William Morris Designs in Australia: Why These Iconic Patterns Still Belong in Our Homes

If you love timeless British design, you have probably already spotted the growing William Morris collection at Ruby’s Home Store.

From beautifully crafted tins to kitchen textiles, these iconic 19th-century patterns continue to feel completely at home in modern Australian spaces. But why have William Morris designs endured for over 140 years?

Let’s take a closer look.

Honeysuckle pattern (1876) by William Morris. Original from The Smithsonian Institution. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

Who Was William Morris?

William Morris was one of Britain’s most influential designers and a founder of the Arts and Crafts movement. In the late 1800s, as mass industrial production increased, Morris championed craftsmanship, quality materials and thoughtful design.

He believed everyday household items should be both functional and beautiful. His famous quote still resonates today:

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

That philosophy sits perfectly with the pieces we curate at Ruby’s Home Store.

The Story Behind His Most Famous Designs

Many William Morris patterns are still in continuous production, making them some of the most enduring textile and wallpaper designs in history.

Willow Bough (1887)

Created in 1887, Willow Bough was inspired by the willow trees Morris admired on walks along the River Thames. Its flowing leaves and rhythmic movement give it a calm, organic feel.

Today, this iconic green design looks just as beautiful on a decorative tin in an Australian kitchen as it once did on Victorian wallpaper.

Marigold (1875)

Designed in 1875, Marigold reflects Morris’s love of medieval pattern, symmetry and richly layered botanicals. It has warmth, structure and depth without feeling overpowering.

It is a classic example of heritage design that still feels relevant in modern interiors.

Strawberry Thief (1883)

Strawberry Thief is one of Morris’s most recognisable patterns. Inspired by thrushes stealing strawberries from his garden at Kelmscott Manor, it took several attempts to perfect the complex indigo discharge printing technique used in the original textile.

The result is intricate, detailed and full of movement. It remains one of the most sought-after William Morris designs worldwide.

Finch and Flower

This William Morris inspired design forms part of the beautiful collection from Ulster Weavers, known for its quality kitchen textiles and heritage prints.

Finch and Flower reflects the classic Arts and Crafts style, featuring birds, berries and winding leaves in rich, earthy tones. The nature-inspired pattern takes clear cues from William Morris’s original work, celebrating the layered detail and organic movement that made his designs so enduring.

At Ruby’s Home Store, we stock a range of pieces from the Ulster Weavers William Morris inspired collection, including the Finch and Flower tea towel, apron and oven gloves. They are practical, beautifully made and a simple way to refresh your kitchen with timeless British design.

Why William Morris Designs Still Work in Modern Australian Homes

You might expect patterns created in the 1870s and 1880s to feel dated. Yet they do not.

Perhaps that is because they were never designed to be trendy. They were created with longevity in mind.

In a world of fast décor and disposable styling, there is something reassuring about pieces that have already stood the test of time. Whether it is a William Morris biscuit tin on your bench or heritage kitchen textiles hanging proudly by the oven, these designs add depth, history and character to your home.

They are practical.
They are beautiful.
And they tell a story.

Shop William Morris in Australia

If you are looking to buy William Morris tins, kitchen textiles or giftable homewares in Australia, you can explore our carefully curated collection here:

https://rubyshomestore.com.au/collections/william-morris

From Willow Bough to Strawberry Thief, each piece brings a touch of British heritage into modern Australian living.

And tell me, which design speaks to you most?