Elizabeth Rees on a Stack of Books, Vintage Wicker + More


Elizabeth Rees comes from a convention of printing, and is aware of that the correct graphics can have an enduring impression. The household enterprise specialised in large-format tasks like billboards and commercials discovered on buses. When Rees lived in Manhattan, she helped a good friend who wanted to replace her workplace, and got here up with a peel-and-stick wallpaper. Not solely was it straightforward to make use of, it is also modified to go well with a variety of interiors. Her wallpaper was the proper product for design-obsessed purchasers who wished to experiment with colour and sample with out having to decide to an costly renovation.

Rees co-founded Chasing Paper together with her brother Mike Rees in 2013. At this time Rees and the corporate are based mostly in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the place she lives together with her husband and two daughters. Chasing Paper now presents a whole line of options and merchandise produced in collaboration with famous designers and influencers, from murals to tile decals.

Elizabeth Rees of Chasing Paper Photograph: Courtesy of Chasing Paper

Surrounded by motifs and hues from each finish of the spectrum, it’s no shock that Rees is a visible learner. She hopes her personal story can be in print too, within the type of a e book that bibliophiles will cherish. “I like to inform tales and discover the correct phrases to convey a sure feeling or second in time,” she says. “It could be a dream to jot down a novel someday.”

Rees has loads of tasks on faucet, and her days embrace totally different aspects of management. By no means afraid to talk in entrance of an viewers, Rees has found that she enjoys being a facilitator. She moderated two panels final yr, and the function got here naturally to her. It was additionally a enjoyable break from her routine, and he or she’s wanting ahead to extra alternatives to interact on this method.

Steadiness isn’t at all times straightforward to realize, however one behavior ensures that Rees stays centered it doesn’t matter what is occurring. “I feel getting outdoors or on the treadmill permits me to transition from work to house life,” she notes. “Strolling helps me to clear my thoughts and cut back the stress I’ve been carrying in my physique through the day.”

At this time, Elizabeth Rees joins us for Friday 5!

Weekly pill organizer with medicine compartments for morning and night, featuring days of the week and labeled

Photograph: Courtesy of Charmspring

Exterior of operating a enterprise, I’m additionally a mother of two! The Charmspring Springboard is one among my favourite methods to offer my household a way of routine and management in a enjoyable, visible, and design-forward method.

Three hardcover books, penned by Elizabeth Rees, are stacked on a wooden stool against a plain white background.

Photograph: Kaboompics

2. A Stack of Books (All the time!)

There’s one thing a couple of stack of well-loved books that immediately makes an area really feel lived-in and layered. Proper now, I’m deep into The Inventive Act by Rick Rubin – a must-read for anybody within the design world. I additionally love novels and simply completed All of the Colours of the Darkish, which was so immersive and nicely written.

A white tile labeled

Photograph: Elizabeth Rees

I’m at all times in search of methods to be extra current, and the Brick machine is such a wise tackle digital detoxing. It’s a minimalist block that restricts what you possibly can entry in your smartphone, permitting you to be within the second with out the distractions of social media and limitless notifications. Whether or not I’m brainstorming new wallpaper designs or coloring with my daughters – this machine has helped me get some wholesome distance from the pull of being at all times linked to expertise.

Two hanging towels by Elizabeth Rees showcase a stunning floral pattern with green leaves and orange and pink flowers on a crisp white background.

Photograph: Courtesy of Marimekko

Marimekko has mastered the artwork of daring, graphic prints, and their Inexperienced Inexperienced Tea Towels sample won’t ever exit of fashion. I lately added a set to my kitchen, and so they immediately make on a regular basis moments really feel extra joyful. It’s a reminder that nice design isn’t only for massive assertion items – small touches might be simply as impactful.

A wicker nightstand with a woven lamp and small vase sits beside a bed adorned with patterned pillows and quilt, perfectly reflecting Elizabeth Rees's signature style. The background is complemented by floral-patterned wallpaper, creating a cozy yet elegant bedroom ambiance.

Photograph: Courtesy of Chasing Paper

5. Classic Wicker

I’m at all times on the hunt for distinctive classic finds, and currently, I can’t get sufficient of classic wicker. It provides simply the correct amount of texture and heat to an area, balancing out extra fashionable items with a little bit of character. Whether or not styled with a throw pillow or left naked for a sculptural second, it brings easy allure to any room.

Works by Chasing Paper:

A minimalist desk with a gold lamp, stacked books, framed art, and a fuzzy chair sits against blue and white abstract patterned wallpaper by Elizabeth Rees.

A wooden chair with a green jacket sits beside a colorful striped wall designed by Elizabeth Rees, potted plants, a brick fireplace, and a mantle with framed art and more plants.

A wooden stool with a blue and white towel and a soap dispenser sits on a patterned tile floor against an Elizabeth Rees wave-patterned wallpapered wall.

A gray and wood armchair with an orange pillow sits next to a wooden cabinet; the wall features black and white landscape-patterned wallpaper by Elizabeth Rees.

A ceramic bowl filled with cherry tomatoes sits on a round wooden table against a patterned yellow and white Elizabeth Rees background.

A black chest with floral detailing, designed by Elizabeth Rees, holds brass bowls, a vase with purple flowers, and stacked books, set against blue wallpaper and a small framed painting above.

Table with a white lamp, two stacked books, and a small orange vase with greenery, set against Elizabeth Rees wallpaper featuring a repeating blue floral pattern.

A wicker side table with a brass lamp featuring a patterned shade from Elizabeth Rees sits in front of yellow floral-patterned wallpaper.

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Anna Zappia is a New York Metropolis-based author and editor with a ardour for textiles, and she will typically be discovered at a style exhibit or searching for extra books. Anna writes the Friday 5 column, in addition to business content material.