Creating Arbor Toile: A Conversation with Illustrator Hillary Bott Sorrentino

When it came time to bring our newest wallpaper design to life, we knew we wanted something that felt both grounded and ethereal, rooted in tradition but with a fresh, modern look. Enter Hillary Bott Sorrentino, a first-time collaborator with a talent for crafting intricate, hand-drawn illustrations that whisper stories from the past while feeling perfectly suited for the present.

The result is Arbor Toile, a nature-inspired pattern that unfurls across your walls with birds in mid-flight, leafy canopies, and a forested rhythm that feels calm and considered. Available in three soft colorways on a white background, taupe, classical blue, and cocoa. Arbor Toile was designed to bring charm, elegance, and ease to every space it inhabits.

We caught up with Hillary to go behind the scenes of the design process, from research and sketching to hidden details and workspace rituals.

Where It All Began

“To create the Arbor Toile pattern, I began how I usually do, with lots of research!” Hillary shares.

As a lifelong lover of Toile de Jouy, those iconic, story-driven textiles that date back to 18th-century France, Hillary was instantly drawn to the project’s theme. Collaborating with the Tempaper design team, she helped shape the vision: “We brainstormed and determined that this toile would focus on the natural beauty of trees and birds.”

From there, she pulled visual references and began pencil sketches, carefully considering the layout and how each element would interact once the pattern was repeated on a wall. “I take time to consider details before moving on to the final piece.”

Sketches, Tools, and Technique

So how does a design like Arbor Toile go from concept to wallpaper? According to Hillary, the magic lies in simplicity.

“I actually only used two ink pens to create the final illustrations!” she says. Her signature technique involves varying line weights and crosshatching to build up texture, depth, and detail. “I enjoy feminine and flowing line work, along with sophisticated and playful color that sparks a sense of whimsy and joy.”

The biggest challenge? “It’s not really the drawing part for me, it’s working up a layout that repeats beautifully once printed on wallpaper.” Fortunately, the Tempaper team jumped in to help ensure the final repeat was seamless. “They’re very skilled at that and a huge help in making the pattern look perfect.”

Nature as Narrative

Nature wasn’t just the theme of Arbor Toile, it was the heartbeat. Hillary drew on her love of botanical artwork, her background in illustrating classic and modern toiles, and her goal of crafting something with wide appeal.

“I wanted it to have an artistic, hand-drawn feel, but still look classic enough to live in all kinds of homes. Hopefully it gives the impression of bringing the outside in.”

A Love for Toiles

Hillary’s affection for toile runs deep. “In fact, I think it’s one of the styles I’m most known for!” she says. She’s created countless variations over the years, drawn to the way toiles combine storytelling with detail-rich illustration.

“I love drawing with ink pens because of the level of detail you can achieve in a relatively short amount of time. Toiles let you explore themes, traditional or modern, and tell a story through imagery alone.”

Details Worth Noticing

If you look closely at Arbor Toile, you’ll see no two trees are quite alike, and the birds feel as if they’re caught mid-flight. When asked if she had a favorite element, Hillary laughed: “I don’t know if I have a favorite tree or bird... I kind of love them all!”

That said, she always aims to include hidden, thoughtful details in her work, little moments for the viewer to discover slowly over time.

Behind the Scenes: Ink Pens, Coffee, and a Little Chaos

Want a peek inside her studio? Hillary describes her creative process as “a little chaotic, but in a good way.”

“When I’m mid-project, my workspace is usually a mix of sketches, tears, references, and a lot of inspiration. I like to light a candle or incense, always have a coffee nearby, and I need something to listen to, whether it’s a podcast, audiobook, or music.”

It’s a ritual that helps her dive into that “flow state” where the art comes to life.

Collaborating with Us

“This collaboration with Tempaper is very special to me,” Hillary says. “It’s the first time my artwork is being used exclusively as wallpaper. I realize what an impactful statement it will be for homes, something to be seen daily! It’s an honor, thank you, Tempaper!”

Artist in Focus: A Quick Q&A

Did you always want to be an artist?
Absolutely. “I was very dedicated from a young age, taking drawing classes even in middle school! I later studied at RISD and double-majored in illustration and fashion design.”

Biggest artistic influences?
Hillary draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, historical artists like Maria Sibylla Merian, textile designers such as Sonia Delaunay, 1960s commercial art, and of course, nature. “I have a large library of art and design books I use often.”

Best career advice?
“Keep learning and evolving, whether it’s art or digital skills. I worked full-time in the fashion industry for 15 years before going freelance, and that experience was invaluable. Also, keep drawing and painting! There’s always appreciation for hand-done work.”

Final Thoughts
From the first sketch to the final repeat, Hillary’s hand is felt in every fine line and quiet space of Arbor Toile. Whether you're wrapping a bedroom in classical blue or adding cocoa to a powder room wall, this pattern is meant to feel like a breath of fresh air, timeless, thoughtful, and hand-drawn with care.