Behind the Print: Hortensia

Hydrangeas have always been one of my favorite flowers. To me, they're synonymous with summer — big, beautiful blooms that feel both nostalgic and timeless.

They're also a little elusive here in Southern California. Our sunshine can be a bit too strong for them, which makes me appreciate them even more when I find them thriving.

When I started working on Hortensia, I had an idea for a small-scale floral print with a softly textured background. I wanted something that felt traditional but not overly formal, with enough detail to be interesting up close and a quiet, delicate pattern from a distance.

And naturally, I landed on hydrangeas.

From Paintbrush to Pattern

I began by sketching the shape of the stems, leaves, and flowers before painting everything by hand. I wanted the hydrangeas to feel a little loose and imperfect, rather than overly detailed or realistic.

Next came the background. I wanted the finished wallpaper to have the look and feel of something painted entirely by hand, so rather than using a flat, solid color, I painted a separate background with subtle variations in color and visible brushstrokes. It adds a little depth and gives the whole pattern a softer, more painterly feel.

Once both paintings were complete, I brought them into my computer and began turning the artwork into a seamlessly repeating pattern.

This is always one of my favorite parts of designing. Seeing a single illustration become something entirely different once it's repeated across a larger surface.

Getting the Scale Just Right

With the repeat complete, I started testing different scales and printing samples.

Scale can completely change how a pattern feels in a room. I wanted Hortensia to read as a delicate, allover floral rather than a large botanical statement.

After settling on the scale, I moved on to color testing. There's always a little back and forth between what I see on my screen and what comes off the printer, especially with subtle background colors.

The final combination of soft blue hydrangeas, green leaves, and a warm, textured background was exactly what I had been hoping for.

A Little Summer, All Year Long

I love the idea of bringing flowers into a home in ways that last beyond their season.

Hortensia is available as both wallpaper and textile, and I can picture it in so many places — a cozy bedroom, a powder room, or as a pair of patterned pillows layered with other prints.

A little reminder of summer, even when the hydrangeas aren't blooming.