Eden was about capturing the tranquility and richness of botanical environments. We often draw from organic textures, weathered surfaces, and fluid movements found in nature. Our goal is to bring elements of the outside world into interior spaces, creating a sense of harmony between built and natural environments.
Your murals are non-repeating, which is unique in wallpaper design. What inspired this approach, and what challenges does it present?
We wanted to break away from the traditional, regimented patterns of wallpaper and create something more painterly and expansive. By designing non-repeating murals, we allow each installation to feel like a one-of-a-kind artwork. The challenge lies in customization—each space requires a bespoke approach to scale and composition, which takes time and precision.



How do you see the role of wallpaper evolving in contemporary interior design?
Wallpaper is increasingly being used as an architectural element rather than just decoration. Designers are seeing it as a way to define space, create focal points, and bring depth to interiors. We believe it will continue evolving as a medium for artistic expression.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Calico Wallpaper and the possibilities for innovation in your field?
What excites us most is the endless potential for innovation—whether through new materials, sustainable practices, or unexpected collaborations. We’re always exploring ways to push the boundaries of what wallpaper can be, from integrating tactile elements to experimenting with light-reactive and immersive technologies. The idea of creating environments that evolve and interact with their surroundings is something we’re deeply interested in. We also see a growing appreciation for bespoke, non-repeating designs, and we’re eager to continue expanding the ways in which wallpaper can transform spaces into living works of art. Looking ahead, we’re excited to embrace both tradition and cutting-edge advancements to redefine the role of wallpaper in contemporary design.
