Fresh Starts: The 5 Bestsellers Leading Our 'New Year, New Style' Collection

Key Takeaways

• A new year is the perfect opportunity to refresh your interiors with bold, characterful wallpaper.
• Morris & Co.'s bestselling designs blend Victorian craftsmanship with enduring contemporary appeal.
• Botanical motifs, rich colour palettes, and intricate pattern work are the hallmarks of the collection's top sellers.
• Each bestseller suits a different room and mood, from serene bedrooms to dramatic dining rooms.
• Investing in a heritage pattern is a design decision that grows more beautiful and meaningful over time.

There is something quietly thrilling about the turn of a new year. It is an invitation — to rethink, to reimagine, and to redecorate. At Morris Collections, our 'New Year, New Style' edit has drawn customers back to the designs that never go out of fashion. These are the five bestsellers leading the charge into a fresh chapter of interior design.

The story of wallpaper itself is a fascinating one. As BBC Culture explores in The Surprising Story of Wallpaper, what began as a humble wall covering evolved into one of the most expressive art forms in interior design — a journey in which William Morris played a defining role.

1. Strawberry Thief Wallpaper

Perhaps the most iconic pattern in the entire Morris & Co. archive, Strawberry Thief depicts thrushes stealing fruit from William Morris's own garden at Kelmscott Manor. Its intricate symmetry and rich storytelling make it an instant focal point in any room. The Grey-Sky colourway is a perennial favourite for those seeking something timeless yet fresh.

2. Acanthus Wallpaper

Bold, architectural, and deeply satisfying, the Acanthus Wallpaper is a statement of intent. Its scrolling foliage, drawn from the classical acanthus leaf, commands attention in dining rooms, libraries, and hallways. This is a pattern for those who believe a room should have a soul.

3. Willow Boughs Wallpaper

Graceful and calming, Willow Boughs brings the serenity of a riverside walk indoors. The sweeping branches and delicate leaves create a sense of movement and peace, making it ideal for bedrooms and living rooms where relaxation is the priority. The Willow Sky colourway is particularly popular for its soft, airy quality.

4. Golden Lily Wallpaper

Designed by John Henry Dearle, Morris's most gifted apprentice, Golden Lily is a masterclass in layered botanical detail. Lilies, tulips, and foliage intertwine in a rich tapestry that rewards close inspection. It works beautifully as a feature wall or throughout an entire room for a truly immersive effect.

5. Fruit Wallpaper

One of Morris's earliest and most beloved designs, Fruit Wallpaper — also known as Pomegranate — celebrates the abundance of the natural world. Its warm, generous composition suits kitchens, dining rooms, and family spaces where life is lived fully. The Alabaster Cream colourway offers a softer, more contemporary take on this Victorian classic.

As Morris & Co. has demonstrated for over 150 years, great design is not a trend — it is a tradition. For a deeper dive into the heritage behind these patterns, the Victoria & Albert Museum's guide to William Morris and Wallpaper Design is essential reading. This new year, let your walls tell a story worth keeping.