Choosing a Pattern to Suit Your Décor or Change Your Style

By J. A. Young

Historically speaking, there are literally centuries of patterns to consider for your home. From fabric for furniture and rugs to wallpaper, patterns infuse décor with time as well as place. Paisley prints invoke all the exotic appeal of the Middle East and India. Small chintz prints call forth all the charm of an English cottage. By taking time to consider patterns, you can dramatically alter the décor of your home to suit any style you have in mind.

Stripes, scales, blossoms and polka dots—these are simply a few examples of the myriad of pattern choices available today. Historical as well as contemporary patterns provide a look for any décor style that is in keeping with the decorator’s tastes. Patterns may change from room to room for dramatic style changes or flow together for a cohesive look. Because patterns seem to originate in places around the globe, it is helpful to consider the map of patterns world wide.

Classic

The classical world has created and influenced a wide array of patterns. Greek examples often embody geometric designs and plant motifs. An ornamental border of flower-like images might surround a pattern devoted to the image of a nymph or classical figures holding props like urns and pieces of pottery. Egypt, also an ancient source of patterns, offers its unmistakable style—patterns of hieroglyphics and images of ancient Egyptians. Plants like papyrus and animals like oxen or jackals dominate these patterns as well.

Ancient

Ancient patterns are not well-suited to every room; however, they tend to make useful patterns for libraries or eclectic home offices. Of course, an ancient Roman buff can make use of classical patterns and images in any room, but libraries seem to lend themselves to this old-world style. Or, consider a pattern with a Grecian motif of potted plants for a sunroom wall.

Medieval

Similarly, medieval-inspired patterns are ideal for book rooms or highly stylized rooms that embody medieval décor. If your idea of thrilling décor is suit of armor and coat of arms, you might additionally, consider covering fabric in patterns depicting religious images, gothic motifs, knots, lions, dragons, etc…Although known as the dark ages, this entire body of time is fraught with patterns in rich colors. Consider tapestry wall hangings for a formal living room or bedroom. Celtic images and patterns can also be employed with their signature woven motifs.

Orient

The Orient has a rich pattern history. China’s illustrious flowing patterns depict foggy mountains, dragons, and floral arrangements. Many Victorian patterns actually borrowed from traditional Chinese designs to create a range of patterns in the Chinoiserie style. Lotus flowers, water lilies, chrysanthemums paired with pagodas and telltale figures make for typical Chinese style.

Japanese

Japanese patterns seem to celebrate the natural world as well. Butterflies, plum blossoms, bamboo, peonies, fish and wind-blown trees—these are likely images for Japanese patterns. An Oriental room can be highly stylized with intricate needlework displays or simple with Zen-like serenity.

So much about patterns is about place and time. Patterns in the form of Navajo blankets are linked to a particular culture and place as well as an era. Or, think of 1950s America and its patterns. Likewise many eras be they Art Nouveau or Art Deco inspire patterns reflective of the times they were created and many embody influences of styles that came before. Take the 1970s—the flowers and styles seem to recreate many of the images from the ornate Art Nouveau era of the 1890s.

From folk patterns passed down from one generation to the next to tribal patterns with similar ancestry links, today’s patterns embody their place of origin. One can hardly see a paisley pattern without remembering it was inspired by Turkey or India. And, when employed on an ottoman, your room can be enhanced by the same exotic air infused from these cultures.

Patterns can be mixed, employed subtlety or installed over-the-top to create a room to convey exactly the look you want. Want a room right mimicking an African plantation—choose patterns from the region you want to duplicate for pillows, seat covers, rugs and upholstery. Choosing patterns is an elemental part of design—from colors to images, you can employ a pattern that makes your room a stand out.

© Doityourself.com 2006