Talk Shop: Elizabeth Rees // Chasing Paper
ABOUT ELIZABETH
Elizabeth Rees is the enigmatic and multitasking founder of Chasing Paper, the wallpaper company behind Ariel’s recent wallpaper launch. As the third generation in her family’s printing company, she grew up learning the ins and outs of ink, paper and patterns – and with the belief that printing is not only a family tradition, but also a craft. Elizabeth carved out her own path in paper by developing a line of innovative, design-conscious removable wallpaper. We love her for her sense of adventure, willingness to take a risk on Ariel with Chasing Paper’s first ever interior designer collaboration (!), and her can-do attitude.
Elizabeth cultivated her entrepreneurial spirit over the past ten years of work, study and travel. Moving several times during this period also created an excitement to decorate and make each new space she lived in her own. After countless conversations with serial-movers, stylish mamas, renters who feel like anything but, DIYers and, of course, commitment-phobes, the idea for Chasing Paper began to take form and Elizabeth formally launched the company in March 2013. With the philosophy that design is for everyone, Chasing Paper offers customers an affordable, fun way to transform spaces of all sizes. We might be biased, but we think wallpaper is the best way to transform an environment, and removable wallpaper removes that fear of commitment many people have.
Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, Chasing Paper’s easy “peel-and-stick” application makes it the perfect solution for any interior project. Manufactured in the United States (Milwaukee, WI), Chasing Paper is printed on a high-quality removable fabric, backed with a low tack adhesive and sold in panels measuring 2 feet by 4 feet. The brand also now offers traditional wallpaper, art prints and more! Read below to learn more about Elizabeth’s career journey, her biggest design influences, and her most recent project…(hint: it’s baby girl #2!)
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandmother, Lalla. Her entire home in Wilmette, IL is filled with print and wallpaper and incredible fabrics. I grew up visiting her home and loving the way it felt to be enveloped in a home that had such a point of view.
How did you start Chasing Paper, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
It started by working to solve a problem for friends, and ultimately myself too – how can you achieve a particular look, feel and aesthetic that doesn’t have to be insanely expensive or permanent. The best part of my job is working with amazing artists and designers to dream up collections that I cannot find anywhere else.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Yes! I have a few! Having mentors both inside and outside by category has been an important part of Chasing Paper’s growth, I love that some of the folks in my circle do not know one thing about the world of design or interiors as I think it helps me look at things from a different perspective.
What does your home say about you:
Everyone assumes my entire home must be wallpapered. And while I do have a fair amount, I would like to think that it still feels approachable and calm. My personal aesthetic is pretty clean and airs on the side of masculine in some instances. I love using wallpaper to create an unexpected moment in a home.
Where do you find inspiration:
Without a doubt, travel is my biggest source for inspiration. Experiencing color and print in a new city or town create such an impression and gets my creative wheels spinning.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good food, good people, good wine.
Do you collect anything:
Vintage scarves + bandanas!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Not being a designer myself I am not super familiar with design rules, so in my book they are all meant to be broken!
What are you working on right now:
Currently a baby! Due in about 10 days so my focus is on welcoming this new baby girl. But I am also working on designing a new home (baby was a surprise and suddenly needed more space!), and also working on a book proposal that a publishing house approached me with!
Wardrobe staples:
Wide leg trousers, well-tailored jackets and good sunglasses.
Best interior advice you ever received:
To draw inspiration from others, but to follow my instincts and take risks. I think there is so much sameness on the internet and Instagram it’s hard to step away from what we feel matters to others.
Best career advice you ever received:
To stay in my lane. It’s so easy to play the comparison game and make yourself crazy. I want to build Chasing Paper into a business I am proud of but that also works for me and my team and business is not one size fits all, the kind of growth one company has may be disastrous for another so I try to keep that in mind.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Investments so far have been lighting, a few key furniture pieces and the tile for our new house. I have tried to save places like hardware (so many incredible sources now!) and trying to find one of a kind accessories at the many antique and vintage stores in my neighborhood.
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel! When I was younger and had no money I would travel on a shoestring. As I have gotten older I really love indulging in a great hotel, meal, experience that will help create special memories for my family.
Favorite places to shop for home:
I love Lulu & Georgia, CB2, Cedar + Moss, Schoolhouse Electric, vintage + antique stores, and so many more!
Most prized possession and why:
I have a box of journals from growing up. I pretty religiously documented over a decade of my life and it's so incredible to read back through and see this progression of my life.
Your interiors motto:
Your home is your sanctuary, make it feel calm and cozy.
Your life motto:
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Follow your instincts even if they do not look like everyone else’s – take chances and try new things – you can always change your mind.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: My husband makes the best spaghetti sauce! I love a cozy night in with a glass of wine and some very simple spaghetti.
Drink: Cold glass of rose
Film: Father of the Bride
Hotel: My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Greece and stayed at the Bill + Coo hotel on Mykonos – it was such a magical stay that started our next chapter.
City: London
Bedding: Parachute
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, currently ice cold with while milk
Playlist: I am a sucker for Oldies!
Weekend Activity: Pool with my daughter and husband, long walks with our dog around our neighborhood
Design Book: The House Pinterest Built
