The Ethereal Palette: Artistry and Ecology in the Moth Collection

A quiet presence descends upon the California landscape during the blue hour, when the sun has dipped below the horizon and the evening air begins to cool. While much of the world's attention turns to daytime pollinators, a silent, equally vital pollinating night shift is just beginning its essential work. This twilight transition serves as the creative foundation for the expansion of the Moth collection, celebrating a cast of characters that sustain local ecosystems under the cover of dusk.

This collection is a tribute to these understated guardians of the environment. Moths are remarkable and diverse, playing a crucial role in pollinating countless plant species that rely on nocturnal visitors for reproduction. Their intricate wing patterns and delicate textures offer a masterclass in organic symmetry, providing a sophisticated alternative to more common natural motifs.

The Legacy of Pebble: A Foundational Inspiration

The collection began with a singular, anchoring colorway: Pebble. Inspired by the neutral, toasted gray wings of native species that flutter through the California evening, Pebble was designed to be a versatile staple. Available in both the signature Moth Wallpaper and Moth Textile, this pattern captures the essence of the nocturnal landscape, representing the quiet elegance and understated strength of the moth in motion.

Pebble has become a favorite for restorative, biophilic spaces that honor nature's subtle details. It represents the start of a design journey, the grounded neutral that allowed for the observation and eventual expansion of a palette reflecting the broader tapestry of the California lifestyle.

A New Horizon: From the Coast to the Kitchen Garden

In this new release, the collection moves beyond the foundational neutral to introduce five colorways that reflect a curated California life. These hues draw from the environments that surround and inspire the studio.

• Thyme: A verdant, silvery green that pays homage to the heart of the California home, the kitchen garden. This hue brings the aromatic freshness of cultivated herbs indoors.

• Rosemary: A deeper, forest-toned green that echoes the structured beauty of Mediterranean-inspired landscaping found throughout the state.

• Estuary: Inspired by the cool, deep blues of the brackish waters where rivers meet the Pacific, Estuary offers a tranquil, grounding presence.

• Sand: This light, earthy tone reflects the warmth of the sun-baked environment and the pale, neutral dunes found along the coast.

• Rose: A soft, mineral glow that embodies the hues of California canyon walls at sunset.

Biophilic Living: A Tactile, Plant-Based Approach

Integrating these new colorways into a home requires a focus on materiality and a connection to the earth's raw elements. The Moth collection is best grounded with textural, natural, organic materials.

The Moth Textile pairs naturally with the weight of heavy-gauge linen, the smooth coolness of tumbled stone, or the warmth of wood. By surrounding these patterns with woven fibers, the home becomes a multi-sensory environment that feels more balanced and intentionally connected to the earth.

Conscious Composition

The expanded Moth textile collection is printed on plant-based fabrics, specifically Belgian linen and organic cotton sateen. These natural fibers offer a tactile, breathable quality that complements a wellness-focused interior.

The Moth Wallpaper is FSC-certified, PVC-free, and printed with GREENGUARD Gold-certified water-based latex inks.

Celebrating the Night Shift

The expanded Moth collection invites a closer look at the silent contributors to the landscape. From the original elegance of Pebble to the botanical inspiration of the new palette, these designs offer a sophisticated way to bring the artistry of the California evening indoors.

The Night’s Architecture: A Study of California’s Sacred Datura

In the high heat of a California afternoon, Datura wrightii looks like a secret hidden in plain sight. Its low-slung, velvety gray foliage hugs the disturbed soil of roadsides and desert washes, appearing almost muted against the vibrant glare of the sun. But as the light fades and the temperature drops, the plant undergoes a structural transformation.

For our studio, Datura is more than a botanical curiosity; it is a masterclass in organic geometry. We’ve long been drawn to its vespertine nature, the way its massive, pleated buds unfurl with mechanical precision at dusk. What began as a single illustration for a holiday card has become a permanent fixture in our creative vocabulary. We return to its silvered leaves and trumpet-shaped silhouettes not just for their beauty, but for their resilience. In this study, we look past the plant's reputation to explore its role as a cornerstone of the nocturnal ecosystem and a primary muse.

Nocturnal Synchronicity: The Hawkmoth and the Bloom

While much of the California landscape thrives under the sun, Datura wrightii operates on a different clock. As the heat of the day dissipates, the plant begins a coordinated sensory display. The massive white trumpets don't just open, they exhale. They release a heavy, intoxicating fragrance that serves as a GPS signal for the Sphinx Moth, or Hawkmoth (USDA Forest Service).

The relationship between the two is a marvel of biological engineering. To reach the nectar deep within the flower’s throat, the Hawkmoth unfurls a proboscis that matches the flower's depth almost perfectly. As the moth hovers, steady as a hummingbird, it becomes an accidental messenger, brushed with the pollen that will sustain the next generation of Datura. In the quiet of a desert or coastal evening, this interaction is one of the few movements in an otherwise still landscape, a silver-on-silver dance that has become a foundational reference for our studio's tonal palettes.

The Ephemeral Bloom

There is a quiet dignity in the plant’s timing. Each flower is a singular event, opening at sunset and offering its full splendor to the night. By the time the next morning’s sun reaches its peak, the bloom has already begun to retreat. This brief, intense window of beauty ensures the plant’s energy is focused on its nocturnal partners, creating a potent moment of connection that defines the rhythm of the desert night.

Deep Roots: A Legacy of Respect

In California, you cannot discuss Datura without acknowledging its profound cultural significance. For the Chumash and Tongva peoples, the plant, known as Momoy or Manit, is far more than a roadside wildflower. It is a sacred entity, historically integrated into rites of passage and sophisticated medicinal practices (Timbrook, 2007).

This history informs how we view the plant today. It isn't just ornamental; it carries a gravity that demands reverence. It is both beautiful and dangerous, as all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested (UC IPM). By respecting its boundaries, we can appreciate its role as a survivor. It thrives where other plants wither, providing a critical nectar source in arid environments and standing as a living link to California’s deep botanical and cultural history.

A Note for the Native Garden: The Rowntree Perspective

The pioneer horticulturist Lester Rowntree often spoke of the necessity of bringing the wild into the garden, provided we respect the plant's true nature (Rowntree, 1939). Of the Sacred Datura, she noted its paradoxical beauty and its ability to look lush and tropical while requiring almost nothing from the gardener.

To introduce this architectural giant into the landscape, there are a few considerations. In the wild, Datura wrightii can spread up to 15 feet. In a garden, it needs room to breathe and expand. It craves full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant, often performing better with neglect than with over-care. Do not be alarmed if the plant disappears in winter; it is a perennial that retreats into its hardy root system, waiting for the warmth of spring to push it back through the soil. Finally, because of its high toxicity, it should be planted with care, taking into account its proximity to children and pets.

A Continuous Muse

Our work at the studio is an ongoing dialogue with plants like these, species that refuse to be ignored and offer a structural complexity we find endlessly inspiring. The Sacred Datura reminds us that the most profound beauty often reveals itself only when we are willing to wait for the sun to go down.

Works Cited

• Rowntree, Lester. Hardy Californians. Macmillan, 1939.

• Timbrook, Jan. Chumash Ethnobotany: Plant Knowledge Among the Chumash People of Southern California. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2007.

• UC IPM. "Sacred Datura." University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

• USDA Forest Service. "Datura wrightii (Sacred Datura)." U.S. Forest Service Celebrating Wildflowers.

The Art of the Infinite Interior: Curation, Craft, and the Sustainable Estate

For the discerning collector, the home is more than a residence; it is a living gallery where every element reflects a commitment to quality and heritage. In the modern estate, where sophisticated infrastructure is standard, stewardship now centers on the sensory realm. We call this The Infinite Interior, a design philosophy where the beauty of a space is rooted in the exceptional origin and thoughtful creation of its components. By focusing on the soft infrastructure, rugs, textiles, and wallcoverings, we find the tactile and visual soul of the home.

The Textile Narrative: Luminous Purity and Botanical Luxury

The essence of a refined room begins with the purity of its fibers. Belgian Linen is a material of effortless grace, valued for its luminous texture and natural breathability. Its presence offers a pristine origin and a supple resilience that ages with a distinguished patina.

For intimate spaces, Organic Cotton Sateen represents the pinnacle of botanical luxury. It is defined by a silken luster and an exquisite drape that brings gentle, sophisticated comfort to the interior. As vital components of a serene atmosphere, these materials invite an environment of organic harmony and tactile delight.

The Foundation: Hand-Crafted Artistry and Botanical Silk

If textiles provide the textural envelope of a home, rugs are the foundational anchors of its energy. A curated floor celebrates a spectrum of craft. Hand-knotted designs offer intricate density and traditional complexity, while hand-tufted pieces provide a sculptural, plush dimension underfoot.

The choice of material further defines this experience. New Zealand Wool provides comforting warmth and a naturally vibrant finish. For those seeking a botanical alternative, Bamboo Silk offers brilliant light-reflecting qualities and a velvet-like hand. These botanical silk options allow for plant-based luxury that complements a thoughtfully curated interior.

The Curated Surface: Wallpaper as Architectural Poetry

Beyond the tactile, the perimeter of the home offers a canvas for visual storytelling. Kale Tree wallpaper is designed as a sophisticated layer of depth, moving beyond simple decoration to become architectural poetry. These surfaces feature meticulously rendered motifs and patterns that invite contemplation, providing a constant and inspiring backdrop. Created to transcend fleeting trends, these wallcoverings remain aesthetically relevant and captivating through every season of life.

A Legacy of Refinement

True stewardship at the highest level is found not in the temporary, but in the enduring. It is a daily practice of surrounding oneself with objects that honor both the artisan and the natural world. By selecting pieces defined by exceptional materials and expert hand-craft, the homeowner cultivates a legacy of quiet excellence, creating an environment where beauty and integrity are inextricably linked.

Woven Intentions: The Art of the Bespoke Rug

The foundation of a well-considered interior is found in the tactile, the enduring, and the deeply personal. A rug is often the grounding element that dictates the flow, acoustics, and emotional resonance of a sanctuary. It serves as a site-specific installation that bridges the gap between architecture and comfort.

The Signature Collection as a Point of Departure

The current collections invite exploration of the intersection of nature and design. These patterns act as a creative catalyst, offering a visual language that can be adapted to the unique requirements of a home.

The Matilija Poppy Rug: Inspired by the dramatic, papery blooms of the California native, this design celebrates organic form. For a bespoke commission, the scale of the petals can be adjusted to frame a furniture grouping or expanded to fill a grand salon.

The Mangrove Rug: A study in the intricate, interconnected systems of coastal forests, this pattern lends itself to tonal shifts. It may be reimagined in a monochromatic palette to emphasize texture or in high-contrast hues to highlight architectural linework.

The Moth Rug: Capturing the ephemeral beauty of lepidoptera, this design brings a sense of soft, natural symmetry to a space.

Each design provides a framework. Whether drawn to detailed botanical motifs or abstract rhythms of the wilderness, every pattern can be customized in size, color, and density to harmonize with specific decor.

Beyond the Loom: Site-Specific Commissions

For those seeking a singular expression, the studio offers the opportunity for original compositions. A bespoke rug can be designed from the ground up to respond to the architectural nuances of a property, perhaps echoing the curve of a grand staircase, the proportions of a custom skylight, or the botanical species found in a private garden.

This collaborative process allows for personalization. By considering the light, volume, and intended movement within a room, a foundation is created that feels as though it has grown organically from the space.

A Material Study in Compassionate Naturalism

The integrity of a bespoke rug is defined by its fiber. Materials are selected to reflect a commitment to quality and ethical sourcing, offering a range of textures to suit different lifestyles and aesthetic preferences.

New Zealand Wool: Renowned for its natural resilience and soft, matte finish, wool remains a classic choice for its inherent texture and enduring quality.

The Vegan Suite: For those who prefer plant-based luxury, a selection of refined vegan fibers is available. Bamboo Silk provides a lustrous, light-catching sheen that rivals traditional silk, while Jute and Cotton offer understated, organic elegance that grounds a room in earthy texture.

By selecting specific fiber blends, such as a wool base with bamboo silk accents, the way light interacts with the floor can be manipulated, adding depth and luminosity to the custom pattern.

The Longevity of Intentional Design

Choosing a bespoke rug is an investment in the heritage of a home. It is an embrace of the slow, intentional craft of the loom. By marrying custom geometry with a palette of natural, high-quality materials, the goal is to create pieces that are functional and cherished as heirlooms for generations.

Birdwatching as mindfulness: Creative connections within the bird watching community.

The benefits of looking at nature are everywhere, no matter where you live. Outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and being in nature promote feelings of well-being. Recent research by academics at the University of Exeter, the British Trust for Ornithology, and the University of Queensland suggests that birding, in particular, has mental health benefits. Researchers in the UK recently determined that people who saw more birds in their daily lives experience less stress and depression. Bird-watching is a practice that encourages mindfulness and patience. Simply watching a bird feeder can be beneficial for your mental health.

Birding also benefits your mental health through the community and friendships that it creates. A love of birding connects people from all walks of life and is what initially drew interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, to the artwork of Vivienne Edwards.

The watercolor paintings of small birds included in several of our mood boards for the Matilija Poppy Textile and the Mallow Textile are by the artist Vivienne Edwards. Vivienne is based in South Africa and makes small watercolors of birds that she encounters in the natural environment around her. Sarah discovered Viviennes' work one day by chance, drawn to the intimacy of their small size (2.5 x 3.5 in) and how they reflect the artist's relationship with her natural surroundings. 

Sarah is an avid birder and felt that Vivienne's paintings would be a special addition to her art collection. Sarah commissioned a small set of paintings from Vivienne based on photographs Sarah took of favorite birds in her garden. 

These magical birds are featured in a series of Kale Tree mood boards, whose nature-inspired luxury eco fabrics incorporate biophilic prints inspired by the intersection of art, design, and nature. Sarah thought these paintings contributed to the overall feeling of these mood boards, which feature a series of natural materials and textures that help visualize the collection of objects that make up an interior space. 

The bird featured in this Kale Tree mood board for the Matilija Poppy Textile in Putty is a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula); this is a tiny, very cautious bird that can be quite timid. Sarah has mainly spotted the Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the Acacia cultriformis tree in her garden, which it uses as a safe passage to the water bowl. It is a fairly solitary bird that does not stay out in the open for too long. Its ruby crown is very subtle, making it difficult for her to identify at first, and she was very happy when she did. The hand-drawn pattern of this floral textile is inspired by Matilija Poppies (Romneya coulteri), a favorite California native flower.

The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), is a bird with which Sarah feels a real fascination and kinship. Of all the songbirds, the Hermit Thrush is considered to have one of the most beautiful songs. The first time Sarah saw a Hermit Thrush, she was overcome and entranced by the beauty of this bird which felt like it had a magic quality. The Hermit Thrush is quite solitary; it moves along the edges of the garden with cautious stealth, so it feels like a special moment when it is spotted. Hermit Thrushes seldom visit backyards making this sighting and painting all the more special, a beautiful and meaningful addition to the Matilija Poppy Textile (Midnight) mood board from Kale Tree.

The mood board for the Matilija Poppy Textile (Bluestone) features a painting of the California Quail (Callipepla californica), the California state bird. This bird has beautiful feather patterns and enchanting qualities similar to the hermit thrush. Sarah had only ever seen California Quails in the desert until she moved to her new house, where she saw a pair walk across her patio one day. This experience was delightful and magical as it possibly meant they were nesting nearby. Sarah intends to plant a quail bush (Atriplex lentiformis) in her garden to encourage the birds to stay a while. 

The painting featured in the mood board for the Matilija Poppy Textile (Natural) is of a Scaly Breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata). You can usually find this small songbird in grasslands, gardens, and fields; the scaly spots on its underbelly and the color palette of its feathers compliment the stamens in the center of this poppy textile. Sarah first saw this bird in her garden and had never seen a bird like it before. She was surprised to learn that it was an introduced species from South East Asia. On watching this bird, she was struck by how familial and social they are; they are hardly ever seen alone and are often spotted sharing food and space. The Scaly Breasted Munia is also a lot less timid around humans, usually happy to sit and listen to a little bit of a human-to-bird conversation.

A painting of a Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) is paired alongside a series of natural materials in the mood board for the Mallow Textile (Evening Mauve). The Bewick's Wren was originally one of Sarahs' favorite birds and has been in Sarahs' life for a long time. At her last house, a mother Bewick's Wren, taught her babies to eat suet cake from her bird feeder. The mother wren would also leave baby birds in a bush in Sarahs' garden while they went to forage, allowing her to spend some time with these usually solitary birds. Although they are usually found in dry bushy areas, the Bewick's Wren is also at home in gardens and parks in suburbs and cities. Its ability to live in natural and built environments creates a lovely allegory reflecting the design philosophy behind this floral fabric.

In this last mood board, a painting of an Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) accompanies a swatch of the Mallow Textile (Midnight Forest). These birds are often found in dry places, and as a result, they don't need to drink much water. Instead, they get the water they need from their food. Sarah often sees these birds in her garden, but explains that patience is required as they are usually on a perch somewhere, sitting, waiting, and surveying for insects that they catch in mid-flight.

Vivienne Edwards is a self-taught artist from South Africa who loves to work with the unpredictability of watercolors. She is fortunate to live in a wildlife-rich region with abundant bird life and wetlands. Her work takes inspiration from the small creatures in the natural environment around her, going about their daily lives with such purpose and energy. It is often a show of vulnerability from this wildlife that prompts what she decides to paint, such as a Sparrow delicately picking a sprig of parsley for its young.

Sarah and her team love working with other artists, especially those who celebrate the beauty of nature and inspire joy through their work. 

Bibliography

“Beautiful Birding: 7 Mental Health Benefits of Bird Watching.” Happiness.com, 27 Jan. 2022, https://www.happiness.com/magazine/art-culture-leisure/mental-health-benefits-of-bird-watching/.

Leahy, Christopher W. “Teaching Your Mind to Fly: The Psychological Benefits of Birdwatching.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, 31 July 2021, https://press.princeton.edu/ideas/teaching-your-mind-to-fly-the-psychological-benefits-of-birdwatching.

Ray, Heather. “A Dose of Nature: Why Birding Will Boost Your Mental Health.” Birds and Blooms, Birds and Blooms, 27 Apr. 2022, https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/birding-health/#:~:text=Researchers%20in%20Kentucky%20found%20that,beneficial%20to%20your%20psychological%20health.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). 

Matilija Poppies: A Fried Egg(less) Dream

There is really nothing on flower earth quite like the Matilija Poppy. While, yes, there are other wonderful poppies that are full of ruffle-y delight—- this one is no typical clump of California poppies. When well established, this glory of blooms and buds can grow to 8 feet tall with endless flowers, each nearly 5 inches across!

I’ve always admired this plant on walks around Los Angeles neighborhoods, seeing it wild and free taking over suburban gardens. I’ve planted it in my garden primarily on sunny slopes and found that perhaps because of Southern California’s incredible summer heat, it does surprisingly well in areas partly shaded by trees.

I purchased my 4-inch and 1-gallon starter plants from La Crescenta Nursery in the Oakmont neighborhood of Glendale, Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley and Hahamonga Native Plant nursery in Pasadena, CA.

The Matilija Poppy or Romneya coulteri is known for stabilizing slopes because of its creeping root stalks or rhizomes. It’s also known for being challenging to remove so consider your planting location carefully.

Initially, I incorrectly assumed that Matilija was a Spanish word, resulting in a long-time mispronunciation!

In fact, Matilija comes from the word "Mat'ilha", a Chumash village once located in what is now referred to as Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Currently in development is the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center “being built to celebrate Chumash heritage, share the tribe’s history, and educate visitors about the rich culture of the first people of the area. The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will also advance the legacy of the Chumash environmental stewardship and keep ancient sustainability traditions alive by seeking to become one of the first LEED-certified tribal museums in the United States.”

I enjoy photographing the giant white flowers and golden pom-pom centers almost as much as I enjoy growing them.

They shape shift through the season, their distinctive silver grey leaves remaining long after the flowers have gone.

Our team has been developing a special collection of textiles, wallpapers and area rugs inspired by the beauty of the Matilija Poppy. Soon to be released in five colorways; natural, midnight, petal, putty and bluestone.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah's work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Nature at Home: Botanical Textiles from Tradescant & Son Now Available at Kale Tree Shop

Sarah Barnard is now the exclusive California representative for Tradescant & Son through Kale Tree Shop's online marketplace. The line features a wide range of nature-inspired luxury eco fabrics and wallpapers made with a sustainability-minded production process.

The foundation of Sarah Barnard's practice is a belief that interior environments should contribute to wellbeing, both emotionally and globally. Barnard's work focuses on sustainability, emphasizing the importance of nature, both through conscious sourcing and as the inspiration for many of her designs.

The designer's use of natural themes and environmentally conscious materials spoke to the sensibilities and priorities of Tradescant & Son, who recognized Barnard as an ideal representative for their line. Tradescant & Son director Amy Hardman says, "Our 100% linens and the relaxed yet stylish look to our designs promote a holistic and contemporary feel. This, together with the fact that we share a commitment to ensuring sustainability wherever possible by using locally woven fabrics and printers, is a fantastic and exciting foundation for our relationship with Sarah Barnard Design."

The fabrics and wallpapers feature a wide variety of natural themes, from a graphic striped wallpaper composed of vibrant hummingbirds to linen textiles inspired by historic entomology archives from the University of Oxford Museum of Natural History, softly patterned with moths or beetles. With a range of bird fabrics, butterfly patterns, and botanical prints, the timeless patterns nod to historical, scientific illustrations, while their colors and design have a contemporary feel suitable for a diverse array of settings.

On the collaboration, Barnard noted that "As a birder, naturalist, and avid gardener, I was drawn to Tradescant & Son's collection of biophilic prints. Particularly when designing for metropolitan areas, I like to turn to natural motifs to stand in for nature that may not be as readily available for someone with a city view. The entire Tradescant & Son collection offers an impressive array of options when looking to bring the experience of wildlife into an interior."

These products are available for purchase through the website www.kaletree.com. Additional support is available for design and trade professionals by contacting shop@kaletree.com.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah's work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).