14 clever lessons in pattern scheming from expert interior designers

“Choosing fabrics amongst so many suppliers can be daunting and selecting the right combination of these for your home, intimidating.

Although there are certain rules that can be followed, in the end, it’s down to your own taste and what works or doesn’t.

I am a great believer in textural and patterned fabrics. It is however important not to look at one or two fabrics in isolation but in the context of the room and how they’ll interact when sitting together with others.

In the sitting room of this country house not one single plain fabric has been used. Every fabric has a pattern, be it a print or a weave, whether it’s blatantly obvious or needs a closer inspection. The intended effect is to soften and create an inviting homely room.

Texture is very important too. The yellow fabric on the armchairs of this sitting room is a textural weave with a raised geometrical design. The texture softens the straight lines of the armchairs and makes them more inviting. Adding a floral design with the cushion creates a little juxtaposition, a friction that keeps interest alive. The same principle has been used on the sofa, in this case adding cushions with different textures (silk, velvet, embroideries) and patterns (geometrical ikats and florals) to further soften the structured sofa thus making it more inviting.

A large pattern used on its own or surrounded by plains can look intimidating in a room, making it too much of a statement. Using other smaller or medium-sized patterns around it diffuses that threat and brings harmony.

After all, in the words of John Fowler, “it takes a lot of busyness to make a room look quiet”.”