- Shannon Santiago
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
A closer look at the inspiration, artistry, and philosophy behind the newest Gabrielle de Winter wallpaper designs—and the story behind the patterns.
Every wallpaper collection begins with a story, and Gabrielle de Winter's work is no exception.
Known for her hand-drawn patterns, historical influences, and unmistakable sense of warmth and nostalgia, Gabrielle creates designs that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Her work is rooted in traditional decorative arts, heirloom craftsmanship, and a belief that beauty often lives in the imperfect details.
As we launch The Ashwood Estate, Gabrielle's newest collection with Artza & Co., we wanted to learn more about the artist behind the patterns. Through a series of questions, Gabrielle shared insights into her creative process, the inspirations that continue to shape her work, and her thoughts on creating homes that feel meaningful, layered, and lived in.
Read on for a closer look at the ideas, memories, and craftsmanship behind the collection.
On Craft &
Creative Process
What does your creative process look like, from first sketch to finished wallpaper?
My process usually begins very quietly with research, collecting references, and sketching by hand. I spend a lot of time studying historical textiles, botanical forms, antique ornament, and historical surface design. I’m always looking for a balance between elegance, storytelling, and movement.
From there, I begin with pencil sketches of motifs and layout planning. Then I do a few versions of motifs of what I want to include and then draw them, or translate them onto the specific layout I prepared. I redraw the motifs more carefully with ink, felt, or liner and scan them into the computer. Then begins the long process of refining the technical repeat by adjusting spacing, flow, scale, colouring, and making sure the eye travels beautifully across the design.
Even though there’s a digital stage involved, the heart of my process is still very hand-led and rooted in traditional decorative arts.
How do you know when a pattern is finished? Is it instinct, or something more tangible?
I think it is a little bit of both? In my work, it has to be beautiful and it has to create a warm feeling.
The instinct part is knowing when to stop tweaking, developing and adjusting. This has just come from experience and knowing when, because it just hits me.
The tangible part is the technical design: the repeat works properly, the spacing is balanced, the scale feels intentional, and of course the colourway is perfected without any colour combinations causing visual vibration or tension that makes the eye feel uncomfortable or overstimulated.
On Style & Artistic Voice
Your work feels so distinct. How would you describe your personal style in your own words?
The short answer is that I want the viewer to know that a human made the design. I allow the imperfections to stay after scanning in the hand drawn artwork.
Wallpaper design is interesting because it has to function both as artwork and atmosphere, and the atmosphere I want to create is that from another time, when things were simpler, yet allowed to be full of character.
Has your style changed over time, or do you feel like you've always been drawn to the same kinds of patterns?
No, it hasn’t really changed. I have always been drawn to European and Chinese historical art, architecture, illustration and textile design. I also show a lot of florals in my work, even when I was a jewelry designer before pursuing surface design, this was a common motif theme.
In my home, some of my most treasured items are hand made, thrifted or heirlooms and I want my designs to feel like those items do too.
On Meaning &
The Home
What do you hope someone feels the first time they walk into a room with your wallpaper?
Elaborating on my previous thoughts about style, I hope someone feels as though they’ve stepped into another time when they first enter a room with my wallpaper; something familiar, romantic, and nostalgic.
I want the space to evoke a sense of comfort, warmth, safety, and perhaps even a little joy. I think interiors have a profound emotional impact on us, and I love the idea that patterns can help create an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and deeply comforting.
If someone is choosing wallpaper for the first time, what advice would you give to focus on, not just practically, but emotionally?
I would say it is important to order samples! Not just for seeing the colours in real life, but hanging the samples up on the wall and sitting with the feeling you have when you look at it during your regular daily activities in that specific room throughout different times of the day.
In your opinion, what makes a space feel layered and meaningful instead of just styled?
To me, creating a space that feels layered and meaningful, rather than simply styled comes from collecting and curating objects that hold personal significance for the people living there.
I think the most beautiful interiors evolve over time and feel connected to memory, experience, beauty, and function. Each piece should contribute something emotionally or practically, rather than existing purely for decoration. That’s often what gives a home its sense of depth, character, and authenticity.
On Reflection & Perspective
What inspires you lately… in this current season of your life?
I think I’ve always been a grandmother at heart in some ways. Perhaps it comes from the influence of my grandmother (my Popo), and my mother.
Lately, I find myself especially inspired by the kinds of beautiful things I know they would have loved. My mother was a florist, and my dad grew flowers for her in their garden so I grew up surrounded by flowers, colour, texture, and the idea that beauty could be part of everyday life.
My grandmother collected Chinese artisanal objects, antiques, and decorative treasures, which gave me an early appreciation for craftsmanship, ornament, and history.
I think so much of what inspires me now is rooted in that sense of heirloom quality and interiors that feel timeless, and deeply cared for.
If your work could say one thing to the homes it lives in… what would you want it to be?
You are exactly where you are meant to be.
If my work could say anything, I would hope it gently reminds people that beauty often exists because of imperfection, not in the absence of it… much like the people living within the home itself. A place where people feel they belong exactly as they are, with all of their history, growth, cracks, and imperfections. To me, that is what home really means.
You are exactly where you are meant to be.
Gabrielle's collection is a reflection of everything we love about thoughtful design: craftsmanship, character, and a deep appreciation for beauty that endures. Her patterns invite us to slow down, embrace imperfection, and create homes filled with warmth, meaning, and stories of their own.
Whether you're decorating a single room or reimagining an entire home, her work serves as a reminder that the most beautiful interiors aren't simply styled—they're lived in, collected over time, and deeply personal.
Explore The Ashwood Estate and discover Gabrielle de Winter's newest wallpaper designs, inspired by heirlooms, craftsmanship, and the beauty of creating a home filled with warmth, character, and meaning.
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