York Home

Surface Printing from 1898 to Today

August 29, 2017 1 Comment

Masterworks by Ron Redding is one of our newest collections with a multitude of beautiful patterns that are the direct result of a surface printing method that’s been used since the 19th century. Manufactured right here at York Wallcoverings, this lofted ink process mimics a hand-painted style making each pattern a unique piece of artwork for your walls. Read on to find out just how detailed and historic this printing process is.

Our surface printer was built in 1898 and continues to manufacture beautifully detailed patterns to this day. Surface printing reproduces a stencil-like effect through the use of print cylinders. The ink is applied to the raised portion of the cylinder and acts as a stamp transferring the color onto the paper. The paper is hung from drying racks that slowly make their way down the line in preparation for the next print roller design to complete the pattern. A new roller is required for each color of the design, and a three person operation is key to ensuring quality control, as well as safety during this process. From adding the inks to making sure the machine is always running its best; the Printer, Ground Operator and Reeler are a team as finely tuned as the machine they work on.

A timeless image of two hard working York employees working the oldest surface print machine in the United States.

A Mirror Image: These gentleman keep the presses running smoothly, operating the surface printer with a sharp eye and top notch mechanical expertise. Luke (left) and Scott (right) each have over 35 years experience working in surface print here at York Wallcoverings.

(Circa 1950’s) York Wallcoverings employees engrave print rollers by hand. This meticulous art would continue until the late 1990’s.

Today, we currently house over 8,000 print rollers.

A closer look at the finished product: “Leaf & Vine” and “Kinetic”.

Each stage of this process has character and quality craftsmanship that’s second to none. From the inks to the changing of the rollers to the drying and reeling process; Masterworks truly is a collection where the name says it all.

Color, Inspiration, Trends

Colonial is Coming

August 1, 2017 No Comments

The Colonials are coming!

The young United States was rich in color and design, receiving the finest of goods from across Europe. Read on to discover just how much those décor classics are still vibrantly viable today.

Botanicals and Naturals: In the American colonies herb gardens, raw wood finishes and pewter ware were valued for function. Today we prize their ingenious simplicity of practical design and admire its beautiful partnership, combining industrial texture and organic warmth.

Dining table, art and kitchen storage all historic originals. ‘Solomon’s Seal’ pattern from the Colonial Williamsburg collection for York.

Historic Color: Heirloom colors such as Williamsburg’s ‘Russ Green’ are as on trend, now as ever. Richly sophisticated nuanced shades compliment today’s natural wood and support the trending mix of repurposed with modern.

Colonial foyer, authentic period fabric, glassware from ICFF 2017 and ‘Tanjib Embroidery’ from the Colonial Williamsburg III collection for York.

Classic Americana: Famous for cupolas, shutters and salt box houses, Colonial architecture and interiors embody classic Americana. York Wallcoverings has created homage to such distinctive design with pattern ‘Garden Follies’.

Door hinges, cloth and cupola are all historic originals. ‘Garden Follies’ is from the Colonial Williamsburg III collection for York.

A “Tail” of Tapestries: Images of exotic animals and tropical fruits were décor’s supporting player in woven and accessories for the status conscious in Colonial society. Today, these motifs maintain their exotic flavor, and are equally strong in statement.

Bedroom and fabric is authentic Colonial; dining room is Kips Bay Showhouse 2017. ‘Braganza’ pattern is from the Colonial Williamsburg II collection for York.

With the return of Chippendale chairs, burnished metal finishes, raw wood surfaces and our desire to hold onto our heritage while making it our own for a new generation, the revival of the timeless beauty of Colonial design is about to take center stage; where trend meet tradition.

Color, Inspiration, Trends

Behind the Wall…paper

July 26, 2017 2 Comments

Lights. Camera. Wallpaper!

Personal style begins with fashion and effortlessly flows into the way we decorate our homes. Think of our bodies as a blank canvas; what we choose to wear is a reflection of our taste, current trends and overall mood right? The same idea works in unison with home decor; our walls become the blank canvas, allowing us another opportunity to display our personal style. With this concept in mind, York’s team of experts were able to bridge the current fashion trends with wallcovering patterns, and highlighted them in an advertisement photoshoot. With a few prop adjustments, some lighting modifications, and a zip of the dress, the merging of the fashion and wallpaper world began. Check out the five room-sets we created featuring some of our most jaw-dropping patterns.

This style reinvents and revives chinoiserie of the 1930’s with organic expression.

The timeless beauty of nature meets a trendsetting design innovation with mother of pearl. Emulating elements of the sea, this contemporary design by Candice Olson provides a raw and unexpected vision of modern organics.

Pattern: “Sublime” by the Candice Olson Natural Splendor collection

Native American and Southwest-inspired style continues to thrive. A theme that breathes authenticity as well as a handcrafted technique.

Pattern: “Wavelength” by the Carey Lind Menswear Collection

This shot was inspired by the soaring trend of exotic animal prints. Winter Cranes, by Dwell Studio, stays true to this menagerie movement in the fashion world, swiftly making its way into home decor.

Making an investment in the way we style our home is a big deal, and now more than ever we’re investing in creating our own personal art galleries using walls as the canvas. While we continue to keep up with trend and sophistication; individuality and self-expression never fails to shine through.

Pattern: “Burano” from our Risky Business II Collection