Design: Nicoline Beerkens Interiors; Photo: Thijs de Leeuw and Willemijn de Leeuw.
William Morris – known for his revival of traditional British textile arts during the Arts and Crafts Movement – had a passion for pattern, the bigger the better. He opined, “Do not be afraid of large patterns; if properly designed they are more restful to the eye than small ones … Very small rooms, as well as very large ones, look better ornamented with large patterns.” This portfolio from the aspire design and home magazine spring 2022 issue is visual evidence – bring on the patterns!
Keep it Au Natural
“I love all patterns, but especially ones derived from nature,” shares designer Lori Weitzner. “I enjoy taking a realistic element and then reinterpreting it into something more abstract –– for example, taking a very loose floral watercolor, then weaving it into a structure and incorporating surprise yarns and techniques to push it even further. It will feel familiar and natural, and at the same time, new and sophisticated.”
Scalamandre Riad Cotton Print in Earth
Papier Français Riviera wallpaper
Peter Dunham Mogador linen print in Blue/Indigo
Papier Français Champ d’Emeraude wallpaper
Pip & Lo/WallPops Clementine Garden wallpaper
Pip & Lo/WallPops Papillon Flutter wallpaper
“A small space like a powder room or guest bath is often a great place to take risks or incorporate lots of pattern and color – in just about any kind of home or interior environment,” advises architect John K. Anderson.
Layer Up
“I think any pattern can bring vibrancy to a space, especially when it is used unexpectedly,” says designer Andrea Schumacher. “Mixing and layering patterns creates an exciting tension, while wrapping a space in one pattern allows you to play with scale. It is all about application.”
Fabricut Montauban fabric by Christiane Lemieux
Patterson Flynn Sun Pyramid rug
Fabricut Montrouge fabric in Ink by Christiane Lemieux
Pollack Trixie fabric in Queen
Rachel Zoe/WallPops Black Ramsey wallpaper
Pollack Story Teller fabric in Eclipse
Go Global
“My favorite patterns are globally inspired motifs borrowed from ancient regions of the world – for example, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Oceania, Pre-Columbian, Mayan, ancient Greek and Roman,” shares designer Keita Turner. “Working with patterns influenced by ancient civilizations, such as ikat, greek key, Moroccan lantern, suzani, quatrefoil, Maghreb-inspired tile, damask, fretwork, Japanese waves, and so on, can add a true sense of history to an environment.”
AphroChic Ailey fabric in Black
Arte Città di Castello wallcovering
Arte Flor Imaginaria wallcovering
New Ravenna Balloonacy tile
Flat Vernacular Balance wallpaper in Ore
Papier Français Rose Naissance wallpaper
Pierre Frey/The Louvre Merveilles d’Égypte collection
Back to Basics
“I love to create rooms that spark emotion and people want to linger in … spaces that are rooted in tradition, yet unique in their execution,” acclaimed Australian designer Anna Spiro says, describing her singular design ethos. “It’s important for me to use only the highest quality so that our designs endure the test of time – quality over quantity. The end result is a curation of disparate objects brought together to create an interesting, layered, and inspiring space that defies the boundaries of dull, yet respects the basic principles of classicism.”
The Vale London Iter wallcovering
New Ravenna Dottie tile
Eskayel Water Signs wallpaper
The Vale London Pallone embroidery in Whipped Cream
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