There was a time in my life when I hated toile. I mean really hated it. A tea towel, a footstool, a pillow – even the smallest accessory was way too much. My parents had a bathroom done all in toile and I could barely stand to go in it.

But recently something has changed. As I’ve gotten older my style has become a bit more decadent, and wouldn’t you know it, but that stuffy, traditional pattern that used to send me into a rage has become a lot more palatable. All of a sudden I’m considering things like toile wallpaper in the bathroom, toile curtains in the dining room, and even toile dishes! Whaaa happened?

What is Toile

If you’re not already familiar, toile is a pattern that first found popularity in late 18thC France and has wavered in popularity for the last two and a half centuries. The pattern is identifiable by its pastoral scenes and floral motifs, frequently rendered in either blue, red, or black hues.  Occasionally you see other colours, including soft green, which I’m a BIG fan of.

Is Toile Outdated?

Toile has a very distinct look and it’s typically found in traditional rooms. When not used carefully it can look quite outdated and stuffy. Particularly when it’s used with other fussy pieces – you know, the frills and ruffles crowd. But when used thoughtfully and paired with cleaner lines toile can look downright stylish.

Here’s a tip: if you really want to bring toile into the 21st Century, stick with the black and white version. While blues,red and greens are all lovely, black has a sophistication that just doesn’t exist in the same way with the other colours.

I think one of the reasons I used to not like it, and why a lot of people find it to be too much, is because people have a tendency to use toile en masse. They cover rooms with wallpaper, window treatments and textiles. And while, quite frankly, sometimes I’m into it, other times just a small sampling is enough.

In any case, I find myself loving the opulence of this classic look and I’m seriously considering incorporating some into my own home. I never thought I’d see the day.

So to answer the question, is Toile outdated? The answer is no. While its popularity may ebb and flow, toile is timeless. It’s just our attitudes that change.

Feature photo courtesy of Lawler Design Studio