DESIGN DAILY: Whimsical vs. Childish Decor

Whimsical and childish walk a fine line, but when a designer finds that balance--I’m charmed. Claire Coles, master seamstress and wallpaper designer's, signature-move is to cut, layer and stitch vintage papers together to create pattern. The texture and 3-D effect really make her scenes pop and stick in the mind. Her latest wallpaper, “Collages” with its dancing ponies and blooming flowers is like a little girl’s fantasy land (or maybe mine) but the patina of the antique papers against a simple circular pattern somehow pass it off as sophisticated.

Claire Coles' papers are all made to order and start at $800 for a three-meter roll. Expensive, but pricey and gorgeous enough to make our latest feature: "If Money Was No Object."