Pattern Passion | A Master Class in Mixing Pattern

Pattern; you either love it or loathe it – for some, it can feel too busy and cluttered, for the pattern enthusiast, more is simply more. Wherever you stand on pattern, there is no denying that it’s taking the interior design world by storm.

The pattern mixing trend is back in fashion and hurrah! Cover your kitchen tiles with geometrics, flourish your furnishings with vintage motifs and bring the pattern of the jungle into the mix; we’ve been given license to pattern clash at home, so why not start with the art.

 

Natural Pattern to Celebrate a Favourite Place

Thanks to Pantone’s greenery, natural pattern is inescapably on-trend, and Tommy Clarke’s aerial shots capture our world’s most beautiful natural patterns from a bird’s-eye view. His striking sceneries are a great way to savour the spirit of a favored place in your abode.

Tracks, 2014, C-type, gloss paper, 90 x 60cm

 

Figurative Patterns for the First-Timer

Easing yourself into pattern? Then don’t go for the obvious, it’s not all about chintz and stripes. Made to Fit from Mat Cahill has multiple colours and numerous layers of detail to discover, so pair the work with with neutral accessories for a relaxed vibe.

Made to fit?, 2016, felt tip on paper, 100 x 70cm

 

Geometric Pattern and Complimentary Colour Schemes

When blending pattern into your decor, try to create a theme with complimentary colour schemes. Pyramid Progression No.7 by Crispin Holder is a geometric painting, playing on the changing perspective and a complimentary gradient colour palette – perfect for the pattern lover who prefers order over disorder.

Pyramid Progression No.7, 2021, acrylic on canvas, 100 x 100cm

 

Patterns for Little Ones

What better place to play with pattern than in your little ones’ bedroom? This charming animal print by Claire Halifax is not only beautiful but will help youngsters start to recognise letters and animals.

L is for Leopard, 2016, Silk Screen Print on Somerset Satin Paper 300gsm, 38 x 37cm

 

Pop Art Patterns That Take Centre Stage

Use pattern to infuse your décor with personality. Pop Art Patterns are for those who want to make a personal statement, and Takeshi Murakami is a go-to for attention grabbing art that commands the room.

Flowers Blooming in This world and the Land of Nirvana, 2013, offset lithograph, 50 x 50cm

 

Illustrative Patterns for the Neat Freak

Claire Halifax's intricately (and precisely may I add) designed cityscapes are adorned with layers of mixed pattern, I love their overall look of neatness, with plenty of contrasting textures and pattern styles to discover on closer inspection.

Icons Near and Far, 2017, Silk Screen Print on Somerset Satin Paper 300gsm, 38 x 37cm

 

Abstract Patterns to Play with Scale and Layering

Pattern doesn’t always mean ‘busy’. Choose one dominant and one accent pattern. Weave a striped theme throughout your décor as the dominant pattern, starting with something like Fall by Nigel Bird. You can then weave in a secondary pattern more discretely within your home furnishings – knotted braid cushion covers come to mind, to play with texture.

Fall, 2019, pastel on paper, 138 x 70cm

 

Expressionistic Pattern to Mix and Match Themes

Poissons by Anne Marie Lepretre is large in scale but microcosmic in detail, with small variations of colour and pattern emerging upon closer inspection. This is a great piece if you want to life large-scale prints in your furnishings.

Poissons, 2000, acrylic, collage and oil glaze on canvas, 120 x 120cm