Designing with patterns

Patterns are created when one or more elements of design such as lines, shapes etc are repeated.  Fabrics form one of the largest components in Interior Design. Together with rugs, they are considered as softs. Fabrics may be Synthetic or Natural depending on their raw materials. Natural fabrics are made from plant and animal-based fibres. These fabrics are silk, cotton, bamboo, linen and wool. Synthetic fabrics also referred to as “man-made” fabrics are made from chemical-based fibres. Such fabrics include nylon polyester spandex etc. To read more on this, check out my blog Fabric and its application “Fabric and its application “

 

Over 20 types of fabric patterns exist. These patterns can be floral, geometric or abstract.

Patterns on Window treatments

Windows and doors form a big part of the Architecture. More often than not, these elements are selected and decided by the Architect as they form part of the building structure. As interior designers, our job is to decide on the framing or the treatment to be done. For residential houses, the most common type of window treatment is curtains. In most cases, curtains are used together with sheers but sometimes can be used alone. Sheers also can be used alone depending on the type of design style one wants to achieve. As windows can be large, curtains are a strong feature and therefore need to be carefully selected. Beautiful patterned curtains can greatly improve the Interior Design of the home.

Patterns on Furniture

Fabric pattern and design can also be appreciated on furniture. Most of the time, designers run away from patterns when selecting upholstery fabric. This is because, patterns easily become outdated and will be difficult to change if upholstered to a sofa. Plains are always more practical and if desired, patterns can be brought in on other elements such as scatter cushions.  However, in certain styles of design such as African and Victorian, patterns can be used because they form part of the design elements and will never become outdated.

Patterns on scatter cushions

Scatter cushions are the easiest elements to implement when using patterns. They are smaller, more geometric and can be moved around. Rectangle, square and diamond are the most common shapes however bolsters and round pillows are sometimes used. Scatter cushions can be used on the couch, armchair, sofa bench, hallway bench, bed, and even on outdoor chairs. The size of scatter cushion can determine the size fabric pattern. Fabrics such as Ikat have big patterns and therefore look better in larger scatter cushions such as 600mmx600mm as opposed to 200mmx600mm or 450mmx450mm cushions.

Patterns on Throws (Throw blankets)

Throws are ideally the “cherry on top" when designing and styling homes. Throws can be decorative or functional. On brightly coloured sofas, throws are used to protect the headrest area from dirt brought about by hair oils. They can also be placed on the arms to protect them from food spills . Throws can be woollen, satin or even cotton. In luxury homes, fur is considered. Fur is by far one of the most expensive fabrics in Interior Design. Throws are also used on the bed as a design element or as a spare cover for cold nights. 

Patterns on Rugs

Rugs come in both large and small pieces and can practically be used in every part of the house. The beauty of rugs is that they can be used to decorate the empty spaces in the home such as corridors and entry halls. Rugs are used both indoors and outdoors. As in the case of scatter cushions, rugs can easily be changed if need be or can be moved from room to room if the style changes. One can also easily get rid of them and bring in new to uplift the ambience of the space.

Patterns on Wall art

Canvas paintings and photo frames are the most common type of wall art used. As creativity has no boundaries, beautiful fabrics have sometimes been used in photo frames or wrapped on frames and mounted as wall art. The beauty about these types of wall art is that they are limitless and can be used as very large pieces. The variety of patterns, prints and fabric composition also brings diversity. In bedrooms, one can use large fabric mounts as headboards for box beds.

Inspiration pour le Journee 

Textile designers enjoy coming up with new patterns. World trends influence patterns; the reverse is also true. Fabrics are one of the first things that interior designer Anne-Marie Barton uses to see what her clients like and to help decipher their design style. Watch as Anne-Marie gives you a tour of her own home and client projects, sharing her favourite fabric selections and the three elements that she always keeps in mind: colour harmony, texture and pattern rapport.

The Neutral Charm

Neutral colours are sometimes associated with minimalism. To some degree, minimalism helped promote use of neutral colours by  reducing  use of bold popping colours. There has been a development of colour trends throughout the century as published countless times  in design blogs and magazines. However, there is a general colour palette that is observed around  different regions and countries in the world. This palette is picked from  the culture of the people; artifacts, fabrics, dyes etc, the flora and fauna, food, spices and colour of the landscapes. 

Southern parts of America have warm wet climates and  rich cultures. This translates to their designs which are colourful, bold, exciting and vibrant. Antarctica is characterised by snow with cold weather and no sun. Design therefore have taken up a calm look and feel with greys, whites and stone as the main colours. African designs and colours richly borrow from from the savanna landscape . Deep oranges, browns, greens,maroons and yellows are a main characteristic.  In France, natural neutral colours are a common factor borrowed from their love of bread, cheese and  coffee.

Neutral colours can be used in any style of design.

1.The Modern Neutral Charm

In this day and age where countless colours have been invented, bright colours may be too much. In study of colour psychology, different colours create different moods. Orange for instance denotes energy and warmth. After a while, this may start feeling overwhelming.  White creates a mood of calm and therefore works well in homes located in busy environments.  White also denotes elegance and sophistication and therefore is a good colour to use in luxury apartments. It s a common colour in modern style of design

2. The Boho Chic  Neutral Charm

Boho chic is a melting pot of colour, texture and pattern. Boho is denoted from Bohemian style which emerged from Central and Eastern European decent. This style generated from people who lived unconventional lives, richly artistic and nomadic. They travelled a lot taking with them collectibles and souvenirs which they used as art and decor in their home. This style became common in 1960’s and 1970s. Boho style has variants based on where items were collected from

3. The Beach Neutral Charm

Beach style interior design colours, patterns , prints and textures are adapted from the beach environment. Sand, water, stones, shells, and flora are some of the elements that influence these colours and therefore Beige, white and grey become colours mostly used. Sometimes, surrounding communities contribute to some of the elements used in different areas. Swahili community around the Kenyan-Tanzanian coast influence the coastal design in this area. Marsala and  maroon colours with brass/bronze metal therefore become part of the coastal design in these areas.

4. The Farmhouse Neutral Charm

Farmhouse Interior design is characterised by use of wicker and rattan for the furniture, slip cover on the couch and armchairs as is casual and practical, vintage furniture pieces, Belfast sink in white ceramic or copper, butcher block counters on dining tables or island, exposed wood beams, reclaimed barn wood and pellets. One of the most important element is the weathered look on wood ; floor wall and ceiling finishes or on furniture. Farmhouse colours are subtle with minimal pattern.

5. The Scandinavian Neutral Charm

Scandinavian style as per the name originated from  Scandinavia by the Nordic people . This style leans towards the contemporary style of designs with a minimalist characteristic. In this style of design, light wood finishes are used on floors and furniture,  wall to wall carpets are replaced with simple rugs, light muted colours on walls and fabrics, clean lines, de-cluttered spaces ,  simple decor and art and lots of natural light. Black White and Grey hues are quite common .

Inspiration pour le Journee

Margie wanted the aesthetic to reflect her client’s personality so she went for a fresh, playful look. She chose pinks, greys and taupe's that all have the same undertone to achieve an airy feel, and layered on quiet patterns and texture for visual interest. The kitchen is made for entertaining with a large island that divides it from the adjacent family room. A large, comfortable sofa adds a relaxed vibe to the space, while built-ins showcase thoughtful accessories. Moldings detailed with cashmere grass cloth wallpaper add depth to the dining room.

Check out video below by House and Home for inspiration.