3 Simple Reasons All Home Pros Use Color and Pattern When Designing
Color and pattern have a reputation for being fun and frivolous, like the icing on the cake. While they're definitely fun, I think they're actually the opposite of frivolous.
Structurally, color and pattern play an important role in the perception of scale and size, and the definition of surfaces. Emotionally, they affect the mood of a space and can evoke feelings of comfort, happiness, inspiration or relaxation. And we know them best aesthetically, communicating design style, personality and visual interest.
This time on the blog, I'm sharing 3 reasons to use colors and patterns in your decorating.
Reason #1: They Bring Emotion, Enthusiasm & Energy to Your Place
Color affects everything in a room. It has the power to set whatever mood you want; light and happy, cool and relaxed, energetic and inspiring. We all respond to colors a bit differently, depending on our experiences and tastes, so color needs to be a personal choice. When a home's colors align with its people, they can help improve mental wellbeing.
luxurious primary bedroom
Reason #2: They Add Points of Interest & Personality to Your Home
I love how patterns function in lots of ways. They play with scale, shape, movement and illusion. A classic example is adding vertical stripes to the walls when you want your room to feel taller. Murals, which are essentially patterns, create illusions of perspective. A wavy pattern gives movement, while diagonals are unexpected and interesting. Patterns delight our eyes and minds; you can layer in your personality with patterns that make you smile.
contemporary living room
Reason #3: They Blend Styles Seamlessly & Bring Balance to Your Space
Patterns are great connectors between pieces, especially with color. One pattern can provide several colors that can be used in different parts of the room, creating a logical through-line within the space. This visual harmony generates a feeling of ease and balance, like everything's been taken care of. Patterns can bring design styles together too. One way is to upholster a group of unmatched dining chairs with the same print. And painting them all the same color will connect them even more.
clear colors and subtle patterns
Mixing Warm and Cool with Old and New
My clients wanted a change from the very warm color palette in their old house. Their new home came complete with soothing cool colors, offering the perfect starting point for the new palette.
The problem was integrating their favorite warm pieces, like the hand-made coffee table, with the light blue walls. I found a rug that combines warm neutrals with cool blues in a subtle abstract pattern that compliments the granite top of the table. Sleek seating in a deep blue upholstery balances the large table and really brings the cool color into play. Throw pillows with small-scale patterns add another layer of visual interest.
Mixing colors and patterns together is one of my absolute favorite skills that I use to transform my clients’ spaces. I love to show their personalities and celebrate their design styles by mixing these elements together in ways that are totally unique to each client.
Take the Color Mixer Quiz!
Speaking of color and pattern, you might love my Color Mixer Quiz! If you’re ready to make some color changes at home, (or if you’re just curious), this 2-minute quiz is for you.
You’ll get a personalized color palette that will inspire you and make your choices easier. Instead of having to choose from thousands of colors, I’ve narrowed it down to only seven targeted shades that correspond to your personality and decor desires.
Go to the quiz link here!
Until Next Time,
Nan
About Nan
I’m an interior designer who helps people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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