GP&J Baker continue as a Platinum Partner 2025/2026

We are delighted to welcome back GP&J Baker as a valued returning Platinum Partner of the BIID. With a distinguished heritage in British textile design and an enduring commitment to excellence, their continued partnership enriches our shared dedication to the highest standards of interior design.

Here, Ann Grafton, Managing and Creative Director at GP&J Baker shares news about their House Small Prints II Fabric and Wallpapers launch.

The Beauty of the Small. GP & J Baker’s House Small Prints II collection curated in collaboration with Sean Symington

In a design world that often celebrates bold statements and large-scale patterns, there’s something quietly captivating about the charm of the small print. Our new House Small Prints II collection, created in collaboration with interior designer Sean Symington, reminds us that beauty doesn’t always need to shout to make an impact. Subtle, versatile, and richly layered, this collection of finely detailed fabrics and wallpapers offers a masterclass in the art of understated decoration and a compelling alternative to paint.

A Collaboration Rooted in Timeless Design

Renowned for his vibrant, layered interiors and ability to weave together the traditional and the modern, Sean Symington brings a fresh perspective to our distinguished heritage. We’ve delved deep into the brand’s archive to curate a new collection of small-scale fabric and wallpaper designs that feel at once historic and refreshingly relevant.

Each pattern in House Small Prints II tells a story, drawn from GP & J Baker’s storied past yet reimagined for the interiors of today. The collection is full of charm and quiet elegance. Patterns that have the power to elevate a space without overpowering it. From the graceful lines of Tetbury Stripe to the delicate whimsy of Penny, named after Symington’s beloved dog, these designs embody a timeless appeal.

Posy, a softly meandering scatter of tiny blooms, sits beautifully alongside Dotty, an elegant paisley design steeped in our rich textile history. Symington, a coral-toned leafy stripe adorned with miniature flowers, was discovered as a small watercolour in the archive and reinterpreted with contemporary sensitivity. Flower Patch, a floral trail inspired by 17th-century Sicilian domino papers, and Tuffley, originally printed for dresses in the mid-19th century, both bring a sense of ease and nostalgic joy. Finally, Ziggy, with its bold zig-zag and dot motifs, adds a touch of early 20th-century Modernist flair, a reminder that small prints can be as striking as they are subtle.

Why Small Prints Matter

Small-scale designs are enjoying a renaissance. As homes and interiors become more personal and expressive, decorators and homeowners alike are rediscovering the power of pattern not just as ornamentation, but as a tool for storytelling and atmosphere.

Unlike flat painted walls, small prints bring texture, warmth, and visual movement. They create an enveloping backdrop that feels finished yet never fussy. A small floral or stripe, when viewed across an entire room, becomes almost neutral, that adds depth without dominating.

In layered interiors, where pattern, texture, and tone interact harmoniously, small prints play an essential role. They ground bolder designs, bridging the gap between plain and statement. Used on walls, curtains, or upholstery, they provide cohesion, a subtle rhythm that holds a scheme together. As Sean Symington himself often demonstrates in his interiors, the key to a lived-in, characterful space lies in the thoughtful layering of patterns both large and small.

A Sophisticated Alternative to Paint

While paint has long been the default choice for walls, small-print wallpapers present a compelling alternative. A fine print can disguise imperfections in older plasterwork far better than a coat of matte emulsion, while adding warmth, interest, and a touch of craft that paint alone can’t replicate.

Small prints also offer the decorative benefits of pattern without the commitment of something bold or oversized. They’re perfect for rooms where you want a touch of personality but still crave calm. Whether it’s a dainty floral in a powder room, a subtle stripe in a study, or a repeat motif in a hallway, these patterns create spaces that feel both polished and welcoming.

And, crucially, small prints are incredibly versatile. They pair effortlessly with larger decorative fabrics and wallpapers from our broader collections, think grand florals like ‘Magnolia’, chinoiserie designs such as ‘Hydrangea Bird’, or intricate embroideries. Together, they form the kind of richly layered schemes that define British decorating at its best.

Creating Layers and Character

One of the greatest strengths of the House Small Prints II collection lies in its ability to build layers within a room. Start with a small print wallpaper as your base, perhaps the delicate dots of Tuffley or the leafy rhythm of Symington then add complementary textiles on upholstery, cushions, or blinds. Mix in bolder patterns in adjacent spaces or on statement pieces to create contrast and flow.

Because these prints are subtle, they allow art, furniture, and objects to shine. Hanging a gallery wall over a small floral or stripe adds depth and charm, giving each piece a softer, more integrated setting. In this way, small prints act as the perfect backdrop enriching a room’s atmosphere while allowing other elements to take centre stage.

Effortlessly Timeless

Ultimately, the House Small Prints II collection captures the essence of our brand: a blend of artistry, heritage, and enduring style. Each design has been handpicked not only for its historical significance but for its timeless relevance proof that small-scale patterns can be just as impactful as their larger counterparts.

Whether you’re looking to add personality to a kitchen, warmth to a bedroom, or depth to a living space, these designs offer an effortless way to infuse charm and sophistication. Used on their own or alongside coordinating wallpapers and decorative fabrics, they form the foundation of a home that feels layered, authentic, and beautifully lived in.

This collection elegantly shows that the beauty of small prints lies in their quiet confidence. They may whisper rather than shout, but their effect is timeless, inviting, and infinitely versatile. 

Note: GP & J Baker is a BIID Platinum Partner. This article has been produced as part of our sponsored partnership programme.