Playful Patterns: How to Make Them Work
Keep it simple
When using patterns, it’s important that you don’t over-complicate things and try to keep
Start by choosing a base colour for the room as a canvas from which you can work outwards and upwards. In most cases, a neutral colour will work best, allowing your patterns and colours to really stand out, but it’s still possible to use bright colours with patterns, as long as they complement each other. Also, remember patterns don’t always have to be
Add flair
A fantastic way to work patterns into your design is with patterned wallpaper or a wall mural as a feature wall. Pairing patterned wallpaper with clean, blank walls in a contrasting tone will emphasise the patterned area as a focal point. Although, it’s important to choose the right colour and pattern size to suit the dimensions of the room - as the wrong choice could make a room look smaller or cause the pattern to get lost in vast areas. As a rule, smaller rooms work best with lighter tones or a light background with a small-to-medium pattern size - whereas larger rooms can handle bolder colours and patterns with large prints to help bring the room into proportion. A good tip is to stick samples of wallpaper patterns up before you commit, so you can get a better feel
Get creative with patterned artwork
If you’re not sure if a whole patterned wall is
Funk up your floors
When it comes to patterns, there’s no reason why you can’t funk up your floors and give them a little character too. How you do this will naturally depend on the room and your personal preferences, but in areas with heavy footfall like hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and even living rooms, getting creative with colourful floor tiles can be a brilliant way to add a pop of pattern into an area - and ensure you’re left with a practical floor surface too. Alternatively, why not brighten up a bland floor space with a playful rug that will bring bags of personality with it?
Get clever with furniture and accessories
Accessories and furniture offer simple ways to bring patterns into your home. While many contemporary styles tend to favour a uniformed look, vintage-style is all about an eclectic mix. However, don’t be fooled into thinking you have to stick with one pattern or that you can bring any old patterned accessories together. It’s important to find a balance with patterns that complement each other or use different colours and textures to add depth to the finished look.
This is where using accessories and furniture is an ideal option, as you can add small elements of
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