In today’s fast-moving world, there are no hard and fast rules regarding interior design. The key is to develop your own style.
Here we look at how to use prints or bold colours, taking inspiration from designers and design publications.
Ways to introduce patterns
Before you can start deciding how to use patterns in your home, you need to understand what options are available to you. Introducing prints into your interior design is relatively easy and products you can opt for include:
- Reupholstered sofas, settees, chairs and other furniture
- Patterned or printed cushions
- Patterned or printed curtains, furnishings and decorations
Once you’ve decided which products are best suited for your home, start to think about the best way to introduce them.
Introduce your new design stage by stage
Rather than rushing in like a bull in a china shop, give your new style time to grow by introducing patterns stage by stage.
Start by colour matching a small piece of fabric with your colour scheme and having a single item of furniture reupholstered with a complimentary pattern. Alternatively, introduce patterned curtains and see how they look before taking the style further.
Chelsea Velvet – Rose & Balmoral – Aubergine
Consider the size of the room
You must take the size of your room into consideration when introducing patterns and printed fabrics. Smaller prints will suit a smaller room while a bold approach can be taken in larger rooms.
To experiment, you could always just recover a few cushions with a vibrant colour to place on plain sofas or chairs. Try and co-ordinate your colour scheme so that a range of plain and busier shades are used; too much colour can be very distracting.
Ensure that the background colour of your new upholstery blends with your overall room décor so that your changes don’t stand out like a sore thumb and remember to keep everything in proportion to the room.
Macintosh – Cream
Colour and design is vital
If you are still unsure about changing from a neutral design to one of pattern, then why not opt for something subtle? Patterns and prints come in all styles and designs so you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
Starting with subtler patterns can help you get used to the new look and feel of the design, giving you the confidence to experiment with bolder options in the future.
Zari – Natural
