Jan 18, 2024

The Contemporary Designer’s Guide to Embracing Pattern

Love print, but from a safe distance? Not sure how to incorporate pattern in your interiors without going overboard? Good news, we’re here to help! At Studio Oxley, pattern and print inform almost every aspect of the design process – we’d be handicapped without them. Today we’re going to show you how you can make the most of this wonderful décor tool to add a touch of sophistication and personality to almost any corner of your home.
ELLE DECOR

LET’S START WITH THE BASICS

We often find it easier to pick a showstopper pattern or two and then build the room around it. This is by far the best part of the process: going to different fabric stores, browsing online and using social media for inspiration. You can start with a base colour and theme – think black-and-white geometric, or green and organic – and go from there. Whatever mood you’re trying to create, pattern helps you really bring it to life!  

Residential Projects — GACHOT
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST

BALANCE IS THE SECRET SAUCE

How do you decide where to draw the line? We suggest using your main pattern, the one you’re absolutely in love with, on a single category of furnishings, such as armchairs, curtains or even a rug. Those are going to be the sexy corners that really add the wow factor to your room. You can then layer on pattern in more muted colourways and smaller prints to accent items such as pillow covers and ottomans, to add that touch of interest without overwhelming the viewer. 

WHERE TO BEGIN YOUR SEARCH

The internet is your best friend. Whether it’s European velvets, Indian block prints or South East Asian ikats, good fabric has never been easier to find. Websites such as Miss Marple, Étoffe and Cottons & Satins stock a dizzying array of beautiful, unique prints. Prefer to browse IRL? Tatum Company and Bode Fabrics here in Singapore stock some of the finest global brands and walking into their showrooms is like being in Wonderland for us design nerds! 

WIELDING OUR PATTERN WIZARDY

In case you couldn’t already tell, at Studio Oxley, using pattern in interiors is our bread and butter! We believe it truly elevates your space from cookie-cutter Pinterest board to something entirely fresh and exciting. Headboards, armchairs, rugs and even cabinet doors, it’s all fair game. 

Pictured left is a black and white headboard in a beautiful Ikat-inspired print from our Central Condo project. The linen and muted tones make it feel like a neutral – but in the best way possible.  It might sound like an odd choice on paper but as we always say, when you trust the process is when the magic happens. Schedule a call with us to learn more about how you can use pattern in your own home!