More than mere visual elements, patterns can tell a story, weaving personality and history into the fabric of our homes.

Our relationship with pattern is profoundly personal. Take the stripe. For some, stripes are inherently linked to formality, evoking the structured elegance of a tailored dress shirt. For others, a simple stripe conjures up the laid-back charm of beach huts and umbrellas, suggesting a sense of nostalgia and sea-side frivolity. Either way, the patterns we are drawn to are an expression of our identity, reflecting our tastes, memories, and experiences.  

Specialising in elegant but inviting interiors, designer Jessica Buckley offers this advice: ‘If you are unsure how to start incorporating pattern into your home, collate images of rooms with patterns you really love and pull out the commonality: are you drawn to big floral prints or sharp stripes for example?’ By understanding these preferences, we can learn to confidently incorporate patterns into our interiors, creating spaces that feel layered, personal, and effortlessly cohesive. 

In the living room

‘When designing for different rooms, I always consider the functionality first,’ says London-based interior designer Eva Sonaike. ‘In the living room, where social interaction is key, mixing patterns of different scales adds energy and warmth, encouraging conversation.’

Begin with a striking print – perhaps on a sofa, footstool, or rug – complementing it with one or two smaller-scale patterns and solid plains to maintain balance. It's essential to view the room holistically, distributing patterns evenly to create harmony. For example, if you opt for a large-scale pattern on an armchair, offset it with printed cushions (like our new Frida and Dora cushions) on a plain fabric sofa on the opposite side of the room, to create a dynamic yet cohesive design.  

In the bedroom

In the bedroom, it’s the textiles that truly bring everything together, from the bedding and headboard to armchairs and throws. To introduce patterns, without overwhelming a space designed to be restful, choose soft, small-scale prints or stripes in muted tones. ‘I would fully advocate starting small with a throw, headboard or small piece of upholstery,’ suggests Jessica Buckley. Our new Elle and Etta bedspreads are perfect for this, offering delicate designs in a variety of subtle hues. The Jacquard patterns, woven from pure cotton in Portugal, lend a gentle softness to any bedroom.  

In the dining room

The opportunity to be playful is greater in kitchen-dining spaces, where tabletop accessories are often seasonal and less of a long-term commitment. From tablecloths and napkins to ceramics and glassware, pattern can be incorporated at any stage. Our new organic floral Fife table linen collection is traditionally block-printed by skilled artisans and brings a touch of colourful charm, while our well-loved, subtly striped Maeve linens offer a more understated approach to creating patterned tablescapes. You might even venture into patterned crockery with our Amberley stoneware collection. The key is to style boldly and with confidence; a thoughtful mix of patterns, held together with layers of unembellished surfaces, can create a truly captivating look.