Patterns are all around us. There are natural patterns in the intricate grains of wood or the delicate veins in marble. Patterns in upholstery or wallpaper, bed covers or drapes add energy and transform spaces. The ways in which these prints or weaves interact with each other, add scale and definition to your rooms, and create balance and harmony is what decorating with patterns is all about.
It takes a keen eye, an innate sense of scale and proportion, and plenty of finesse to mix and match patterns in interior design. We’re here with some ground rules and formulas that will help you to find your style, and work with patterns like a pro!
1. Unify Through Colours
You can mix and match any number of patterns together, and they will all work well—provided they share the same colour vocabulary. Once you have a colour strategy in place, you can weave the same palette through the different patterns in the room, and be sure that they will fall in line with your chosen theme.
In this living room, black and white prints in a medley of patterns meld together, with the handloom rug, cushions and artefacts telling the same visual story.
2. Pick Patterns Based on Moods
What is the purpose of your room, and what mood are you seeking to create? Is it a formal room for entertaining, or a casual room where the family gets together to exchange snippets from their day? Formal rooms call for repetitive prints and orderly patterns, while informal spaces lend themselves well to bold, colourful patterns that do not necessarily follow a set rhythm.
This lovely corner invites family togetherness, with the vibrant patterned wallpaper setting the mood for warm, fun-filled interactions.
This dreamy, romantic bedroom is another example of how to pick patterns based on moods. Delicate floral sprays in the wallpaper continue on the ceiling, cleverly accentuated with warm mood lighting. The padded headboard is done up in a softer shadow version of a similar print. Toile, florals and paisley patterns on the walls, bedlinen and upholstery will add old-world charm and timeless elegance to any space.
3. Anchor Your Space Through Pattern on the Floor
As a rule, always put down the most dominant pattern in the room on the floor, so that it anchors the space and ties disparate elements in the room together. The bold chevron printed rug is the hero of this room, adding strong visuals and grabbing eyeballs.
Patterns do not have to be overwhelming or bold to make an impact. The smallest of patterns on the floor can energise the room, transforming an otherwise plain and ordinary space into one with personality. Case in point: old-fashioned black and white ceramics set the theme for this hallway.
4. Create a Focal Point Through Pattern
If the rest of your room is pared down and minimalistic, the right choice of pattern can add depth and create focal points of interest. Take this kitchen, for instance!
Simple cabinets in blonde wood are elevated by the addition of bold, random pattern in the tiny glass wall tiles. The pendant lamps and potted plants pick out shades of green from the colour gradient in the tiles, creating a cohesive look, while the patterned linoleum floor joins in the narrative.
Here, a delicate montage of sprays of cherry blossoms on the wall creates a focal backdrop to the enchanting blue dining table set. Light patterned upholstery on the chairs underlines the floral theme.
5. Mix and Match Geometrics
A collection of different geometric patterns against a neutral backdrop often works well. Mixing geometrics can energise the room, but you should be careful not to go overboard with too many patterns that lack a common denominator. Here, polka dots, stars and dashes in the bed linen come together to create a well-balanced aesthetic.
6. Take Scale into Account
Generally, the smaller the scale of the patterns you are working with, the more restrained and formal the outlook; and vice versa. Thin stripes in low-key colours, for instance, tone down the energy in the room, while bold, punchy and thick stripes will crank up the vibrancy.
This bedroom uses high-energy striped patterns on the walls in a zesty shade of citrus, dazzling the eye and creating maximum impact.
On the other hand, note how the lighter, thinner stripes on the walls of this music room render a more formal picture, diluting the energy in the room and allowing the notes of the music to hold court!
Here, larger-than-life biophilic prints on the wall create a happy and cheerful hobby corner. It’s interesting to note that busy patterns like this are stimulating, and create a space that will lend itself well to mindless, repetitive hobbies like knitting or crochet. A quieter, more restful pattern would be better suited for a hobby like reading that stimulates the intellect.
7. Don’t Forget the Solids!
Too much of pattern in a room can also get overwhelming and look too busy. For a piece to truly stand out, the eye needs to take a break once in a while, and this is done by interspersing solid colour-blocked elements in the room against bursts of pattern. Here, the bold dotted designs in the rug are brought into relief by the deep grey couch. Also, note how the white cushions on the couch accentuate the importance of the patterned cushions.
The intricate geometrics of this Persian rug is highlighted only because of the plain white wall and tan raw leather sofa in the background. Busy patterns always shine brighter against plain neutrals or strong contrasting hues.
8. Patterns of Light
Certain light fixtures can throw stunning patterns of light that make the walls dance and take on a magical feel. The patterns they create can make your floors come alive, and the ceiling sparkle. Add the element of surprise to your décor with an unexpected play on lighting patterns!
The window dressing you choose can also work its magic in your home! Stained glass windows create the most beautiful coloured shadows on a plain floor. Even simple horizontal blinds, placed just right, can catch the golden rays of the morning sunlight to throw lovely slats of light and shade on the floor.
Looking for an interior designer to help you demystify the language of patterns and find your personal style? HomeLane can help! Connect with our design experts right away.
