Patterns are everywhere around us. On your clothing, the walls, the floor, furniture, and even on natural elements like trees. By definition, a pattern is “any regularly repeated arrangement, especially a design made from repeated lines, shapes, or colours on a surface” according to the Cambridge Dictionary. Pattern is also one of the seven key elements of interior design, and the use of patterns can successfully enhance the look of a room.

Patterns have the ability to add visual interest, texture, and personality to a space. It is even capable of changing spatial perception based on how it is placed. There are many kinds of patterns, all resulting in a different look or vibe. Subtle or bold, geometric or organic, these patterns can be implemented in many shapes or forms all around the room. By strategically incorporating patterns into your interior design, you can create a space that is both stylish and inviting.

The Striking Character of Bold Patterns

If you want your room to feel a little “louder”, to look energetic and have a strong first impression, then incorporating bold patterns is a good way to start. Bold patterns create a focal point, where the eye naturally gets drawn to it due to its striking nature.

Take the picture above for example. You can place a bold, statement pattern on the flooring. The combination of quirky designs and artwork works great to set the mood for the space, giving it a vibrant and fun energy. Then, take a look at the single section of the wall plastered with a stylish botanical pattern. Observe how it’s only placed in that one section, and not the entire wall. The placement gives a strong impression without overpowering or overcrowding the room. It focuses the eye on that particular section of the room, creating a more centred feel. This is why working with patterns may be tricky, but with the right placement and strategy, patterns can give the space the ultimate design and style.

A Little Goes a Long Way With Subtlety

Subtle patterns can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room without overwhelming the space. It can make the room feel “quieter” and more calming, adding a sense of relaxation to the space. So, if you’re aiming to create a tranquil vibe in the room, using subtle patterns is the way to go. Subtle patterns are more refined. It gives off the feeling of “less is more”.

The room shown in the picture above is beautifully subtle. The linear geometric pattern on the walls, paired with the linear pattern on the lamp creates a sleek atmosphere for the room. Then you have the horizontal floral stripe pattern on the bed comforter, which matches the direction of the horizontal floorboarding – resulting in a cohesive look.

The key to choosing subtle patterns is by being “not too much”. Subtle patterns don’t have to be just lines. It can be any small-scale geometric pattern, or floral, or organic – as long as the shapes are quaint and not too striking.

Pattern as a Tool to Transform Spatial Perception

Apart from adding personality to a space, patterns have the power to also transform spatial perception. When it comes to interior design, making sure the room doesn’t feel too cramped or claustrophobic is a goal many strive to achieve. One way to accomplish this is by making the room look bigger. Sure, an obvious solution would be to simply find a bigger room, or bust the walls open. But, at times, we have to work with the space we are given.

This is where patterns come into play. A tip for making a room look bigger is to use striped wallpaper. Vertical stripe patterns as the wallpaper give the illusion that a room is taller than it actually is. The same goes for horizontal stripes. If you install a horizontally striped wallpaper, the room will look wider as the stripes stretch from one end to the other.

These patterns can also be applied to the flooring. Using board planks on the floor can instantly make a room appear more spacious. The pattern that comes from these board plank flooring is wide and distanced, causing the space to look less busy and more roomy. Placing a carpet with a clean linear pattern can give the illusion of a vaster room as well.

Mixing and Matching Patterns

Mixing and matching patterns can be quite a challenge. Done wrong, then the room will look like a hazardous mess that is simply a sore to the eye. When done right, however, it can add a unique touch to the interior design.

Patterns can be found in anything and everything. So, it can also be matched with anything and everything. The key is to find what works best for you. Striped upholstery on seats against trendy geometric flooring. Funky patterns on small furniture and decorative items to spruce up the space. A bold botanical pattern wallpaper, paired with a striped rug and geometrically-patterned cushions.

What’s important is to not flood the room with just patterns upon patterns. Not everything has to be patterned. Leaving some space or furniture with just plain colour can help hold the patterns together, creating a neat and tidy appearance.