Honor Devereux mixes an unorthodox family of wonderful patterns in this spare bedroom, from a headboard upholstered in an antique suzani, to a graphic checked quilt. The textile wall hanging by Netherlands-based artist Vicky Pylorides inspired the rest of the room.
“Just like colour, it’s never just one pattern that excites me, it’s the combination of colours or patterns that thrills me. It’s fascinating to see the dynamicrelationship between patterns elevating a room’s personality,” says the queen of pattern layering, Kit Kemp. There are challenges to layering print but considering scale, texture and colour palette makes the task more manageable. The reward is a dynamic and engaging space that will always be unique to your space.
Scale
When mixing patterns and prints, designers tend to agree that scale should be a primary consideration. “Scale is key in combining a multitude of patterns," says Kit. "By incorporating different scales, each pattern can breathe and not fight against its surroundings.”
You may choose to combine several large prints or to combine all dainty, chintzy patterns. Generally, though, designers tend to carefully juxtapose a large print (think graphic flowers) with a small one (leopard print or a ditsy floral, for example). “I like to mix up the scale and texture of patterns when layering them in a scheme. It allows each pattern to speak for itself without competing with one another," adds interior designer Honor Devereux.
The bedroom of a Norfolk cottage by Anna Haines
Carlos Garcia uses plenty of patterns in this bedroom
“I’m drawn to bold, motif-heavy patterns with a narrative and vast scale as well as detailed textural weaves and smaller repeating patterns in my work,”says Kit. “These opposites definitely attract, and it is that moment where the patterns combine to create the whole scheme that entices and energises a room.” When it comes to specifics, she recommends combining “geometric, floral, ikat, pictorial and organic patterns. They can work together in harmony to create inviting,exciting and balanced interiors.”
Palette
Palette, says Matthew Williamson, is also a key factor when achieving a successful ‘pattern on pattern’ look: “As with colour, always try to have a clear palette in mind before you begin a project. Try limiting your pattern-drenched scheme to a few key prints, preferably with the same colour palette running through them or at least one colour that ties them together. For example, a floral pattern in a blue or green shade, whether blowsy and bold or delicate and ditsy, always brings an air of whimsy to the space. To contrast this, I’d head towards something more graphic, such as a check or a stripe mixing blue, green and white, which invariably looks sharp.”
Honor agrees: “I like to use contrasting patterns to lift the space, however connecting them through colour and tone stops them from being too busy.” Kit maintains that choosing a specifically muted palette will avoid sensory overload when pattern combining: "A curated use of colour is essential in uniting a disparate collection of patterns. For a calmer atmosphere opt for softer more muted shades in a tightercolour palette or go bold and with a rich and bright palette for a more dynamic feel. The trick with bold and bright patterns is to showcase them in a way thatensures they work in harmony, rather than fighting to overwhelm the space. A similarity in colour will often make a relationship between patterns thatseems impossible come together in harmony."
The bathroom of Kit Kemp's house from our archive (2000) showcases pattern mixing in a neutral palette
Pattern drenching
"Pattern drenching is a joyful way of elevating your interior and mixing prints that you’re drawn to," says Matthew. A different and somewhat opposite approach is to choose a variety of colours but maintain the same pattern, says Alexander Shepel of SHEPEL, who has enjoyed the new ‘pattern drenching’ trend in interiors. “Interior design is all about expressing one's creativity and our clients are becoming increasingly bold in their decisions and choices. Using the same pattern through one’s wallpaper and soft furnishings creates an utterly individual and wonderfully cohesive appearance. To create a real statement, we suggest applying this trend to smaller rooms of the home such as downstairs bathrooms and home offices. Either choose the same pattern or combine the same pattern in different colourways for a high design, curated feel.”
Start with a print that you love
Wondering how to begin when approaching a ‘pattern on pattern’ look? Starting with one pattern – perhaps your existing curtains – and working out from there is a smart approach. Kit believes you should follow your heart. “The starting point for layering patterns should be finding a design that you love, one that you just can’t stop thinking about, and simply must use!”
Some expert pattern layering can be found in this bedroom designed by Steph Hill Designs and Devereux Designs. The curtains are from Robert Kime and the wallpaper is by Adelphi.
At Belmond La Residencia, Matthew Williamson creates a dynamic scheme that still feels refined and elegant. The neutral terracotta floor keeps the ditsy prints grounded, giving the eye a place to rest
Think about material
When layering patterns, it's important to remember that each pattern will exist as a material. Simply comparing images of the pattern may not be helpful in your design process. Instead, try thinking about the pattern's destination: would this leopard print rug work with the Ticking Rose print armchair from Buchanan Studio? How would a moiré lampshade work with a chintz curtain? Would a marble table work with a graphic wallpaper from de Gournay?
