MIX & MATCH: HOW TO INCORPORATE PATTERN INTO YOUR HOME INTERIORS
Have you spotted a beautiful wallpaper that you’d love to use in your bedroom? Maybe, you’ve inherited a vintage upholstered chair or bought a rug for the living room. The issue is that introducing this statement piece has left the rest of the room looking bare. You want to make it work but are unsure where to start. If this sounds familiar, my interior tips in this article will explain how to use pattern in your home.
Why Use Pattern in Interior Design?
Before we explore the how, let’s consider why pattern is used in interiors. Firstly, it’s a wonderful way to personalise a space and add character. You might love a floral print, be drawn to geometrics or have a connection to cultural designs, such as those from India or Africa.
Secondly, pattern is a lovely way to introduce colour, texture and energy to a room. It adds dimension, depth and visual points of interest that draw the eye. My third point is that it can add opulence to a space, creating a sense of luxury. Finally, you might use pattern to reflect the period or style of the property.
The Starting Point for Using Pattern in Your Home Interiors
So, if you’d love to incorporate pattern, let’s consider how. Firstly, for contemporary interiors, you don’t want everything to match. Instead, a mix of pieces is used to give the sense of a collection gathered over time. When it works, it looks effortlessly pieced together, yet planning is involved if you want a cohesive interior that flows.
A good starting point is typically a signature piece that you want as a point of focus. It will typically have a large-scale or bold print. This might be a large artwork, a beautifully painted dresser, bathroom tiles or that wallpaper that you had to have.
From this signature piece, select two or three colours that feature in it to use in your interior.
Interior design: Suna Interior Design
Design Implementation: Amberley Studio
Go on The Hunt!
If you stick to these colours, you can be brave about mixing up patterns. So, now is the time to go on the hunt for patterned items that incorporate your chosen colours.
These might include:
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Lampshades
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Soft furnishings - cushions, throws, quilts and bedding
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Ceramic tiles, pots, plates and lampstands
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Books
For more unusual or period pieces why not explore charity shops, car boot sales and antique markets? And, if you are a whizz on the sewing machine, fabric remnants from a haberdashery are an affordable option for cushions.
My advice is to:
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Avoid anything that threatens to overshadow your signature piece
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Vary the scale - a dramatic foliage design can work with a small check and/or vintage floral
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Consider textures – pair printed and woven fabrics with rugs, tiles, embroidered cushions & knitted throws
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Be aware that when sourcing online, the colour in the image doesn’t always match when the item arrives
Now, sourcing furniture, fittings and accessories is an element of interior design that many people enjoy. Therefore, it can be easy to get carried away at this stage! So, keep your budget in mind. If you do go a little over the top, pack some items away. Then, swap them in when you fancy a change.
Allow the Eye to Settle
To allow the eye to settle, it is advisable to use blocks of colour alongside the pattern. So, if you go wild with the wallpaper, use a single, plain colour for the flooring, curtains and/or furniture. A bathroom with decorative tiles can be balanced with plain towels and fittings. And, keep the walls around a statement artwork neutral. This approach will prevent the pattern from being too overwhelming.
At the same time, consider the placement of plain and patterned elements. You want to avoid a cluster of pattern in one area and all block colours in the rest of the room. It’s all about balance and you may need to shift things around until it works.
Minimalist & Maximalist Use of Pattern
Minimalist
If you are a devout minimalist, stick to a few patterned items in just one colour. Or, you could opt for neutral tones and focus on textured patterns. For example, white embroidered French linen tablecloths, natural weave blankets and embossed, porcelain vases.
Maximalist
At the other end of the spectrum is a vibrant and stimulating explosion of colour and pattern. If you love to be bold, experiment with bringing together a rich variety of materials, textures and finishing touches.
At the end of the day, it is your home. So, do you want a calm sanctuary or something more exotic? Go with what makes you feel good.
I hope this has helped you to gain confidence in adding pattern to your home. However, if you are still unsure, you might benefit from a Personalised Design Consultation or my Room Design service.