Be Bold: Stylish Ways to use Patterns in Your Home

Source:  Jillian Rotondaro

Date: November 12, 2018

Mixing bright colors and bold patterns in a space can be a challenge. Each design packs its own personality and intensity. At times, it may seem easier to rely on the simple formula of a neutral color and an accent; but creating a space of harmonious patterns and dashes of color isn’t as tough as it seems.

When designing, we tend to use fashion as inspiration, bringing textures and patterns into a space that a designer would incorporate into an outfit. Using couture as guidance helps to create new patterns and mirages of color that would not have made sense before; because fashion is not just for the hangers in your closet.

As each season’s newest styles hit the runway, new ideas and combinations of patterns are born. Layering bold patterns has become a modern approach to decor, and we can thank fashion for that.

By selecting textures or tiles of the same level of intensity and saturation, a space can be created that feels united and balanced, without sacrificing personality or style. Like the dress above, a space can offer a blend of colors and textures that surprises but doesn’t overwhelm. For unique, embellished patterns, balance is key.

If hesitant, a stylish approach without being too distracting to the design is to repeat the same hues found in the pattern throughout the entire space— a trendy twist on the classic neutral and accent formula. Whether the pattern is concentrated or scattered, this will keep the room feeling balanced, and create a level of interest that bounces from one side of the space to the other.

Increase the warmth of a space by sticking with a patterned tile of caramel, beige, honey, and browns. Like this two-tile bathroom, the warm colors of the patterned strip of tile add a homey feeling that would have been lost on the black tile. The pattern focuses on one concentrated area, drawing interest to the wall without taking away from the mosaics that embellish the side of the tub.

For a twist on the classic black and white bath, repeating the same pattern of bold black and clean white creates a fresh and contemporary look that works well in spaces for all sizes. We tend to pair big, bold colors with contemporary and modern spaces, neglecting to realize that bold can work just as well in a traditional, classic space.