Art Paper

Jee Levi and Randall Buck of New York City-based Trove started their boutique wallcovering company two and a half years ago "out of a desire to redefine the wallpaper industry." Eschewing vinyl in favor of an eco-friendly paper alternative for commercial wallcoverings, this highly collaborative pair claim the UV-resistant inks they apply to Type I commercial-grade paper have a life span of 140 years. Additionally, "Our papers are washable as they are covered with a non-toxic, wax-based coating," Buck adds, in support of the idea that Trove paper wallcoverings are as functional as their vinyl counterparts.

Not all of Trove's designer clients understand that yet, which is a source of frustration but also a source of opportunity for Levi and Buck. However, customers do comprehend that Trove provides the chance to treat the wall as a vast canvas that elevates the design of an entire space. "We wanted to offer something extraordinary for wallpaper design, something beyond conventional motifs and standard repeats," Levi and Buck say. "Many wallcoverings are simply a harmonious color or subtle pattern with which to cover the walls as a backdrop for other elements in the space. We have redefined the wallcoverings category by bringing the focus back to the walls and thus to the architecture of the space itself."

The patterns in Trove's growing collection all were collaboratively designed by Levi and Buck and are characterized by bold dimensions. Each features a large-scale pattern with a 3-ft. or 6-ft. wide repeat, and they do not repeat vertically. Otherwise, variety rules the collections. "We are inspired by everything from an Alfred Hitchcock film to a Gerhard Richter painting to a Prada handbag," says Levi. "We seek to transform what we see everyday into something evocative, abstract, unexpected, and entirely unusual." Computer-manipulated photography is used to create the patterns, which the pair prints on paper themselves in their loft studio in Manhattan. The standard, recyclable paper stock Trove uses has a linen-like texture, similar to art canvas. "We're proud to be able to offer a paper product that is a viable alternative to vinyl," says Buck.

In its short existence, Trove has found favor with designers of upscale hotels, restaurants, lofts, cruise ships, and other commercial settings, as well as high-end residential environments, and has begun attracting international attention in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and Europe. And its product line is growing, with the recent launches of carpeting, fabric, printed window film, wood veneer wallcoverings (made from rapidly-renewable or reclaimed wood), and light fixtures, so that designers can now use Trove's patterns on a variety of surfaces from walls to floors to furniture to lighting. Reader Service No. 200