Ginkgo Motifs Grow on Rooms

Simple and shapely, ginkgo leaves bring a graceful, natural note to wallpaper, fabrics and furnishings

Lisa FrederickSeptember 26, 2012

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Ginkgo trees, with their graceful, fan-shaped leaves, trumpet their presence in the landscape in fall. They take on a brilliant golden hue that blazes against autumn's blue, clear skies and commands double takes. My husband, who grew up with a mature ginkgo tree in the front yard of his family's home, recalls complete strangers stopping their cars and jumping out to snap photos of their kids against its glorious foliage.

Given that stunning beauty, it's only natural that ginkgo leaves have become such a classic motif in decor. Although they're traditionally associated with Arts and Crafts interiors, they've been reinterpreted and stylized in so many different forms and materials that they make a natural partner for any style. Take a look at some of the examples below.

kimberly ayres

This gorgeous wallpaper flips the conventional ginkgo palette, with sky-blue leaf shapes scattered over a tawny gold background. It suits the unconventional, eclectic style of the space perfectly.

colorlover

A ginkgo stencil with a bit of sheen enlivens a minimalist dining area.

A subtle ginkgo motif on the bench at the foot of the bed gives this traditional bedroom a welcome layer of pattern.

Karen Gallagher Interiors

Golden ginkgo leaves get most of the attention, but the foliage is just as lovely in its green state, as this painting proves.

Christopher Kellie Design Inc.

Ginkgo-patterned resin panels shimmer in a modern, muted living and dining area.

WA Design Architects

Look closely and you can see a hint of Arts and Crafts flavor in this otherwise contemporary space, from the chunky, geometric fireplace surround to the ginkgo-print rug.

Diego Alejandro Interior Design

One of the best things about ginkgo leaves is that they're neither masculine nor feminine — they can go either way, as evidenced by this eclectic bedroom.

LeVernois Design Studio

How lovely! Custom tilework in this bathroom makes it appear as if ginkgo leaves are growing right through the wall.

Ginkgo in Yellow Moss Print

This simple ginkgo print would be arresting all by itself, but three or six of them would take on modern flavor in a triptych or grid.

Philippe Deshoulieres Ginkgo Dinnerware

Philippe Deshoulieres' ginkgo-leaf dinnerware is a design classic. With its deep red and shining gold, it's perfect for a fall dinner party.

Amber Ginko Vase

Amber ginkgo-patterned vases have a slightly retro, glamorous edge. I could see these in a Hollywood Regency room with lots of gilt accents.

Gingko Leaf 10 1/2-Inch Plate

Spice up plain white china with sculptural pieces such as this platter.

Waterglass Studios Arts and Crafts Mailbox With Ginkgo Leaf

If you're looking to elevate your porch decor, consider this Arts and Crafts–style mailbox. It's a splurge, but it's worth it.