How to Decorate with Bold Patterns and Stay Sophisticated
Bold patterns are a decor piece that will take a space from drab to fab and energy. But it’s important to walk the tightrope between bold and sophisticated well. Thoughtfully placed bold patterns can quite literally make your interior design rise to the level of stylish and timeless – if done right! So here’s how to use the striking pattern of polka without committing to garish blunders like these.
Start With a Neutral Base
Bold patterns always appear best on the neutral base which will not overwhelm your space.
- Walls and Floors: Choose white, beige, grey on walls or floors as a blank canvas
- Furniture: Stick to solid, understated colors when choosing furniture, so all you have to worry about is picking your patterned accents
- Balance: Make the neutral base your anchor and use the bold patterns to be the spotlights
That way, this approach makes sure that even with daring design choices, your space will feel cohesive and elegant.
Choose a Focal Point
Conservative patterns are nice, but when it comes to bold patterns, use them to create a focal point that demands attention.
- Accent Walls: Instead of just painting one wall a bold color or painting a stencil or pattern on the wall, a patterned wallpaper or mural on one wall adds drama without taking over the whole room
- Statement Furniture: The Borsalino fabric – perfect for upholstery – can be used to upholster a sofa, armchair, or headboard in an eye catching pattern to make it the star of the room
- Rugs and Artwork: Patterned rugs or artwork should be large and will define the room and draw the eye to these areas
Bold patterns can keep your sophisticated look up by limiting them to only one focal point as way to avoid the visual chaos.
Remember to Make Your Color Palette Harmonious
A common color palette is indispensable when working with bold colors.
- Match Undertones: Make sure the color in the pattern you choose has some undertones shared by the rest of the room
- Limit the Palette: In your design stick to two or three main colors only to keep the whole thing sleek and modern
- Accent Colors: Accent with the secondaries of the bold pattern (for example throw pillows, curtains, vases)
A harmonious palette is used to pull the room together, avoiding the battle of shapes within the room as bold patterns are a highlight rather than clashing with the decor.
Be Thoughtful About Mix and Match Patterns
Layering multiple patterns can be interesting but makes it important to do a careful plan to avoid having them clash.
- Scale Matters: Contrast and balance pair large scale patterns with smaller ones
- Stick to a Theme: Patterns with a common motif, for example geometric, floral or abstract designs should be chosen
- Color Coordination: Make sure all of your patterns share at least one color for unity
When you mix patterns, allow one to be the first while the rest are supportive, and retain the design’s sophistication.
Patterns of the Unexpected Kind
Putting things in bold patterns is unexpected, adds some sense of fun and delight.
- Ceilings: The ceiling is often one of the areas overlooked but a patterned ceiling can certainly add some drama and interest
- Inside Shelves: For a subtle bit, line the backs of bookshelves or cabinets in patterned wallpaper
- Stair Risers: Patterned tiles or decals over stair risers would make for a focal point
These creative placements add a bit of personality, but without overdoing the main design elements.
Solid Elements to Balance with Bold Patterns
When you’re mixing bold prints, pair them with solid understated pieces in order to keep the look from being chaotic.
- Furniture and Textiles: You can pair a solid couch with a patterned throw pillow or vice versa, or a solid rug with a bold couch, etc
- Accessories: Keep decor around or nearby patterned items like curtains or cushions minimal so that these can stand out
- Break It Up: If you have an area with too many heavy patterns then break them up with solid colored furniture or decors
Combining bold and simple elements gives you visual harmony and keeps the design classy.
Remember to leave breadth for your Room and Proportions
Generally speaking, the architectural features in the space, and also the size of the space influences how bold of a pattern should be used.
- Small Spaces: If you want to make your ceilings look taller then use vertical stripes; if you don’t want the effect to be overwhelming, use small scale pattern
- Large Rooms: Fill the space and make a big impact with the mood by embracing oversized patterns
- Furniture Placement: Placing patterned items strategically will help to draw attention to the room’s best features
Understanding scale and proportion allows bold patterns to add to the overall design of the room.
Add Texture for Depth
By pairing patterns with rich textures you can create audit and texture interest.
- Layering: Then, pair your patterned elements with items that have some texture: such as woven rugs, velvet cushions or natural wood
- Contrast: Balance of the boldness of patterns works by mixing smooth and rough textures
- Materials: Then add luxury feel by using materials such as linen or silk, or even leather
Bold patterns are softened by textures, which make the whole piece layer and refined.
Patterns in Smaller Accessories Are Also Adored
If you are too afraid to fully sign up to bold patterns, start and grow gradually.
- Throw Pillows: Patterned pillows on your sofa or bed are a good update
- Lampshades: Patterned lampshades can provide interest to your lighting
- Tableware: The incorporation of bold patterns in tablecloths, napkins or serving dishes will give the laid back feel you seek
That opens space up to experiment with bold patterns without overwhelming them.
Let Your Patterns Represent Your Personality
The most successful designs are the ones that seem genuinely original, personal.
- Choose Patterns You Love: Choose designs which please you, from classic florals to abstract geometrics to eclectic abstracts
- Cultural Inspiration: A meaningful touch is inspired patterns from your heritage, or that of your travels
- Mix Styles: Pair bold patterns with other parts of your design vocabulary to make a distinct place
Bold patterns are great, but only when there are some personal touches there to ensure they look intentional and sophisticated, not trendy or out of place.
You don’t need to forfeit sophistication just because you decorate with bold patterns. Starting with a neutral base, carefully taking balance into account and having a plan to incorporate subtle accents can help create a space that is stylish and cohesive as well as largely smoothed out and inviting. Bold patterns add energy, personality, and when used wisely, they will become noted hallmarks of timeless, sophisticated design.
