Patterns played a huge role in '60s style, both in fashion and interiors. While modernism introduced bold geometric patterns inspired by op art, fresher twists on classics like stripes, plaid, florals, zebra, and window pane check were prevalent. The Mad Men crew sport eye-catching patterns in this scene from season 5. Keep reading to check out retro-inspired spaces that use these patterns and contemporary products you can buy to steal the look!
Photo courtesy of AMC
This week I'm inspired by spaces that boldly use pattern — as well as rooms that boldly eschew it. Check out spaces influenced by a restrained hand when it comes to color and pattern, as well as ones that happily embrace it. Which room is your favorite this week?
I've always had a thing for mixing patterns. I especially love layering blankets and quilts handmade by my grandmother and mismatching floral, striped, and dotted accent pillows and throws. Currently the floral and stripes combo has caught my eye with its nontraditional look that can either be sweet or energetic, depending on the colors and decorating style. See how this eclectic geometric-meets-organic pairing is inspiring me!
Whenever I face a color selection, nine times out of 10 I choose gray. I love the relaxing, mellow tone on pretty much everything, and I'm especially smitten with it in stripes. So when I saw the Ikea Bärbar tray ($4) in this glittering tablescape, I couldn't get it out of my mind; I had to have it! It's simple and functional and pretty enough to be on display, holding shiny odds and ends, like how Rebecca of Loving Living Small styled hers. Inspired by my new tray and this perfectly crisp room I stumbled upon by Dutch stylist Anoukb, I've rounded up my favorite gray and white striped pieces for the home. From paper straws to sheets, click on the images above to shop the look!
While herringbone is usually reserved for twill, leather-button blazers, and brick sidewalk pavers, lately I've been seeing the chevron cousin throughout the home decor world. The distinct, v-shaped weaving pattern resembling the skeleton of a herring fish has been popping up on everything from upholstery fabrics to original artwork to toilet seat covers!
When I spotted the Herringbone Bed ($400-$700) in West Elm's 2011 Spring collection, I knew the trend had officially arrived. My favorite is the Ethan Allen Herringbone Crystal Table Lamp ($700), which has an ever-so-subtle cut-crystal pattern. I'd also love to own a set of the Herringbone Glassware ($726 for six) by Artel, but I could never bring myself to spend so much on something I'll undoubtedly eventually break. Click the product images to shop the rest of this trend!
Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Laura Trevey from the Su Casa group:
Colorful headboards can make a room. I love this orange Kelly Wearstler Imperial Trellis upholstered headboard with nailhead trim, and I am definitely a fan of bright orange!
A pop of blue will brighten the room! The acrylic and polka dot bench is to die for!
One of my biggest fears in my decorating life is of mixing patterns. It is also a goal of mine. I've mixed patterns minimally in my bedroom and living room, but I am always envious of interior designers who can mix a broad scale pattern rug with a busy botanical wallpaper, a wide stripe throw pillow, and maybe an embroidered chair — and pull it off flawlessly. I honestly don't know where to begin. How far is too far? How many different patterns and colorways can you get away with in one room? I guess the answers to these questions often come with a design degree.
This raspberry-toned bedroom is certainly a delight for the senses. From its bright colors to its striped textiles to its metallic, patterned wallpaper, this bedroom seems more likely to wake one up than lull her to sleep. When you decorate, are you this bold with pattern?
I love the eclectic look of the folksy, layered patterns in this living room. It looks so cozy and welcoming, but still appears pulled together, thanks to the cohesive color palette. Layering this many patterns can be intimidating, however, because it's sometimes hard to know how to pick and choose the best patterns for a space.
I spotted this Black Zigzag Lamp ($185) at Emilia Ceramics, a San Francisco-based ceramic import shop, and felt a revived love for chevron patterns. The contemporary lamp is handmade by Mexican pottery studio Talavera Vázquez in the city of Dolores Hidalgo. I've been drooling over Madeline Weinrib's cotton flatweave zigzag rug ever since I saw it, but aside from that, I've never felt much affinity for chevron/zigzag patterns. I thought I'd see what else is out there. So, check out my chevron finds.
