Why opt for plain and simple walls when you can use them to make a bold statement in your home? One way to add immediate visual interest and texture to any room is to install treillage on the walls. Yes, indoors.
While treillage is traditionally found outdoors in gardens or patio spaces, more homeowners and design pros are playing with the concept indoors, too. Designer Antoine Fontaine calls treillage “a timeless classic” and incorporated it into his work at the newly-opened Hôtel des Peintres in Paris, shown below. He installed treillage in a lush garden area that connects to the hotel’s dining area where it “lends architectural depth to a space that otherwise lacks it,” he says.
The History Behind Trelliage
Treillage has a long history originating in France and dating back three centuries, explains Fontaine. “The Parisian public is accustomed to this type of design element,” he says. “Of course, it can be found at Versailles, but also in the private mansions of the Marais.”
Generally, treillage is “meant to be covered with climbing foliage,” says Fontaine. However, the pattern’s effect on its own is still quite compelling. “It’s often left bare, as the eye enjoys wandering over its regular pattern,” he adds. “This naturally evokes grand mansions, but also old French country houses.”
Bringing Treillage Indoors
There’s no reason to shy away from thinking beyond treillage’s traditional application. “While treillage was traditionally used in gardens and exterior settings, it’s now often used indoors to transform a space—adding character, rhythm, and craftsmanship,” says Meg Lonergan, the founder of Meg Lonergan Interiors. “Treillage is a timeless, elegant way to add texture, architectural interest, and structure to a space.”
How to Style Treillage
✔️ Paint it. While treillage looks wonderful when left white, don’t be afraid to coat it in a vibrant shade. Fontaine chose celadon green to complement the color of a large veranda on a recent project.
✔️ Try it on the ceiling. Consider applying treillage solely to a room’s “fifth wall,” says Lonergan. “I love the surprise of using it on a ceiling, especially in a long space like this veranda. It creates a tailored aesthetic and gives a layered effect to an otherwise flat surface; creating visual interest without being overwhelming.”
✔️ Go for an accent wall. Treillage would also make for a stunning accent wall choice. Use it to add visual interest to a room that could use a little special attention.
✔️ Layer art over it. Don’t be afraid to display framed works of art on walls with treillage; you can thoughtfully hang your pieces over the wood for a luxe-looking, layered experience.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
