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decorating with pattern

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We love a Polka Dot print! Polka Dots are a fun print to decorate with – they add a touch of whimsy and a bit of a retro vibe to a space.

What’s the History of the Polka Dot?

The Polka Dot is a print that really became popular in the US in the mid 1920s.  America’s love affair with the polka dot began, perhaps, in 1926, when Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit. Shortly after, in 1928, Disney introduced its cartoon darling Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and matching bow. Throughout the 1930s, polka dot dresses appeared in stores, the fabric suddenly subversive, nipped in by ribbons and accentuated with bows. In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe was famously photographed in a polka dot bikini. And of course, the famous 1960’s hit song “Itsy Bitsy Polka Dot Bikini“.

 

 

The Polka Dot pattern is a series of circles that are evenly spaced and of the same size.  A spot print isn’t necessarily consistent in spacing or size

The Polka Dot definitely has a retro feel but also a feminine one.  The Polka Dot has mostly been used in women’s fashion but it definitely makes a statement in home decor.

Ways to decorate with Polka Dots

A nursery –

we love the fun and whimsy that polka dots add to a bedroom.  We love this accent wall – it really adds visual interest to the room without using old colour and this can easily transition into a toddler room (and a little girl’s room and a teenagers bedroom)

 

Polka Dot Furniture

try re-upholstering a simple piece of furniture with a polka dot fabric – this will add a fun element into any room and it will turn a simple piece into a statement piece.  It’s a great addition to any room! This chair is an example of a spot print but isn’t it great?!

 

 

Polka Dot drapery and window treatments

we love a patterned window treatment – it adds a nice contrast to the room against a solid wall and it’s a perfect addition to a room that doesn’t have wall space for art!

 

 

Polka Dot Pillows –

A polka dot pillow is another great way to keep a room from looking too serious.  Polka dot prints comes in all colours – so you have a lot of options! We love different sizes and scales of polka dot prints,  too. Plus polka dots are fun to mix with other prints!

 

Polka Dots in the bedroom –

Polka dot bedding can be used in so many ways on a bed.  Just the pillows, bed sheets or the duvet cover.  Mixing the polka dots with solids and other prints makes any bedroom unique.  We love this bed set in white and gold with polka dots and stripes.

 

 

There are so many fun ways to decorate with this retro print – which is your favourite?

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Stripes are a classic and even better they can work with any decor style!  If you have read any of our posts, you know that we love a print and mixing patterns.  So if you are thinking of trying out a pattern in your space consider a stripe – it’s very transitional, it come in all scales and colours, too! You can’t go wrong!  Not sure where to add this classic pattern? We have some ideas for you!

Wall treatment

– whether it’s wall paper or a streamlined paint job – try stripe son the wall.  You can get as big and bold as you like in terms of colour and scale – or opt for a classic neutral. It could fill an entire room or just an accent wall.  We also love to layer our patterns, so don’t be shy to add some art, photography and mirrors over your striped wall.

Pillows

– this is an easy addition (or subtraction) in a room.  Adding some printed pillows can completely elevate the look of your room.  There’s just something about a pattern that adds a designer look to a space.  Some of the great things about pillows is that they aren’t permanent, the selection is endless and they are affordable!  On a sofa, side chair, bed – they work everywhere!

Furniture

– this might be an intimidating step for many but trust us!  A stripe furniture piece can really add a WOW factor to a space.  We do recommend sticking with a neutral palette if you are opting for a pattern piece – it’s easier to work with long term as you want to change up your decor.  And for someone that likes neutrals this can add another sophisticated element to your room, mix it with some other patterns and some solid to give it a designer look.

Drapery

– We love what window coverings can do to a space – from a functional side but also a decor side – sure they block the sunlight (or an unpleasant view) but also add a softness and again, visual interest in a room.  Whether it’s panels or roman blinds – we love them both!  This is a great option for a living space, dining room and a bedroom – we love a stripe window treatment in a kids’ room so timeless and it can grow up with them!

Floor covering

– we love area rugs in any room, they add another layer of softness, they are nice on bare feet,  they pull a room together and of course, it’s another opportunity to add some pattern.  Area rugs can be pricey depending on the size and material you choose, so if you are concerned about budget consider a classic pattern like a stripe.  A stripe area rug is a classic (we have said this a few times, but it’s true!).

Outdoor furniture and accessories

– decorating your outdoor living space is no longer boring! There are so many options for furniture, umbrellas and accessories, too.  We love the look of a stripe in an outdoor space, it’s so fresh and clean! Pillows, umbrellas, cushions and even rugs – it’s up to you!

Stripes are everything – fun, classic, fresh, bold, and also soft – it’s all about the colour tones and what you mix them with this print – you can’t go wrong with bringing stripes into your world…

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“I love the idea of adding some pattern to my home but I am so afraid to commit.  I really don’t want to spend on something that won’t be in style for a while. Any suggestions on pattern that won’t go out of style?”

 

You are right making a commitment especially one with a bigger price can be nerve wracking but have no fear there are some classic patterns that you can add to your space that will not only compliment but will add a level of sophistication to your home.

 

Pattern textiles are perfect for upholstery, drapery and accent pillows.  Be sure to speak with your local textile expert to ensure that you have the right fabric for the use.

 

Here are some classic fabric patterns that you can bring into your space without any

regret.

 

Pinstripe:

Much thinner and more subdued than a normal stripe, these patterns add a faint, menswear detail to upholstery and pillows.  But any stripe is a classic but we love the look of this menswear inspired look. A stripe can be paired with other patterns as well – Mixing patterns adds real sophistication and a designer look to a space. This modern chair in a navy pinstripe fabric with shiny gold arm looks incredibly chic!

 

Toile de Jouy:

De jouy fabric originated in France in the 1760s. The original patterns usually depicted pastoral scenes; today there are many pattern choices and colors available.  Other patterns include more exotic Chinese themes became popular, as did famous moments from history. All were hand-drawn in a curvaceous style with fine detail that was then etched onto wood blocks and printed onto the fabric.

Certainly a more traditional option but if you use it and pair it with the right pieces it can work with a rustic country space – pair it with furniture that is clean and streamlined, so it doesn’t look fussy. Or use it as an accent wall with wallpaper

 

Fretwork:

These are geometric, interlaced patterns with sharp angles. Similar to the repeated nature of latticework but the design can be more complex, like a Greek key. There are many patterns with a geometric repeating pattern that fall into this category – your choices are endless and so are the colour options.  This works beautifully in any space including bedrooms and even nurseries but it also pairs well with other prints – we love it with florals.

 

Tree of Life:

These sprawling nature-inspired prints are characterized by scrolling vines, flowers, leaves, and birds. The patterns are typically very large in scale and are great for draperies.  Not sure if florals are your ‘thing’? Try incorporating them into art.  A simple fabric swatch or wallpaper sample in a frame with matting and frame – looks clean and modern and adds a pop of pattern with zero commitment and very little cost.

Seen here this botanical fabric has been used as a wall panel for a pop of colour and great visual interest in this room.  Plus see how it works with the trellis (fretwork) ottoman

Damask:

A reversible fabric commonly woven in silks and wools and printed on linens and cottons. The repeating medallion-like designs are often done in a single color with the ground (base cloth) in a flat finish and the
design in a sateen. Modern print versions are interpreted in more high-contrast color combos.

For a while Damask wall paper accent walls were all the rage – we saw them everywhere – that trends has softened a bit (high contrast less popular and more tone-on-tone is what we are seeing) but the pattern itself is a classic and it also pairs well with any fretwork.  A Damask accent chair with a Fretwork area rug is a gorgeous combination. Damask can be fussy is paired with fussy and formal things.  See the image below – using Damask in a roman shade is a clean and modern use yet it has great visual interest in this clean and modern space. We also love the pairing with the stripe area rug.

 

Ogee:

Described as a bit of a mod look – another repeating pattern – it looks like strings of stacked onions.  This pattern comes in various scales and sizes and of course, colour combinations.  This is perfect for drapery but we love it as an accent pillow.  See the image below for an example of Ogee – the grey on grey bedding in this print is so sophisticated but still visually interesting.

 

Suzani:

Likely a term you haven’t heard but you will recognize this tribal influenced pattern. These patterns are based off of the tribal textiles of Central Asia, Suzani’s feature colorful, circular shapes intertwined with vines, flowers, leaves, and fruits. Often seen in vibrant and bold colour combinations – so this is a pattern that makes a real statement! It’s perfect for little pops like accent pillows or bold splashes like an accent chair or bedding.

To maintain the focus on this bold print, keep the other piece simple and clean.  In the image below, the head of the bed frame and other bedding is just plain and simple, the bedside lighting is also simple, even the art is under stated – the bedding coverlet makes the statement and the overhead fixture makes a splash just a smaller one.  But this entire room works!

 

Ikat:

This is technically a term for the resist dyeing technique used to produce the painterly patterns seen on these fabrics. Similar to a tie dye, but ikat threads are dyed first, then constructed into cloth yielding the meandering look which is insanely popular right now.  It is a combination of this organic almost tribal feel paired with the geometry of fretwork or even a more floral damask feel – the line work is softer in appearance due to the technique, so if you don’t like really clean lines this might be a good option for you. 

Plus the colour possibilities are endless.  And it pairs beautifully with simple stripes. We love these Ikat upholstered dining chairs seats – the colour combination is fresh – it has a softer damask look which adds a bit of a casual nature to the room but still so chic.

 

Chevron:

A repeating V or zig zag pattern, almost like a clean stripe just with a slight modification.  In recent ears – this pattern was seen everywhere from drapery to pillows to nurseries.  We saw this in every colour imaginable but the grey and white was probably the most popular.  

It is still a classic even though it is no longer trending. It looks great as an accent pillow. Seeing the chevron in an area rug adds a pop to the room but because it is in neutral tones it isn’t trendy. and this simple and neutral chevron is a great backdrop if you wanted to add some other patterns to the room like pillows for instance.

 

Animal print:

Some say that an animal print is tacky but that is more about amount and application.  Animal prints in a neutral colour wave are a great way to add some fun or glamour into your space without bold injections of colour.  Animal print is  also true to nature so it works with anyone opting for a more natural look. 

Many animal prints mix well with other prints so you really can have a lot of fun.  Don’t go overboard with animal print everywhere and on everything – that’s when it gets tacky!

 

Polka-dots:

Are another classic print – this works really well for kids rooms in a fabric or even vinyl decals on the wall.  This print can be bold depending on size/scale and colour combination but it can also be subtle.  Plus it works well with other prints -the polka dot sheets are a great backdrop for this WOW bed – the polka dots add a bit of fun and whimsy to the room instead of a solid sheet.  You could also opt for the reverse – polka dots on the wall and plain sheets.

When it comes to adding some print and pattern into your space, start off slow (especially if you aren’t adventurous), add some accent pillows or bedding first – this is pretty low risk and easy to replace if you don’t like it.  Next try a dining chair seat in upholstery (this is also a great and simple DIY project). 

If you are loving the addition of pattern in your space – take the leap with drapery and an area rug.  Pattern is nothing to be afraid of – have some fun!!

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We all grew up hearing about the Buddy system but this buddy system for home decor is a bit different…..

We love playing with colour, pattern and texture but sometimes finding the right balance can be a challenge.  Our clients often ask us how to mix patterns, mixing colors and patterns can be a snap. Use the Buddy System!

What is the Buddy system?

Simply put, the Buddy System means that when mixing multiple textiles, make sure every fabric has a buddy, in color or pattern (and ideally both). The process works particularly well for bedding,
scatter cushions on a sofa, or anywhere you might want to mix many textiles. This is a sure fire way to get a designer look in your space.  Mixing different patterns has such a sophisticated style.

1.  The purple in the floral headboard closely matches the purple in the spotted cushion.

2. Likewise, a neutral taupe features in both the smaller spotted cushion, and the paisley print one.

3. Speaking of, there are two spotted cushions here.

4. The prints of the bedspread, blue striped cushion and purple spotted one all have a blurry, ikat-y feel to them.

5. The pillows and sheet are a set, so they match in both color and pattern.

6. It even goes beyond the textiles: the bedspread mirrors the chair in both pattern and color.

Now you have a room that looks totally personal to you but also very stylish with a designer influence.  If you want to mix patterns in your living room, just use the Buddy system with your pillows, rug and drapery (or where ever you want your pattern).  Pattern is a great way to add colour and visual interest plus it can lighten up a space – too many solids can make a room feel and look heavy, and lacking in sophistication.

You can see the Buddy system in the image below – the aqua in the sofa and the lamp add some bold colour to the room.  The navy/white tribal side chair and the navy/white stripe pillows are ‘buddies’, too.  The pops of pink in the floral arrangement and the art are also buddies.  The brass accents in the side tables are also a pair even though the tables are different and then the white drapes, rug, walls and lamp shade are buddies too.

This is how to mix prints like a pro – now go try this at home!

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