What’s trending: how to use pattern in your interior design

From stylish stripes, classic checkerboard, to the drenching decorating trend, it seems we’re all going mad for pattern in interior design at the moment.

Recently, I went on a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, where I immersed myself in the world of textiles at Ikea Museum‘s exhibition – picture striking stripes, retro prints, and playful geometrics. Which inspired me to take a closer look at the rise of patterns in interior design…

Interior design with velvet green corner banquette, wooden dining table and light blue-and-white checkerboard floor.
Squares in Linen White and Bay Blue tiles by Harvey Maria.
Bathroom with patterned terracotta-and-cream floor tiles, white bath and shower in cream tones.
Aurelius bath by BC Designs. Photography: Darren Chung, @mouse_interiors.

Here at KBB, we spotted the striped pattern popping up in interior design back in 2022. Since then, it’s only become more popular, and it’s certainly here to stay – but it’s not the only print taking centre stage. Although it’s been around for centuries, the checkerboard has had a resurgence, covering everything from kitchen floors to bathroom walls. Click here to get inspired to welcome it in your home.

Interior design with dressing table covered in flowery subtle green cloth, against flower-patterned wallpaper.
Interior design by Harriet Sale. Photography: Astrid Templier.
This cloakroom features a white basin with scalloped edges underneath a pill-shaped mirror
Cloakroom by Amy Stoddart Studio. Photography: Chris Snook.

What’s more, ‘drenching’ is the ultimate buzzword in interior design at the moment – whether we’re talking colour, stone, tiles, wood, or prints. The pattern drenching trend involves saturating your room with a single or multiple motifs, from the walls and furniture to the floor and ceiling, in order to create a statement look. So, if you are feeling daring, Konstantina has put together a helpful guide here.

Also on my radar…

So, analysing the recent trends, it seems that more truly is more, and homeowners are feeling more inclined to use colour and pattern in their interiors. According to interior designer Matthew Williamson, maximalism has evolved into an intentional design philosophy over the last decade. Now, this flamboyant aesthetic is elegant, blending colours, textures and prints in a considered way, which instantly draws attention.

Chaotic and over-the-top in the past, it is still eclectic but much more refined, reflecting renovators’ personalities. If this sounds like your style, find out more about what maximalism looks like today by clicking here.

Burgundy kitchen with maximalist interior design, from marble surfaces to floral wallpaper.
The Brambles wallpaper in Mulberry, £150 per roll, Divine Savages.
  • Retro 70s are back – if the avocado bathroom is not really your style, why not get the look with accent seating or furniture, pops of mustard yellow, and groovy patterns?
  • But if you are planning an ensuite revamp, add interest and depth to your space with the help of stripes. For a perfectly imperfect shower design, embrace square or rectangular zellige tiles in your favourite colourways. Or you can add a smaller dose of pattern with quirky accessories, such as soap dispensers and toothbrush holders.
  • Looking forward to the autumn and winter season? Dark and moody patterned wall coverings and plush, cocooning soft furnishings are ideal for sprucing up your interiors.
Interior design moodboard with retro decor, patterned furnishings and zellige tiles.
1. Milana Plum wallpaper, £155, Olenka Design. 2. Cleo Rectangle Wood Wiggle wall mirror, £40, Dunelm. 3. Helter Skelter Paprika cushion, £78, Linwood. 4. Rafi two-seater sofa in Orbella Pimpernel by Liberty, £4889, Heal’s. 5. Table lamp, £59, M&S. 6. Green stripe bathroom accessories set of three, £15, George Home. 7. Pair of Vaserely salt and pepper shakers in Bone, £25, Oka. 8. The Mixer in Mustard, £449, Mustard Made. 9. Citron Stripe and Blue Marine Stripe zellige tiles, from £150 per sq m each, Otto Tiles & Design.

Spotted on social

Personally, I think you can never go wrong with stripes – I love how this dining zone mixes prints and colourways, and is complemented by brass lighting and pops of vibrant blue and muted mustard.

Take pattern drenching to the next level in your bedroom by matching your headboard and bedding to your wallpaper design for a bespoke, stand-out look.

The checkerboard print is ideal for zoning your interiors. Take inspiration from this elegant ensuite with a bold and beautiful bathing area.

So, are you ready to go bold?

Want the latest design ideas and interiors inspiration in your inbox? Sign up to receive our newsletter every Sunday

About Post Author

You Might Also Like

 

Want to get involved?

[email protected]

Sign up to our newsletter

Want the latest in your inbox?