Pattern Play: Making Your Home Feel Custom, Curated & Cozy
Photo credit: Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
Pattern Play
When you think about patterns, they can bring so many different images to mind. For example, you might think of an incredible tapestry, or tiles in a mosaic. Patterns don't have to be loud or colorful and can actually be quite subtle. You’ve likely seen and perhaps even loved many rooms full of patterns, without even noticing! Patterns play a critical role in interior design and the homes that Casa Millie has curated, and when used correctly, can make any room especially memorable and inviting.
“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
The delicate blue flower-patterned fabric (bottom right) was my spark and jumping off point for creating a collection of pillows for an English-inspired living room remodel (which you’ll be hearing more about in the near future!)
Design by Andrea Maaseide
Unite the Color Palette
Whenever you’re starting a design project, it’s crucial to keep an open mind. Early on in the creative process, my clients or I will often discover a beautiful, inspiring pattern that becomes our starting point. Whether it’s in a rug, a fabric, or even a work of art, this pattern becomes my muse, with its shapes and colors guiding the design project’s color palette.
Other times, I might already have a color palette in mind based on how my clients want a room or space to feel. For example, they might mention vibrant, tranquil, warm, or energizing. Then, the hunt begins for the perfect pattern to thread the different colors in the palette together and create this vibe. We often bring in that pattern on a larger scale - through elements like drapery, oversized pillows, or an accent chair - to make the aesthetic really come to life.
A layered mixture of patterned and textured pillows in complimentary hues add interest and depth to this living room seating area.
Photo credit: Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
Layering to Create Visual Interest and Depth
While color helps set the mood, patterns are where a room truly comes alive. They bring a dose of personality and visual intrigue, transforming even the most neutral spaces. Consider a gentle, small-scale print. It can introduce a beautiful layer of texture and soften a minimalist aesthetic.
Photo credit: Lesley Unruh for House Beautiful
The same goes for monochromatic spaces where we are using one hue in varying values. Adding in patterns here can bring tremendous depth and richness to the space.
A rich, floral custom bench is a focal point for a guest bedroom.
Design by Andrea Maaseide
Creating a Focal Point (the “Superstar”)
To create an interesting space, you need to have the superstars (but not too many as that will make the room overwhelming!) and the supporting actors. Your focal point, or superstar, will anchor the room together. It’s the patterned rugs and drapery, the artwork, and other large-scale accents that will really ground your space while everything else will complement those superstars.
The delicate geometric patterns and colors in the wallpaper, pillows, carpet and even painting creates a subtle, elegant visual thread.
Photo credit: Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
The Thread
Sometimes we use patterns just like we use color - to create a thread that draws the viewer's eye around a room and helps them experience the space as a whole. The thread creates a sense of cohesion and warmth and very much elevates a room. For example, imagine a patterned pillow in a great room with beautiful hexagon shapes. That same form might be found in an accent table next to other seating in the room, in the tile for the kitchen backsplash adjacent to the great room, or in a beautiful rug next to the fireplace. This repeating shape creates a subtle visual thread that helps to make the whole space feel more connected and purposeful.
The rich, bright patterns found throughout this basement living room add warmth and a touch of the outside to this remodeled space designed for relaxed family time.
Photo credit: Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
Pattern Allows You to be Playful
Pattern mixing is playful and can make your home feel as though it’s been lived in, loved, and curated in the best way possible.
A central London home boldly embraces pattern, making it extra memorable and inviting.
Photo credit: Yellow London
When I think of English design, which seems to be trending here in the US, they are masters at mixing patterns and making even the newest spaces feel like they’ve been around for ages.
You have to be careful though. When you mix your patterns, it’s important to make sure they don’t compete with each other. For example, I like to use a large-scale pattern that has more negative space - think floral - with a geometric pattern, and a small-scale pattern that appears more like a texture. And don’t forget, the patterns should have similar color palettes to make them harmonious!
Incorporating patterns as visual texture is essential when seeking a space that feels welcoming, warm, and cohesive.
If you find you need a hand with palettes or patterns, don't hesitate to reach out to us! We would love to help!
Until next time!
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