Toile de jouy creative combinations

Toile de Jouy first surfaced in 18th-century Ireland before gaining popularity across France. A printed fabric, it featured depictions of rural life, scenic vignettes and romantic patterns in repeat on unbleached linen and later, wallpapers. In 1760, to capitalise on the prevalence of this popular motif, German-born Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf opened a textile factory in Jouy-en-Josas, in the suburbs of Paris, thus coining the fabric’s name. With the help of painter Jean-Baptiste Huet, he produced a wealth of scenic designs referencing history, nature, travel and European mythology. Patterns in monotone – often black, brown, blue or red – define this classic style. Toile has since evolved to incorporate a wider colour palette and occasionally more abstract or pared-back designs. More than two centuries later, it continues to lend a sense of grace, elegance and narrative to an interior.

Picture perfect

Known for its pictorial storytelling approach, toile adds an instantly classical or a wryly modern feel, depending on its design. Traditional motifs include Maison Lelièvre’s recently revived Quenin brand, which revisits 19th-century archives, while contemporary urban scenes, such as those depicted in the updated toiles by Timorous Beasties, offer a fresh take. Both approaches lend depth, interest, colour and cosiness.

“Toile brings an immediate sense of refinement and an element of historical grandeur to a space, evoking the nostalgia of days gone by,” believes interior designer Henry Prideaux. “When I worked for Nicky Haslam, we introduced curtains, headboard, bed valance and armchair in a blue toile to a guest bedroom. The walls were lined with fabric in the same pattern, but hung on the reverse side, which lent a faded air. It all tied together beautifully without being overwhelming. More recently, I’ve used House of Hackney’s bold and playful Dinosauria – a modern tak