5 MINUTES WITH…
Creative company Patternity
Improving wellbeing through pattern is an unusual concept, but it’s the ethos behind creative company Patternity. Founders Anna Murray (left), 35, and Grace Winteringham, 32, believe that their bold, monochrome patterns encourage people to connect to their surroundings and be more mindful. Earlier this year, John Lewis launched a collection with the design duo that spans both fashion and homeware, including more than 100 pieces from rugs and cushions to dresses, bedlinen to gymwear. Here, Anna and Grace explain how pattern can influence your mindset and enrich your home.
HOW DID PATTERNITY BEGIN?
Anna After meeting in 2009, we quickly realised that we had a love of pattern in common. We’d both collected lots of inspirational pictures that we wanted to share with others, so we set up an online image archive, which by 2011 had evolved into a creative studio.
Grace We started to run workshops, which led us to notice a link between pattern and wellbeing, and so we moved towards organising events that were more about experiences, including meditation, plant drawing and marbling classes.
WHAT MAKES PATTERN MINDFUL?
Anna Certain patterns, such as waves or the Fibonacci sequence (have a look for this in Romanesco broccoli), are known to put us into a relaxed mindset. In our collection, we’ve used two distinctive patterns. The first is very fluid, to encourage relaxation, while the other is a strong geometric design that represents the principles of symmetry and can help us to find order and calm.
HOW CAN WE USE MONOCHROME PATTERN?
Grace It’s all about balance. Pairing bold, black and white patterns with natural elements is the key. Our own homes are a varied mix of natural and man-made textures and patterns – we combine monochrome textiles with lots of plants, mirrors and clean, clear natural surfaces, such as marble.
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