Patterns are perfect

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/07/2006 (7195 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

INCLUDING pattern in your decorating choices will ensure that your room has wonderful dimension. Whether found in wallpaper, faux treatments, upholstery or window treatments, pattern can turn an OK space into something dramatic. Choosing and mixing patterns is a delicate balancing act, however, and many do-it-yourself decorators are hesitant to take the leap. This is understandable, especially in cases where one might be choosing more permanent items like upholstery or carpeting. Avoiding pattern altogether, however, can leave a space feeling lifeless and unexciting. Balance is the key. There are a number of tips to remember that can help you begin to incorporate pattern successfully. Forget about spending a lot of time deliberating over your choices, instead, follow some simple rules. Start small and build from there.

Add pattern in small doses

The best way to play with pattern, without fear of making huge decorating mistakes, is to incorporate it in small pieces like with toss cushions (or cushion covers), lampshades and even wallpaper or paint treatments. These items can be changed with reasonable ease if you ever feel that your choice isn’t working for you. That flexibility gives you room to experiment and play with pattern. Take the opportunity to experiment with pattern choices. The more you do, the more comfortable you’ll get with your choices.

Dynamic, modern patterns (or the now popular retro patterns) can be trendy but can also go out of fashion fairly quickly. Incorporating them into your space can be fun but should be done in small doses with less expensive items like stoneware or throw pillows. For example, a drab brown sofa can go retro with a colourful charger plate in accentuating colours or can look more traditional by being accented with a paisley print pillow.

Choose timeless patterns

The problem with following trends is that they can become outdated far too soon. Choosing to incorporate timeless patterns like toile, harlequin, fleur-de-lis or a the Greek key design will ensure that your decor remains tasteful and timeless. Because these patterns have been around for many years, they are ageless when it comes to home decorating. Used in more modern applications, historic designs like a toile, can be mixed into modern spaces with great success. You probably wouldn’t choose a toile wallpaper, as may have been done historically, but you might choose a toile lampshade on a modern looking lamp. The juxtaposition of old and new can be quite interesting.

The harlequin pattern, while timeless, provides a contemporary flavour by way of its geometrical elements. Whether used in wallpaper or even as a motif on a lamp, the harlequin pattern is easy to replicate on to most any surface.

Paisley is another print that is easily recognizable and can be dressed up or down depending upon the vibrancy of the colours. In muted tones a print like paisley can be a wonderful pattern choice for upholstery, draperies or even in wallpaper if you want a more dramatic look. In more vibrant colours, paisley can be used in smaller doses for more emphasis but less commitment.

Connio@3web.net