Interior Design: Choosing Patterns

All the information you need about the best ways to use patterns in interior design.

When you are putting a room design together you may feel that it is easier and less risky to use plain colors however patterns are very useful in interior design and you will be missing a great deal if you do not incorporate them in many situations.

Why Choose Patterns?

1. They add color and interest.
2. They can serve as the starting point to create the color scheme for a room.
3. They can make a particular part of a room a focal point for attention.
4. They can disguise uneven walls and oddly shaped rooms when used in wallpaper.
5. They can be used to alter how the room is perceived in terms of dimensions.

How to Start Choosing Patterns

When selecting a pattern be aware how it will affect or complement the design of the room in the following ways

Choose a Pattern with the Right Mood

Large patterns offer a dramatic focal point while small patterns often provide a muted backdrop. All of this also depends on the color of the pattern and the contrast between the various colors in the pattern as color has such a big effect on mood. Greens add freshness. Blues have a cooling calming effect. Orange or red add excitment and drama.

Choose a Pattern with the Right Colors

Consider how the colors in the pattern will tie in with the rest of existing room (or the room you have planned). If you are starting from scratch you will have an easier time selecting a pattern and can use the colors in the patttern as the basis for your scheme.

Choose a Pattern with the Right Scale

Large patterns are dramatic and are better seen on a large surface where they can be viewed without too much interference from furniture. They tend to dominate a room and will make a small room seem smaller but they are very effective on a single wall or on a large area such as a bedcover or full-length curtains.

Small patterns work like muted colors and are better for small areas and for rooms with uneven walls and odd shapes. A room decorated completely in small patterns tends to look bland so it is good to contrast a large pattern and a smaller pattern which use similar colors.

Choose a Pattern with a Suitable Style

There are many types of patterns but they fall generally into the following groups:-

Florals

These range from chintz like patterns reminiscent of a country cottage to large scale over-sized flowers beloved of contemporary designers so there is a floral pattern to suit every room.

Stripes

Stripes may be dramatic wide stripes in two contrasting colors suitable in a formal room or multi-colored narrow stripes which add an informal fun element

Checks

Checks range from country gingham to sophisticated tartan with every size of check in between and in every color.

Spots

Spots add a fun element to a room and go well with other patterns using the same colors.

Pictorial Patterns

You will see these in French toile and in the farmyard designs on kitchen curtains. Pictorial designs look good where you can see the whole of the design unhindered and therefore they are good in wallpaper and roller blinds.

Abstracts

Just about everything else!

Where to Use Patterns

You can use patterns everywhere in a room from window valances and curtains, to wallpaper, to sofa coverings to carpets but they really should not be used everywhere at the same time! Choose a few patterned elements and leave the remainder of the room suitably plain. For example if you have patterned wallpaper choose plain carpet or hardwood flooring.