Morris was a leading member of the Arts and Crafts movement, whose principal aims were to re-introduce joy into labor and to make everyday objects beautiful. He sought inspiration from the medieval era, which he viewed as the period when art and life were most unified.

Honeysuckle is based on the medieval textiles Morris encountered in the British museums. He chose natural dyes to print and large, symmetrical patterns of stylized honeysuckle flowers and vines. Apart from the natural dyes’ beauty and permanence, he believed the extra care required in their use would add discipline to pattern design.