Unless you have been living underneath a rock, you have probably heard about the hit show called
Downtown Abbey. What started off as a relatively unknown period piece drama on PBS, has turned into one of the most successful shows to ever come out of the UK. What makes this series unique is how popular it equally is with Americans as it is with the British. There have been numerous occasions where huge television successes in the UK did not transcend the Atlantic Ocean, and this show has not only changed television in that way, but it has also brought over some of the period styling.
One of the things that makes this show so popular among millions of viewers is its skillful portrayed of a bygone era that makes many of us feel nostalgic for a place we have never been. The royalty lived a life of lavish luxury while the “common folk” seem to have very little value; in fact, their purpose is to make life for the noblemen as comfortable as possible. Yet, albeit the cruel fact that there was a very large dividing line between the haves and have-nots we get to see a world that seems much simpler than ours. Gender and class roles seems to be more set in stone and life appears, well, easier.
However, as a company makes a living from selling wallpaper, we cannot help but focus on the type of wall coverings the show uses. Throughout the three seasons, there have been many different styles used on the Victorian sets.
It seems that
damask was by far the most popular. At least half of the interiors have some form of damask wallpaper on them. The saying “the more things change, the more things stay the same” comes to mind when watching Downtown Abbey - Damask is, by a long shot, still one of the most popular types of wall coverings! More than a third of all the orders we get are for some type of damask pattern.
It’s easy to why many people like it. It’s a very classic design that evolves elaborate patterns that can give a home a very elegant look. With a timeless pattern, that was created in the city of Damascus hundreds of years ago, it can easily fit in many traditional and modern decorating schemes. Many of the most well-known interior designers liberally use damask throughout the house when the owner is looking for a classy high fashion theme, be it contemporary or vintage. If a damask is just as popular in 2013 as it was in 1913, it’s a safe bet that this particular style has sticking power and will not be dying out anytime soon!
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