Maximalism and print lovers will be happy to know there’s a new trend on the block, marrying the two in one cheerful combination. Dare to try pattern drenching?
Not long ago, colour drenching was taking over our homes, inviting renovators to keep their paint roller going until they hit the ground, using the same shade to cover an entire space – ceiling included. Now, this trend has found its match, and it’s even bolder, brighter and, admittedly, more fun. Say hello to pattern drenching!
But what is it and how do you make it work? I’ve got the lowdown…
What is pattern drenching?
As Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs explains, pattern drenching involves saturating a space with a single pattern or multiple patterns, covering walls, furniture and sometimes even the floor and ceiling, to create a statement – but ultimately cohesive – look.
“It really isn’t for the faint-hearted,” she says. “But while it can be overwhelming, successful pattern drenching balances scale, colour and texture to transform a room into a harmonious and immersive experience. It really allows you to show your personal style and personality off to its max.”
To make a real statement, Alexander Shepel, co-founder of Shepel’, suggests applying pattern drenching to smaller rooms such as powder rooms or downstairs bathrooms. “Either choose the exact same pattern or combine it in different colourways for a high-design, curated feel,” he says.
How do you make it work?
What exactly constitutes ‘successful pattern drenching’ and how can you avoid an incoherent-looking room? Interior designer Matthew Williamson advises to have a clear palette in mind before starting your project, and limiting your pattern-drenched scheme to a few key prints – preferably with the same colour palette running through them or at least one colour that ties them together.
“For example, a floral pattern in a blue or green shade, whether blowsy and bold or delicate and ditsy, always brings an air of whimsy to the space. To contrast this, I’d head towards something more graphic, such as a check or a stripe mixing blue, green and white, which invariably looks sharp,” he says.
“As in so many areas of design, things that come in threes always seem to work well, so I’d add in a third print, such as an animal spot or perhaps a classic ikat in a complementing shade.”
Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, also trusts in the ‘rule of three’ to make pattern drenching work. “Odd numbers challenge our brains and are more interesting, natural and visually appealing,” she says. “In pattern drenching, you’d start with three different patterns – it might be that you wish to use similar or different shades of the same colour to have a thread running throughout that brings it together.”
What about the patterns themselves?
When it comes to choosing the prints that work best for your space, it’s important to think about the aesthetic you want to achieve, while ensuring it works well with the overall design of your room.
“To do it right, start by selecting a pattern that is versatile and can be scaled appropriately for different elements within the room, such as wallpaper, upholstery, curtains and rugs,” says Debbie Leigh, design manager at Iliv.
“Balance is key, so mix the pattern’s scale – use larger prints on walls and smaller ones on accessories or furniture to maintain visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Then incorporate solid colours or textures in some areas to provide relief and prevent the space from becoming too chaotic. Thoughtful placement and consistent repetition of the pattern will ensure an effective and striking design.”
Interior design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk Ryan McDonough adds that busy patterns and bold colours work best for maximalist interiors while floral patterns in muted shades are perfect for a more romantic, cottage interior. “Think about patterns that naturally complement each other such as classic ticking stripes and gingham checks. Pattern drenching doesn’t always need to feel in your face – the subtle use of herringbone flooring and woven textiles can help to drench a room in pattern without it overwhelming the space.”
Creating contrast
While matching patterns work great for this drenching technique, contrasting motifs are a fun way to add multiple layers to a room, playing around with different scales and colours on different surfaces, says Leah Aspinall, head of design at Blinds 2go.
“Pattern drenching is the one place where you should never hold back; picture headboards, blinds, curtains, throws and cushions, in different patterns,” she says, while also emphasising the importance of colour, and the rule of three.
“To avoid overdoing it, try picking three patterns to start out with and keep a complementary colour running through at least two of these.”
Pay attention to scale
When picking your go-to patterned wallpaper, it’s important to consider the size of the room. Smaller-scale patterns are ideal for big rooms but can overwhelm smaller spaces. David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin believes larger-scale patterns work well in most rooms, instead, but advises to pay attention to lighting, as it can affect the look of the wallpaper, making its colours appear lighter or darker.
A mix of large and small-scale prints is probably the way to go, to maintain a cohesive scheme. “Balance large-scale patterns with smaller-scale prints, and keep some areas devoid of pattern altogether,” says David. “How about pairing a large-scale patterned wallpaper with a plain rug and adding in cushions with smaller-scale patterns?”
The difference between spaces
While your choice of prints really depends on your personality, it still pays to keep in mind that a pattern that works in a kitchen wouldn’t necessarily work in a bathroom or a bedroom. The former is probably the place to experiment with more daring combinations, while in the latter, you’d normally want to include more subtle motifs.
“In a bedroom, I’d opt for a whimsical and soft Chinoiserie print, to create a serene, dreamy feel,” says Charlotte Saunders, interior designer at Oka. “Whereas in the kitchen, I’d lean towards stripes or more geometric patterns, coordinating seat cushions and runner rugs. Pattern drenching works because it envelops a room in a consistent visual narrative, and gives it a proud personality.”
After all, as Leah says, successful pattern-drenching involves having fun and letting your creativity and personality shine through.
For more pattern drenching inspiration, check out these amazing spaces…
Featured image: Where The Wildflowers Grow wallpaper in Dusk, £150 per roll, Divine Savages.
Love this trend? Click here to find out how to add a splash of colour to your cabinet interiors
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