Why decorating with pattern shouldn’t be scary

There are a whole host of reasons why pattern is key to consider when coming up with a design for your home. It brings energy and life to a space and creates warmth and movement, whatever the scheme. Pattern is a great way of creating a focal point in the room as it draws the eye and can make a fabulous statement.
What’s more, playing with pattern is a brilliant way to express your individual style, it can be as subtle and understated or as bright and bold as you choose, just follow some basic principles and you can’t go wrong.

Introducing pattern: some guidelines

Pattern on pattern actually can work really well. Whatever you do, do not go for the matchy matchy look and use the same pattern on the cushions, curtains and lampshades, that look is so passé. You’re much better off choosing a variety of different patterns that tie in with your scheme.

It may seem like overkill but use three different patterns for the best effect. Just make sure they are in two or three different sizes. And pick patterns in colours of the same intensity; don’t mix pastels with bold jewel tones. Different patterns of the same hue can work really nicely too.

Spread the patterns across the room, otherwise the space will feel unbalanced. And break it up with complimentary plain blocks of colour, including neutral shades, to give the eye a chance to rest.

Make the dominant shade in the pattern the dominant shade in the room, so paint the walls in the same colour, or choose the flooring and woodwork in that shade.

Wallpaper is back in right now, you’ll see it everywhere and there are some truly fabulous designs to choose from. A great way to design a space is to pick a wallpaper pattern you love and build your scheme around it. Or you could frame a large piece of the wallpaper if you’d rather keep it contained.