Interior Design Patterns to Influence Your Home’s Moods!

If you’re a frequent reader of my articles, you’ll know that I’m always commenting on ways in which color can influence our design styles and daily lives in general; of course, I’m a color specialist! However, I do like mixing it up now and again and going beyond color choices. Sometimes, I like discussing lighting, textures, soft furnishings, and other foundational design elements. It brings me back to my days of doing interior design; I’ll leave that story for another day. 

With this article, I’d like to share some insights and thoughts on interior design patterns, as they often play second fiddle to other, more prominent design choices. Many homeowners are reluctant to consider patterns; they may think patterns on their walls, ceilings, or countertops are overwhelming. I get it. They ran amok from the 1970s to the 1990s, but because they were overused in the past, it doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in interior design today! 

Interior Design Patterns – What’s Their Purpose?

Like colors, textures, lighting, and furniture layout impact our emotional and psychological responses to an interior space, so do design patterns. Quite simply, the complexity of a pattern can influence our perception and emotional responses. For example, more elaborate patterns may evoke feelings of being upbeat and colorful, high-spirited, and lively, while simpler patterns can convey a sense of calmness, clarity, and minimalism. 

Warm and cool colors can make us feel different emotions, and so do patterns. And, just like colors, different design patterns can illicit a spectrum of emotions, depending on the designer’s intentions and the space’s purpose. 

Examples of Design Patterns

• Lines 

When an interior designer chooses to use linear design patterns, it helps draw in the eyes and visually transform a space, giving it more intentional flow and structure. For example, if the goal is to extend the feeling of height in a room without high clearance, vertical spanning lines on the walls or on the decorative wall molding will help to create the feeling of greater height, making the room feel less constrained. Conversely, horizontal lines can visually widen a space when used on walls or furniture, making it appear more expansive.

• Geometric Shapes

I understand that some people have PTSD regarding geometric shapes and bright/bold clashing colors of the 1980s and 1990s; perhaps we will discuss the polarizing “Memphis Design” style in another blog. However, regardless of designs in past eras, geometric shapes have their place in today’s design world and can function with purpose. 

Geometric shapes can create “structural harmony” within a room. What do I mean by that? Picture gorgeous art-deco-style wooden cabinetry or a free-standing bar. Repeating patterns of circles or diamonds on the wood panels create a more engaging and focused presence for the furniture and design in the space. Shapes can give life to flat, dull surfaces and create focal points. 

Remember, the pattern you are incorporating can be the dominant design element, like the wallpaper surrounding you, or it can be more subtle, like the fabric on the furniture. Either way, the pattern itself will draw the eye and accomplish something. It should be thought through before you commit to a large area of any bold pattern.

• Floral Patterns/Organic Intricacies 

Floral and decorative design patterns are best suited for rooms that intend to create a relaxed, inviting, and non-hurried mood. Soft, organic patterns like gentle waves, bamboo motifs, leaf patterns, and florals can help the space feel soothing and connected with nature, basically the opposite of industrial or minimalist. Bedrooms and bathrooms are perfect examples of where a designer would choose floral design patterns in the form of wallpaper, furniture, or soft furnishings.

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Don’t Be Afraid to Influence the Mood!

My advice is to give patterns another chance! Whether you’re feeling like dipping your toes in with some new throw pillows and comforters or going all-in with new wallpaper or window treatments, patterns are another great design asset to use; don’t be afraid of them! 

As a color consultant and interior designer, I use patterns all around the house. Each one creates a unique, distinctive mood that enhances my home’s spaces and brings life to a room in new and unexpected ways! Do you use patterns in your home? I would love to hear all about it.