Our homes are places where we eat and sleep, relax and socialise, so both form and function are important. Well-considered décor can enhance a space giving each room personality and soul; your comfort and enjoyment are optimised by living in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Combining varying patterns can be a daunting task for amateur interior designers but the reward, if done right, is a stunning, stimulating space. In our latest blog, we’ve highlighted top tips to help you create a patterned interior to enliven and invigorate your home.

Use Patterns in Various Sizes

Patterns come in various sizes and intensity. As a general rule, choose three of varying sizes and scales featuring colours of equal intensity – or five if you’re feeling confident! Different sized prints can be more or less visually demanding. A combination of small, medium and large will create a unified look and prevent each competing for attention. You may go for a bedcover with a large, bold print, medium printed curtains and a scattering of cushions in ditsy small prints for contrast. It’s worth noting that when you first walk into a room, it is the largest print that your eye will usually be drawn to first.

Consider the Other Furnishings

Often when designing an interior it can be easy to forget patterns that already exist in the room. Carpets and tiles, wallpaper and panelling, fixtures and furniture, ceiling beams or exposed stonework may present additional layers of pattern that you need to consider. Even lighting can create its own pattern with the juxtaposition of light and shade on different surfaces in the space.

Arrangement

Placement of different patterns within the room will also affect how a scheme works. For example, decorating your walls with large patterns can create impact but can also make the room appear smaller. The effect you intend to create will help determine where you locate a pattern within the room.

Soften with Block Colours

Patterns look best interspersed with blocks of a single, solid colour. Block colours provide a muted backdrop and a place for your eye to rest in an otherwise busy room. Pick a solid colour from the designs you have incorporated in your scheme for a pattern-perfect interior.

Block colours are often added to your interior organically. Carpets can be one colour – as can bed headboards and other large pieces of furniture. To incorporate block colour in other ways, consider adding plain throws, cushions, lampshades and blinds.

Consistent Colour Scheme

Choose a mixture of patterns of a similar colour scheme - or which share at least one colour - for a harmonious interior. The most visible pattern in the space should be your anchor from which to select secondary and tertiary patterns. Note that not all patterns are multiple colours, and some are created by textures and weaves.

Are you planning to add pattern to your interior? Why not browse our stunning collections of furniture and home accessories? Our Moroccan style rugs offer traditional neutral-toned patterns created by the natural colours of wool. They look great in traditional and contemporary interiors. We’d love to hear how you got on and see some of your photos of the transformation – send your snaps over to us via our social media channels.