Creative Matters Makes A Statement with EcoSoft Wallcovering
Beyond beauty, this new design is the product of a devotion to craft and sustainability
Local rug shop and design studio Creative Matters has once again proven its taste for innovative with the launch of a new creation: the EcoSoft wallcovering. Years in the making, EcoSoft represents a significant departure from traditional wall coverings, offering a soft, textured alternative that is as eco-conscious as it is visually stunning.
The Alpine design is inspired by nature.
The journey to EcoSoft began over a decade ago when Creative Matters first delved into wall coverings. Their early experiments included working with materials like Terralon, a PVC free vinyl, but it quickly became evident that there was a growing demand for something softer, something that could add warmth and depth to a space. The idea of using wool, a material long appreciated for its renewability and biodegradability, naturally emerged.
“We’ve always had a great appreciation for wool, including Canadian wool, which we’ve used in our Campaign for Wool Rug Collection,” shares Ana Cunningham, managing partner at Creative Matters. “During the pandemic, we found ourselves with some time to explore new products and we thought, ‘wouldn’t it be nice if we could create needle-felted wall coverings with wool?’”
“EcoSoft isn’t just a wall covering; it’s a canvas for creativity.”
This exploration led to the creation of EcoSoft, a wallcovering that not only embodies the beauty of wool but also leverages its incredible properties, such as its ability to trap and neutralize volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The result is a product that’s as good for the environment as it is for the senses.
Sustainability is key
One of the standout features of EcoSoft is its sustainable production. Unlike many wall coverings that rely on materials sourced from far-off places, EcoSoft is produced locally in Ontario, supporting local farmers, artisans and mills. This conscious choice not only reduces the carbon footprint of the product but also ensures that it meets the brand’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
“Producing EcoSoft locally allows us to minimize our environmental impact and supports our dedication to sustainable textiles,” Cunningham explains. “We’ve always admired Canadian wool and use it where possible, and Alpine is no exception.”
A work of art
While the design itself is stunning, Creative Matters offers clients the opportunity to customize their wallcoverings to fit their specific vision. This bespoke approach is reminiscent of the company’s custom rug designs, where clients can select colours, patterns and even elements of architecture to incorporate into the final product.
“We see EcoSoft as a starting point for what can become a truly bespoke experience,” says Cunningham. “Our clients can bring their own design inspiration to the table and we’ll work with them to create something unique that fits perfectly within their space.”
At the heart of EcoSoft’s distinctive look is the intricate process of needle felting. This technique involves layering dyed wool in small batches to create the forms and patterns that give EcoSoft its rich, painterly quality. The wool is then hand-punched into place before being processed through a needle felting machine that locks the fibers together, ensuring the durability and longevity of the product.
“We actually hired an oil paint artist to assist with some of our wool needle-felted samples and her approach to layering colour and form translated beautifully into the Alpine design,” Cunningham reveals. “The depth of colour, the shadow, the highlight—these are all achieved through careful layering and handwork, making each piece of EcoSoft a work of art in its own right.”
For those eager to incorporate EcoSoft into their interiors, Creative Matters offers made-to-order options. A standard 5×6 panel can be produced within four to six weeks, while fully custom orders will have a timeline determined by the scope of the project.
With EcoSoft, Creative Matters has once again set a high bar—blending artistry, sustainability and creativity in a product that transforms walls into multi-sensory experiences. As Cunningham puts it, “EcoSoft is quintessentially Creative Matters—an evolution of our love for wool and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.”
