Workshop

Decorating with pattern may seem scary but, by following a few simple rules, you’ll soon be living in a home enriched and brightened by beautiful designs

Decorating with pattern

While many people find using pattern in the home a little intimidating, it’s a wonderful way to personalise your space and can really lift a room from ordinary to spectacular. Pattern can be added into your interior scheme in a variety of ways from wallpaper to curtains, tiles and bedlinen. While your spaces should be all about what you love, there are a few guidelines worth considering if you are keen to add a splash or more of pattern.

BALANCE

The key to using pattern successfully in your room is balance. The ultimate aim is to spread pattern around the room, not pile it up in one spot. It is important to combine pattern with block colours that match those found in your pattern to make the room feel cohesive.

A good rule to keep in mind when deciding which pattern to go for is to think about the size of the room. The larger the space, the larger the pattern or print you can use, whereas the smaller the space, the smaller the pattern.

With stripes, remember that vertical lines create the impression of greater height while horizontal lines appear to widen a space.

Stripes are also often used in period homes, and go surprisingly well with spots.

MIXING PATTERNS

These days it’s okay to mix patterns, but it’s a good idea to pick a limited colour palette. For example, black and white is always foolproof, as are most neutrals.

The key is to experiment with different scales of the patterns you’ve chosen. If using

FLORAL

Flower-based patterns never go out of style – they’ve been around for centuries and offer a reassuring connection both to the past and to our natural environment. A small-scale

1960s flower print feels whimsical and romantic, while a hyper-real, colourful floral

harks back to the vibrant still lifes of the 16th and 17th centuries. There’s a floral era out there for everyone, including lovers of minimalism, who may prefer a more

subtle, abstract floral motif.

3florals, try combining large-scale prints with a tiny flower or foliage design. Florals also work well when teamed with stripes.Animals prints seem to fade in and out of fashion but adding a few to a neutral scheme can really bring it to life. Stick to just two or three patterns to avoid a zoo effect!Whatever patterns you choose to use in your home, make sure you add some plain and complementary colours into the mix so the overall effect is fun rather than full-on.

1

41 Marcel Wanders Eden Queen rug, from $4235, fromECC. 2 Forget-me-not cushion cover, $49.90, from Citta. 3 Ankara rug, $939, from BoConcept. Still lifevelvet cushion, $49.99, from Shut The Front Door.

2

Interior designer/ stylist VANESSA NOUWENS