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Designing With Patterns & Textures

Designing With Patterns & Textures

Designing with Patterns

Designing with Patterns

"The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them." - David Hicks

… and those rooms are usually adorned with something interesting, whether it be decor, color, and yes, even patterns and texture! Patterns and texture help boost the visual impact of your interior design while also telling the story of you. Plus, these are just a couple of benefits to using them in your home.

So the next time someone asks you what the trick to creating eye-catching interiors (the type that has people swooning) is, you can tell them: patterns and texture. Now, let’s show you how to execute it seamlessly in your home!

… and those rooms are usually adorned with something interesting, whether it be decor, color, and yes, even patterns and texture! Patterns and texture help boost the visual impact of your interior design while also telling the story of you. Plus, these are just a couple of benefits to using them in your home.

So the next time someone asks you what the trick to creating eye-catching interiors (the type that has people swooning) is, you can tell them: patterns and texture. Now, let’s show you how to execute it seamlessly in your home!

"The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them." - David Hicks

… and those rooms are usually adorned with something interesting, whether it be decor, color, and yes, even patterns and texture! Patterns and texture help boost the visual impact of your interior design while also telling the story of you. Plus, these are just a couple of benefits to using them in your home.

So the next time someone asks you what the trick to creating eye-catching interiors (the type that has people swooning) is, you can tell them: patterns and texture. Now, let’s show you how to execute it seamlessly in your home!

… and those rooms are usually adorned with something interesting, whether it be decor, color, and yes, even patterns and texture! Patterns and texture help boost the visual impact of your interior design while also telling the story of you. Plus, these are just a couple of benefits to using them in your home.

So the next time someone asks you what the trick to creating eye-catching interiors (the type that has people swooning) is, you can tell them: patterns and texture. Now, let’s show you how to execute it seamlessly in your home!

Understanding Patterns

Patterns play a big role in interior design and decorating. Similar to color, patterns can help convey an emotion or feeling in a space that provides visual interest and an inexplicable feeling of comfort (like a big warm hug). Have you ever walked down the street and noticed an intricately designed mural you just had to snap a picture of? Or what about your favorite color-blocked quilt on your bed? These are both examples of patterns out in the wild. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’ll start to see them everywhere!

When it comes to design, we like to think of patterns as the “sprinkles on top” or the dessert of a space. You have the main course, but sometimes a room needs that little extra. It’s also okay for the entire room to be a mix of patterns. We don’t always have dinner and dessert; sometimes, dessert is necessary first! (Sweet tooth's are welcome here.)

Understanding Patterns

Patterns play a big role in interior design and decorating. Similar to color, patterns can help convey an emotion or feeling in a space that provides visual interest and an inexplicable feeling of comfort (like a big warm hug). Have you ever walked down the street and noticed an intricately designed mural you just had to snap a picture of? Or what about your favorite color-blocked quilt on your bed? These are both examples of patterns out in the wild. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’ll start to see them everywhere!

When it comes to design, we like to think of patterns as the “sprinkles on top” or the dessert of a space. You have the main course, but sometimes a room needs that little extra. It’s also okay for the entire room to be a mix of patterns. We don’t always have dinner and dessert; sometimes, dessert is necessary first! (Sweet tooth's are welcome here.)

Patterns play a big role in interior design and decorating. Similar to color, patterns can help convey an emotion or feeling in a space that provides visual interest and an inexplicable feeling of comfort (like a big warm hug). Have you ever walked down the street and noticed an intricately designed mural you just had to snap a picture of? Or what about your favorite color-blocked quilt on your bed? These are both examples of patterns out in the wild. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’ll start to see them everywhere!

When it comes to design, we like to think of patterns as the “sprinkles on top” or the dessert of a space. You have the main course, but sometimes a room needs that little extra. It’s also okay for the entire room to be a mix of patterns. We don’t always have dinner and dessert; sometimes, dessert is necessary first! (Sweet tooth's are welcome here.)

Understanding Patterns

Patterns play a big role in interior design and decorating. Similar to color, patterns can help convey an emotion or feeling in a space that provides visual interest and an inexplicable feeling of comfort (like a big warm hug). Have you ever walked down the street and noticed an intricately designed mural you just had to snap a picture of? Or what about your favorite color-blocked quilt on your bed? These are both examples of patterns out in the wild. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’ll start to see them everywhere!

When it comes to design, we like to think of patterns as the “sprinkles on top” or the dessert of a space. You have the main course, but sometimes a room needs that little extra. It’s also okay for the entire room to be a mix of patterns. We don’t always have dinner and dessert; sometimes, dessert is necessary first! (Sweet tooth's are welcome here.)

Understanding Patterns

Understanding Patterns

Patterns play a big role in interior design and decorating. Similar to color, patterns can help convey an emotion or feeling in a space that provides visual interest and an inexplicable feeling of comfort (like a big warm hug). Have you ever walked down the street and noticed an intricately designed mural you just had to snap a picture of? Or what about your favorite color-blocked quilt on your bed? These are both examples of patterns out in the wild. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’ll start to see them everywhere!

When it comes to design, we like to think of patterns as the “sprinkles on top” or the dessert of a space. You have the main course, but sometimes a room needs that little extra. It’s also okay for the entire room to be a mix of patterns. We don’t always have dinner and dessert; sometimes, dessert is necessary first! (Sweet tooth's are welcome here.)

Understanding Patterns

Patterns play a big role in interior design and decorating. Similar to color, patterns can help convey an emotion or feeling in a space that provides visual interest and an inexplicable feeling of comfort (like a big warm hug). Have you ever walked down the street and noticed an intricately designed mural you just had to snap a picture of? Or what about your favorite color-blocked quilt on your bed? These are both examples of patterns out in the wild. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’ll start to see them everywhere!

When it comes to design, we like to think of patterns as the “sprinkles on top” or the dessert of a space. You have the main course, but sometimes a room needs that little extra. It’s also okay for the entire room to be a mix of patterns. We don’t always have dinner and dessert; sometimes, dessert is necessary first! (Sweet tooth's are welcome here.)

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Here are some common pattern types to save in your "I love this design" memory bank.

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This pattern that is taking over the internet! Checkerboard is a repeating pattern of equally sized squares, usually in two different colors, and often found printed on rugs or pillows (but it looks great just about anywhere).

Image Source: Jordan Ferney

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An arrangement of rectangles used for flooring or backsplashes, named after the fancied resemblance to the bones of a fish (get it, herring?). Pro-Tip: When using a herringbone pattern, orient it to the longer side of the space so it has the perception of being longer.

Image Source: Decor Pad

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Damask is a woven fabric with a pattern visible on both sides, typically used for table linen and upholstery. Damask pairs best with curvy and vintage furniture (our favorite), and it can clash a bit with really straight lines.

Image Source: Old House Online

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*puts Captain Obvious hat on* This pattern is pretty self-explanatory, but we’d be remiss not to include it as a popular pattern type. A floral pattern is anything with a repeating flower print. You can use this pattern on one item to make it stand out or create a visually busy-but-interesting moment by spreading the love across many items.

Image Source: House & Garden

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Geometric patterns consist of recurring shapes and can be found in designs via artwork, decor, or architecture. These patterns can be created with various shapes and materials, including tiles, paint, fabric, and wallpaper.

Image Source: Chloe Dominik

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A polka dot pattern is a repetition of large round dots. While this pattern is often associated with children and younger, colorful decor, it can be artistic and elegant too! Think about Yayoi Kusama’s work or retro graphic novels.

Image Source: Anna Bode

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Stripes are a common pattern type in interior design, characterized by their linear appearance. So long are the days of stripes being appropriate only in circuses! Using stripes in design can draw a viewer's eye up and create a focal point in your home.

Image Source: Is That Soh

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Complex patterns create energy in a space that solids or stripes alone cannot replicate. For example, a complex pattern on a fabric can change the aesthetic or scale of a piece of furniture (or the scale of a room). This style might include various colors and a combination of crisscrossing or diagonal lines in different scales. Complex patterns are most commonly found in the veining of stone, different species of wood, tile, etc. Basically anything that is, well, more complex!

Image Source: Athena Calderone via Eye Swoon

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Patterns can take a number of forms in an actual space.

You can find patterns in wallpaper, flooring, tiles, carpeting, rugs, drapes, cushions, fabrics… you name it! If we had to give you an elevator pitch on why patterns are amazing, it’d go a little something like this:

  1. Patterns bring energy, drama, and interest to the space.
  2. They can turn an otherwise bland room into something more fun.
  3. They can be used as a focal point of the space if you need to create one.
  4. They create depth to draw the viewer’s eyes.
  5. They can be used to create emphasis in certain areas, like a cozy wallpapered nook or ceiling.

💡 Pro-Tip: Use patterns to help with the scale of your design. What exactly do we mean by this, you ask? Large patterns can bring a large space to life but make a small space feel overwhelming. Understanding the relationship between scale and pattern comes with playing around and experimenting with it. Give your eye time to interact with different options before making a decision!

Patterns can take a number of forms in an actual space.

You can find patterns in wallpaper, flooring, tiles, carpeting, rugs, drapes, cushions, fabrics… you name it! If we had to give you an elevator pitch on why patterns are amazing, it’d go a little something like this:

  1. Patterns bring energy, drama, and interest to the space.
  2. They can turn an otherwise bland room into something more fun.
  3. They can be used as a focal point of the space if you need to create one.
  4. They create depth to draw the viewer’s eyes.
  5. They can be used to create emphasis in certain areas, like a cozy wallpapered nook or ceiling.

💡 Pro-Tip: Use patterns to help with the scale of your design. What exactly do we mean by this, you ask? Large patterns can bring a large space to life but make a small space feel overwhelming. Understanding the relationship between scale and pattern comes with playing around and experimenting with it. Give your eye time to interact with different options before making a decision!

You can find patterns in wallpaper, flooring, tiles, carpeting, rugs, drapes, cushions, fabrics… you name it! If we had to give you an elevator pitch on why patterns are amazing, it’d go a little something like this:

  1. Patterns bring energy, drama, and interest to the space.
  2. They can turn an otherwise bland room into something more fun.
  3. They can be used as a focal point of the space if you need to create one.
  4. They create depth to draw the viewer’s eyes.
  5. They can be used to create emphasis in certain areas, like a cozy wallpapered nook or ceiling.

💡 Pro-Tip: Use patterns to help with the scale of your design. What exactly do we mean by this, you ask? Large patterns can bring a large space to life but make a small space feel overwhelming. Understanding the relationship between scale and pattern comes with playing around and experimenting with it. Give your eye time to interact with different options before making a decision!

Patterns can take a number of forms in an actual space.

You can find patterns in wallpaper, flooring, tiles, carpeting, rugs, drapes, cushions, fabrics… you name it! If we had to give you an elevator pitch on why patterns are amazing, it’d go a little something like this:

  1. Patterns bring energy, drama, and interest to the space.
  2. They can turn an otherwise bland room into something more fun.
  3. They can be used as a focal point of the space if you need to create one.
  4. They create depth to draw the viewer’s eyes.
  5. They can be used to create emphasis in certain areas, like a cozy wallpapered nook or ceiling.

💡 Pro-Tip: Use patterns to help with the scale of your design. What exactly do we mean by this, you ask? Large patterns can bring a large space to life but make a small space feel overwhelming. Understanding the relationship between scale and pattern comes with playing around and experimenting with it. Give your eye time to interact with different options before making a decision!

Patterns can take a number of forms in an actual space.

Patterns can take a number of forms in an actual space.

You can find patterns in wallpaper, flooring, tiles, carpeting, rugs, drapes, cushions, fabrics… you name it! If we had to give you an elevator pitch on why patterns are amazing, it’d go a little something like this:

  1. Patterns bring energy, drama, and interest to the space.
  2. They can turn an otherwise bland room into something more fun.
  3. They can be used as a focal point of the space if you need to create one.
  4. They create depth to draw the viewer’s eyes.
  5. They can be used to create emphasis in certain areas, like a cozy wallpapered nook or ceiling.

💡 Pro-Tip: Use patterns to help with the scale of your design. What exactly do we mean by this, you ask? Large patterns can bring a large space to life but make a small space feel overwhelming. Understanding the relationship between scale and pattern comes with playing around and experimenting with it. Give your eye time to interact with different options before making a decision!

Patterns can take a number of forms in an actual space.

You can find patterns in wallpaper, flooring, tiles, carpeting, rugs, drapes, cushions, fabrics… you name it! If we had to give you an elevator pitch on why patterns are amazing, it’d go a little something like this:

  1. Patterns bring energy, drama, and interest to the space.
  2. They can turn an otherwise bland room into something more fun.
  3. They can be used as a focal point of the space if you need to create one.
  4. They create depth to draw the viewer’s eyes.
  5. They can be used to create emphasis in certain areas, like a cozy wallpapered nook or ceiling.

💡 Pro-Tip: Use patterns to help with the scale of your design. What exactly do we mean by this, you ask? Large patterns can bring a large space to life but make a small space feel overwhelming. Understanding the relationship between scale and pattern comes with playing around and experimenting with it. Give your eye time to interact with different options before making a decision!

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