“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!!
