Alles is Omgekeerd is a private home in Middelburg , the Netherlands, with a rich history. The name of our house means that “everything is upside down” or “everything can change.” The original house was built in 1587, with major renovations in 1723 and 1844. The house was used as a print shop for the best part of the 20th century, until it became neglected and unused. In 2021 we collaborated with the current homeowners to lovingly restore their living room walling.
As no original fabric was available in the room, the family was presented with a range of authentic 18th-century designs from the Humphries Weaving design archive. The early 18th-century Perquisite Damask was chosen to reflect the period in which the first major renovations occurred in 1723.
Next, we explored suitable colour combinations. Multiple colour pallets were considered under the ever-changing lighting conditions in the room, and eventually, a sophisticated beige and gold palette was chosen. This was woven in a cotton and silk blend, which offered a lovely contrast between a matt figure and lustrous ground.
The homeowners then did a magnificent job of installing the fabric themselves for walling. This complex process first involved pattern matching many long panels of the design at the original 21” historic fabric width, seaming the panels together. Next, the fabric was hung at the top of the wooden panels on the wall before being pulled and stretched into place. The overall result mirrors the many historical influences brought together in this room.
Project Reference: 3893
