Design Guide
How to: Incorporate pattern anywhere in your home
Decorating with patterns can seem straightforward in a bright, spacious home, but what about those awkward corners or naturally gloomy rooms? Interiors expert Joanna Thornhill shares practical tips for using patterns to bring personality and character to even the trickiest of spaces…
Period properties with ornate features, while beautiful, can sometimes feel imposing. Consider alternative ways to incorporate patterns rather than sticking to traditional design choices. Such as statement patterned furniture - whether contemporary or vintage-inspired with modern colours - to add a playful touch without overwhelming the space.
Another option is to use paint creatively on original features like coving or ceiling roses, giving them a simple quirk that's easy to change later if needed.
North-facing rooms often feel dull and gloomy due to limited natural light. Instead of automatically reaching for white paint, consider embracing the room’s darker qualities with a moody, dramatic color scheme.
Using a statement wallpaper with a dark background can add depth and drama, while painting ceilings and woodwork in corresponding hues creates a cozy, cocooning effect. Layer in textures with cushions, throws, and rugs, and incorporate mirrors or glass ornaments to amplify any available light.
Not sure what to do with that space by your window? Or have a sunny patch that isn’t getting enough use? Dedicate this space to ‘garden room’ vibe. A botanical print armchair or a plain chair with a floral cushion, paired with a plant-filled side table, can create a mini-sanctuary.
Add large indoor plants and trailing greenery to enhance this outdoor feel, and decorate with natural materials and green hues, For a more immersive effect, consider using botanical-print wallpaper, or opt for textured walls like whitewashed brick or rustic wood for a subtler nod to nature.
Awkward spaces like odd alcoves or sloping eaves, often the result of home extensions or reconfigurations, can become charming features with the right approach. Instead of trying to hide these imperfections, highlight them with bold colours or patterns.
A dull downstairs loo can be transformed into a delightful surprise for guests by wallpapering all four walls to create a pattern filled chocolate box.
If wallpapering is challenging due to the space’s angles, use paint to add pattern. For a simpler approach, paint the nook a contrasting color and incorporate low-level patterned storage or seating to create a cozy, inviting area.
While older homes often dictate certain decor choices due to their original features, newbuilds can feel bland without these elements.
However, these flat walls are perfect for wraparound wallpaper patterns. Adding vintage furniture accents or simple wall paneling can introduce depth and character without veering into pastiche. Additionally, choosing patterns with a retro or vintage flavor can lend a sense of history while still allowing for contemporary touches.
Panelled walls and traditional molding details can add charm but also present a challenge when introducing patterns. Consider applying wallpaper within the panelled sections, which can contain busy patterns or large-scale prints that might otherwise overwhelm a space.
Traditionally, lower walls below dado rails were papered to hide scuffs, with the upper left plain. However, modern designs can flip this approach, placing patterned paper between picture and dado rails, or even extending it to the ceiling, for a fresh, contemporary twist.
By rethinking how you use patterns, you can transform even the most challenging spaces into personalised, character-filled areas. Whether you're working with a formal period property, a dark room, or a featureless newbuild, these strategies can help you make the most of highlighting your home’s unique features.