PLAYING WITH PATTERN
Floral and foliage-inspired prints, geometric designs and smart stripes can all look amazing, and add interest and energy when used well. Here’s how to get it right
FLOWER MIX
Opposite: Make pretty floral designs feel contemporary in a multifunctional living space by restricting the pattern to just a couple of key areas. Use a horizontal band of busy wallpaper to break up an expanse of white wall and make a feature of shelving in a recess or alcove – Liberty’s Hedge Mawston Meadow paper would work well, and although it’s £115/roll, you won’t need much.
1 NEW BOTANICAL
Combining leafy patterns with geometrics is always a winner, as long as you stick to a simple colour palette. Don’t go for an overly coordinated look, as it will appear dated. Instead, choose a jungle-patterned fabric for a single curtain on one side of a set of windows or doors – we love Palmetto, £75/m by Nina Campbell at Osborne & Little – and pair it with a simple calico panel. Finish the look with a mix of monochrome cushions and throws – Ikea has some great designs at the moment, from £9.
2 QUICK UPDATE
If you’re after an instant injection of pattern into a kitchen or dining space without the hassle of redecorating, simply dress your table with an oversized cloth in a bold monochrome design. Ikea’s Kungslilja fabric is great value for money at £9/m. Contrast this with an eclectic collection of chairs in vibrant colours – Habitat’s Hester chairs, £95 each, are available with cherry red or bright blue legs, among other hues. To make these colours and patterns stand out, keep the rest of the room minimal.
3 LINE UP
A paint effect is a contemporary take on the classic dado, and a great way to inject colour and subtle pattern into a hallway. For this really zesty look, try a fresh lemon shade, such as Little Greene’s Trumpet intelligent matt emulsion, £47/2.5L, on the lower third of white-painted walls, using a non-bleed masking tape to create a stripe at the top. Continue the scheme on the floor with herringbone parquet finished off with a graphic woven runner – Pappelina plastic rugs are a practical option for busy hallways and come in bold designs, from £90, Hus & Hem.
4 FLOOR SHOW
Choosing striking floor tiles with a bold pattern is a gorgeous way to make a classic grey-painted Shaker kitchen stand out from the crowd. Red tones always work well, but if you want a fresher feel, try a spring green or yellow. For a beautiful range of both new and reclaimed tiles in classic and contemporary designs, take a look at Bert & May – prices start from £6/tile.
‘A palette of three or four hues works best when using pattern. Identify the colours you love: are they cool, warm or clear? These will dictate the shade of white or neutral needed for your scheme’
TRICIA GUILD OBE FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNERS GUILD