Prints and Pattern Galore!
By Farah Amin
You can transform any minimal, plain palette with small increments of patterns; consider mixing in patterned furniture and home accent like pillows, throws, wall art, wooden chairs with fabric frames, rugs, curtains, bed covers and headboards. Brighten up solid empty wall with distinctively patterned, or textured, wallpaper for a chosen segment of the room. Try to opt for the most visible side upon entering the room. Remember that patterns and textures work best with a neutral-based palette and muted hues, rather than a house with too many details and embellishments with respect to its overall design and chosen pieces of furniture.
The Rule of Threes: To stay on the safe side, choose three patterns to play around with. This sets a theme and keeps you from getting overwhelmed with the vast array of choices. By applying the rule of threes, you also avoid falling into the trap of the über-patterned room. Note that too many visuals and colors can cause aesthetic disharmony.
Another vital pointer is to decide on a color scheme with respect to the patterns and stick to it, in order to avoid confusion. Once you’re comfortable with the color scheme you can start adding some contrasting tones.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the scale of the pattern itself. Be sure to stick to one size; piece of advice: opt for larger patterns in wider spaces, and more detailed ones in smaller rooms.
Dots & Stripes
There is a wide range of stripes; from wide ones to pinstripes and with their different colors they are quite versatile to place against any plain fabrics. Think of striped pillows on a plain sofa, or a headboard padded with striped fabric. Dots–or polka dots–are another fun and quirky way to add some sass to a plain room. Dots work best as throws, cushions, or tabletop accessories.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric forms come in all kinds of shapes and lines; in other words, plaids, triangular shapes, angular forms, structured lines and circles all fall under the above category. Since there really is no limit with respect to geometric shapes, they tend to be a common choice due to their wide variety.
Paisleys and Floral
Drawing inspiration from nature, florals truly bring the outside world into your living room. Floral prints, vines and leaves add freshness to every–and any–space. Opt for florals when it comes to curtains, rugs, towels, and/or outdoor furniture. Paisleys are a bit of a challenge; if you cannot get it right, then just avoid it altogether to avoid looking kitschy. If you do choose a paisley pattern, keep it small; in other words, pillows, towels, and tabletop accessories are your best choices.
Textured Prints
Soft furnishing and wallpaper laced with texture have an instantaneous effect. Depending on the type of texture you go for, you can add roughness to your safari-inspired living room, or royal flair to your elegant dining room.
Animal Prints
Now, these can be tricky so use them with caution to avoid looking tacky. Use animal prints against a neutral backsplash. For an eclectic feel, include a leopard print fauteuil alongside a neutral sofa. If you’d like to play it safe, opt for animal print throw pillows or a rug.
