DES IG N RU RA L MO D ERN IS T
Jason O’Malley of Rural Modernist with his NeoVictorian Nu Wave wallpaper (featuring Annie Lennox, Debbie Harry, Siouxsie Sioux, and Morrissey) in the foyer of the Kingston Design Showhouse. Photo by J.R. Craigmile
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allpaper is an age-old tradition, dating back more than 2,000 years to the Qin dynasty in China. The decorative treatment has adorned homes in the US since the 18th century, an import from Europe. Be it a fancy toile, casual stripe, or earthy grasscloth, wallpaper can influence a room’s ambiance, introduce pattern, add color and texture, and, in the case of Jason O’Malley’s designs, personalize a space. Chatting about the wallpaper he creates in his Kingston studio, O’Malley describes it as “one of a kind, humorous, and design-forward with a personal twist.” The colorful, off-thewall patterns he conceives reflect his dauntless, cartoon-esque sketching style, as they readily tell the story of the people he illustrates. His wallpaper appears Victorian-themed from a distance, but up close, the surprise is the depiction of Madonna, Stevie Nicks, and different pop idols. “I love to draw people,” O’Malley muses. “Especially figures from music, film, and pop 22
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culture that have influenced and entertained me over the years.” While he undoubtedly has a knack for sketching celebrities, O’Malley also spotlights everyday people and things, and will draw whatever his clients request. “I’m working on a toile pattern that features Kingston landmarks with a subtle little Easter egg incorporated into each vignette,” he says, noting that the hidden motif is their dog pooping. This commission has been a collaboration with the clients, who requested their pup in the pattern. “It’s perfect for the powder room where they will be installing it.” Beyond wallpaper, you’ve probably come across his editorial illustrations at some point and not realized it. The New York Times, Lucky, and InStyle are a few credits to his name; not to mention a stockpile of high-profile clients such as Coca-Cola, Big Gay Ice Cream, and Chanel have printed his modern drawings of people, places, and pets. Originally from the Detroit area, O’Malley became a full-timer in the Hudson Valley in
2007, after spending countless weekends away from New York City and his career in fashion and advertising. Ultimately, his creative background came in handy Upstate too—he says a design blog he started paved the way for his brand. “The Rural Modernist was the name I came up with,” he says. “I thought it was funny that I found myself living up a mountain in the Catskills with my husband and dogs; terrified of nature; writing about Mid-Century Modern chairs and assorted design trends.” O’Malley claims the blog was a flop, but “Rural Modernist” stuck, as did his portfolio of recognizable work, a collection of graphics, illustrations, art, zines, ceramics, textiles, and, for the past few years, wallpaper. Before he ventured into the world of wall covering, O’Malley experimented with personas through gift wrap design. “I had done some vaguely Victorian-flavored continuous repeat patterns incorporating portraits of my favorite ‘80s alternative icons,” he explains. He highlighted music stars Morrissey, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics, and
