In the world of design, there are few elements that elevate a space as elegantly or effectively as hand-painted wallpaper—something the Gracie family knows better than most. A design dynasty with an illustrious pedigree, their family business—now in its sixth generation—has been synonymous with exquisite wallpaper and antiques for 127 years (and counting).
“People come to us because they want something truly unique,” says Jennifer Gracie, creative director. “At Gracie, we don’t know how to do things the easy way. We prefer the old-fashioned approach. The biggest change? Our pieces no longer take months to ship along the old tea trade routes—they now arrive by air!”
Gracie was founded in 1898 by Charles R. Gracie, Jennifer’s great-grandfather, in New York City. By the 1920s, the company had evolved from custom-made lamps and furnishings to a curated collection of exquisite pieces from China and Japan. It was then that Charles discovered the beauty of ornate chinoiserie wallpaper, and the rest, as they say, is history.
A favourite amongst interior tastemakers such as Summer Thornton and Alex Papachristidis, Gracie creations adorn the homes of connoisseurs worldwide, from Hollywood mansions to the US President’s guest house.
Combining artistry with time-honoured craftsmanship, no two panels at Gracie are ever the same, while time imbues each piece with a singular, evolving patina. “As a child, I would often lose track of time among our wallpaper displays, looking at the tiny bees, flower petals, and exquisitely rendered butterflies, always noticing something new every time I gazed at them,” Jennifer says, beaming.
A storied heritage
Gracie’s enchanting world has remained largely under wraps—until now. “We had wanted to create a book for about 15 years, and with our 125th anniversary approaching, there was no better time to make it happen,” explains Jennifer. “We also wanted my father, Brian, involved. He had so much to contribute, especially regarding the history of the business.”
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