The basics of interior design include finding a fine balance between incorporating lines, colours, textures and materials. It is through a harmonious combination of all these elements that you can end up with the best patterns in your interior.
A good pattern can define the personality of your interior. If incorporated in the right way, it can either ramp up the space from typical to striking or make it seem disproportionate and garish. So it is important to sit back and think on just what kind of a pattern would complement the dimensions of your room without seeming out of place or under/overwhelming.
Below, we have compiled a concise guide for all the mainstream patterns that are widely used and how to add then into your homes with respect to the context of your interior design.
Geometric
The application of geometric patterns should follow certain rules:
- Use a single geometric formation: Do not create a hodge-podge of various geometric forms in a single interior. Choose a single pattern and stick to it.
- Use moderation: Do not go ‘pattern-crazy’ with your interiors. There needs to be a fine moderation with everything. If you sprinkle too many patterned objects throughout your space, it will start to look tacky.
- Apply in a single dimension: Geometric patterns are complex, so when you apply these within your interiors, make sure that you choose a single dimension of your room – either the wall, the floor or the ceiling. If you choose to apply a heavily geometric pattern in more than one place, it could mess with the aspect ratio of your interior.
Motifs
There are two ways to use the motif pattern in your interiors:
- Go Big: this means that you could use a feature wall or a large surface and cover it entirely in the motif pattern. This kind of pattern implementation usually features trendy wallpapers in various colors. The best part about this pattern application is that it requires minimal design intervention – all you have to do is find the right mix and match sweet spot in order to get the best results.
- Spread Less: Another way to implement the motif patterns in your interior is by using a minimal design. You can just use a single block of the motif and present it in your interior space in the form of a feature painting, rug or even a ceiling design.
Floral
Floral patterns are considered pretty kitschy, but they can certainly be done in a contemporary way. Let’s look at the two ways this particular pattern could be applied in your interior:
- Going for Modern: these kind of floral patterns are very literal, and consist of large-scale images of actual flowers patterned onto a single feature wall. It could be done through customized digital wallpapers or you could even paint a mural onto a major wall.
- Going for Retro/Kitsch: These kinds of floral patterns are extremely abstract in nature. You cannot make heads or tails of their design, but the overall effect is very old-school kind of charming. Lovingly dubbed ‘granny patterns’ these floral’s have an extremely kitschy look; so if you’re going for a dated aesthetic then these are for you.
- It would be important to note that floral patterns should be used in relative moderation – a single feature wall would do – in order to keep your interior from looking too cluttered.
Linear
This is one pattern formation that can work pretty well in tandem with a paired pattern. Let’s take a look at a few tips for using linear patterns:
- Mix and Match: Since lines are pretty much the building blocks of every design you could always create mixed patterns with them. For example, you can pair a zigzag or herringbone pattern with geometric or even floral patterns.
- Minimal and Oblique: Oblique lines are some of the boldest design ventures in any kind of interior design. This is why the patterns they form need to be applied in a simplified or minimal interior setting. So when you go for these, make sure the context of your interior is straightforward and uncluttered.
- Vertical and horizontal: these are probably the simplest and most conventional patterns to be incorporated in a typical interior design. But, you can still manage to have a little fun with them by adding in funky furniture counterparts and creative pattern ideas.
Article: Courtesy of Melina Brown from Vertigo Interiors
