Pattern and Texture are like the herbs and spices of Interior Decorating and Design. An understanding of the Interior Design principles for incorporating texture and pattern will bring depth and flavor, sophistication and character to your overall Interior scheme. Pattern and Texture are so closely related that one can often project the illusion that it’s doing the duty of the other. Think nubby textiles, corduroys and velvets.
The Rule of Threes
This is a virtually foolproof way to start working with pattern and integrating it into your Interior Design plan.
Start by considering the basic pattern groups. The Stripes come in a wide range of colors and widths from broad “awning stripes” to narrow pinstripes. Geometric prints include plaids, dots and the angular designs found in Persian rugs. Organic prints include florals, vines and other prints inspired by nature. Once thought of as tacky, Animal prints, close relatives of the organics, have gained a new respectability and are a “must consider” if you’re style is influenced by the Retro Design look of the 1950’s. Motif prints are randomly repetitive patterns like paisleys and herringbones. Pictoral prints are both realistic and abstract representations of scenes, animals and objects. Finally, don’t forget to think of Solids with textures that can be perceived as patterns.
Texture is everywhere!
We find Texture in our walls, floors and ceilings. In thick skip-troweled finishes, sanded stuccoes and smooth wall finishes. It draws our attention in brick, stone and quarry tile. It’s present in the polished surfaces of mirrors, glass table tops and stainless steel appliances. Texture brings interest through hand thrown pottery, woven wall hangings and palette knife oil paintings. Texture is at the heart of Interior Design materials…And combining and layering contrasting textures is like adding that extra sprig of rosemary, pinch of salt, or dash of Tabasco that finishes a room with that “little something” that was missing.
Contrast is where Texture finds power.
As you work out your design and decorating scheme, experiment with combining textures…Just as you would paint sample patches of color on your walls to see how they fit, get fabric swatches, wallpaper books and samples of tile, stone and wood flooring to lay next to each other.
