Emma Hayes: Artisan Wallcoverings from Hand-Painted Beginnings, Inspired by New Zealand
- Elevated Magazines
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Emma Hayes is a celebrated New Zealand-based design firm known for its bespoke textiles that grace beautiful spaces across the globe. With showrooms in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and beyond, the brand is a favorite among residential and commercial interior designers and specifiers. Emma Hayes, the Founder and Creative Director, draws much of her inspiration from her home base in New Zealand, incorporating the landscape's patterns and textures into her designs.
Every piece starts by hand—paintings, drawings, and mark-making that reflect the surrounding environment. These artistic creations are then blended with digital processes, resulting in textiles that embody both creative craftsmanship and modern innovation. This unique approach allows Hayes to create designs that blend art and technology seamlessly.
Emma Hayes collaborates with heritage manufacturers to produce high-quality non-woven paper wallcoverings. They take their environmental responsibility seriously by sourcing papers from FSC® or PEFC™ certified forests and using inks free from heavy metals and made from organic pigments.
One of her latest creations, "Aqueous," beautifully captures movement and sound, drawing inspiration from the fluid nature of paints. With thick to thin strokes that mimic the movement of water and atmosphere, Aqueous comes in six stunning colorways, transforming interiors into vibrant visual experiences.
Another recent design, "Celestial," pays homage to the ethereal beauty of the International Dark Sky Reserve. It captures the breathtaking view of stars in unpolluted night skies. Available in five colorways, each variant of Celestial evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility, reminiscent of a starry night.
In a recent collaboration with Autex Acoustics, Emma Hayes expanded its repertoire by creating a range of nature-inspired acoustic wall panels. These panels reflect the concept of "quiet decoration," seamlessly combining aesthetic appeal with discreet functionality. Both brands, committed to sustainability, ensured that this acoustic range is completely carbon neutral.
Emma Hayes' designs are more than mere decorative elements; they are transformative pieces that enhance and elevate spaces, allowing them to resonate with artful sophistication and environmental awareness. The firm's focus on sustainability, heritage craftsmanship, and innovative design underscores its mission to create beautiful textiles for beautiful spaces worldwide.
Emma Hayes continues to inspire with her thoughtful approach to design, proving that elegance, innovation, and sustainability can coexist harmoniously in the world of interiors. Her work not only adorns spaces but also tells a story, inviting a deep connection between the occupants and their environment. Through these designs, Emma Hayes enhances spaces, transforms experiences, and continues to captivate the global design community.
