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Banana Leaf Still In Style

Emmy Robertson December 2019

Banana leaf prints had a resurgence in 2012 and 2013 but I think they are never really out of style. They are popping up again this season and just about every season and I wanted to take a look at all the stylish decors that are bold enough to work them in.

Easily the most recognisable wallpaper in the world, the original banana leaf print was created by decorator Don Loper in 1942 for The Beverly Hills Hotel. His Martinique Banana Leaf wallpaper has become iconic amongst designers and style gurus alike.

The Martinique is unfortunately often confused with the equally as loved and brilliant Brazillance wallpaper by Dorothy Draper used to decorate The Greenbrier in West Virginia and redone by Carlton Varney. It's hard not to love them both. If you look closely, you will notice the Martinique has an ivory/off white background and brown and mustard tones where the Brazillane is distinguishable by the emerald tones, stark white background and grape like seeds amongst the fronds. Click the first image below to switch between the two and notice the differences.

The Beverly Hills Hotel Martinique Wallpaper

The Greenbrier decorated with Brazillance

Martinique Banana Leaf wallpaper featured in the movie staring Leonardo DiCaprio about the life of Howard Hughes.

A chair covered in Brazillance by CR Laine

Martinique on a wall in Brian Attwood and Nate Berkus' home in Milan via Elle Decor

Martinique Wallpaper at Petitenget Restaurant Seminyak Bali via azbthecreative.com

Martinique wallpaper in Nicky Hilton's breakfast room via InStyle magazine

Banana leaf print via The Pink Pagoda - Houses in my Heart: Carleton Varney

Martinique used by Steven Sclaroff via House Beautiful

Andy Warhol, Jacqueline Schnabel, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel and Kenny Sharf at the opening party of Indochine via Habitually Chic

The Golden Girls and Martinique

Floral Text

A moment with botanical text.