Pattern Clashing: Master The Latest Interior Design Trend
Fortune favors the bold, and that includes bold design.
If you’re like us, your mother may have instilled some fashion rules in you early on. Don’t wear white after labor day, stick to horizontal stripes, and don’t mix silver and gold accessories (to name a few). However, our current design landscape is subverting many of these guidelines, and we’re here to zero in on one in particular: pattern clashing.
That’s right; pattern clashing is in vogue, artistic, and surprisingly pleasing to take in. Though the idea might trigger anxiety and thoughts of chaos, it’s a delicate and intentional art that you can master with any degree of expertise.
We’re here to show you some stellar examples of how to perfectly clash patterns in your space, featuring some of our favorite tile designs. Check out the following looks that skillfully mix patterns for bold impact.
This first example by Utah-based design studio Aleece Sligar Design uses our Knox Black Tile on the floor and a bold graphic on the walls.
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One tip for successful pattern clashing is picking one intense color to maximize the pattern’s impact. Color themes are an effective way to toe the line between the controlled chaos of successful pattern clashing and the uncontrolled chaos of getting it wrong.
If you want to branch out from just one color but still want a common thread between patterns, try finding one color link between patterns to create a clear line from one pattern to the other. In this example by The Pattern Collective, a fabric and wallpaper studio based in New Orleans, the pink from our Nola Pink Tile is the common color link in the room.
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Pink is present in our Nola Tile and the wallpaper, which ties together the top and bottom halves of the room. The white subway tile on the lower half of the wall between tile and wallpaper successfully breaks up the two patterns, allowing your eye to travel methodically throughout the space.
Another successful example of this method is in this bathroom designed by Gunnar Larson. He used our Norwegian Rose Marble in 5″ Hexagon.
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Our Norwegian Rose Marble provides a fluid, flexible pattern, which works well in juxtaposition to the straight geometry of the wood-paneled walls and the combination of both in the floral wallpaper above it. The pink from our Norwegian tile is linked to the pink in the wallpaper, making this design successful and not the least bit overwhelming.
This next design by Pettigrew Adventures also uses our Norwegian Rose Marble (in Pickett Mosaic) next to a floral wallpaper.
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This look doesn’t have a solid color between patterns, and it works perfectly. There is still a color link between the wallpaper and tile, and we love the bold look of the space.
Finally, you can be successful at pattern clashing without any color link. Check out the following two examples, which don’t have a standard color pattern but still clash perfectly.
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This look from Gold on Grand Salon uses our Norwegian Rose Marble against a beautiful plant-themed wallpaper. The striking patterns of the tile and wallpaper juxtaposed with the soft colors create a peaceful yet stimulating atmosphere.
Another bolder example of this is in the design below:
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Instagram user @lanadefrancesco_ used our 4×4 Zellige tile in Snow White and Black to create a checkered pattern, which she balanced with tropical wallpaper and dark green paint.
Pattern clashing can be approached in myriad ways and is something that you can ease into.
Order some samples from our website and play around with patterns if you want to try any of these looks at home.
Follow along for more blog content, and tag us in your tile inspiration at @riadtile.