In the world of interior design, prints and patterns are design elements that certainly make a long-lasting impression and they have become important in enhancing a living space. Prints and patterns add to the design of a room, to the texture, visual aesthetic, and atmosphere. Although they’re considered to be quite similar, they do have their differences, and when mixed and matched correctly – it’s definitely one cheap and affordable way to revamp your living space.
Patterns are seen as the repetition of a graphic on a surface – just like patterns on wallpaper for example. The power that patterns have, is that it creates an illustrative perception. It helps draw a wide-open plan and creates a visual flow throughout a room. There are many different types of patterns, such as florals which have become incredibly popular in bedrooms, vertical and horizontal lines which offer a sense of simplicity and add height and width to a room and many more. As for prints, these are known to be modern and current as they have been a key contributor to sprucing up walls, floors, and even pieces of furniture in the last few years.
We know that big budgets to spruce up and renovate your home isn’t always possible, and you can ultimately get the same results from a larger budget, with a smaller one – you just need to be smart about it, and know what elements make the biggest impact within your interior. We’ll take you through each room and provide some print and pattern tips for you to develop your space however you please, and for much less!
Let’s Start With Kitchen& Dining
One thing to remember is that patterns and prints can be applied to almost anything, and you need to pick either a print or pattern that will match with the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. For example, picking a sea-themed pattern for the kitchen would raise a few eyebrows, as we’d automatically assume this would be better suited to the bathroom – you catch our drift?
Now, if you are going to use wallpaper in the kitchen, it’s best that we tell you the three main types which are highly recommended. These are washable wallpapers, vinyl, and Novamura. All of these wallpapers are hard, durable, and washable – they don’t fade when exposed to sunlight and they are designed specifically for the kitchen environment.
Wallpaper prints and patterns inspiration
- The statement wall – a wall dedicated to a pattern or print of your choice. The most popular places for a statement wall would be behind the sink, behind the hob, or a single wall that is free from any type of clutter. Stuck on what prints or patterns to use for your statement wall? Make sure you’ve got Pinterest up because we’re going to tell you what to look up – marble wallpaper designs, botanical designs, black and white, and geometric patterns.
Furniture prints and patterns inspiration
- If you’re looking to go bolder and incorporate something unique and distinct into your interior, furniture pieces are the way forward. The trick is to not go too big with it, keep your wildness at a normal level so you don’t end up with Flamingo style dining chairs, a coffee table, and a palm tree glass cabinet (unless that’s your style, no judging).
- For open-plan interiors that are fortunate to have a kitchen island, you can add a delicate touch of pattern with bar stools. They not only add to your visual style of the room, but they’re practical and versatile too, so you can get as much use out of them as possible.
Rattan effect bar stool
- Sofas, armchairs & footstools – As sofas, armchairs, and footstools are mostly in a package, most of us will have them matching. However, because this will be an overwhelming amount of patterns or prints, your best bet would be to strategically place them around your room, so that you have elements within your interior that break it up a little bit. Take a look at the image below for inspiration, and find yours online.
Let’s Slide Into The Bathroom
We know what you’re going to say, wallpaper in a bathroom is a disaster waiting to happen because of the water, condensation, etc – we know. However, like with kitchen wallpaper, such a thing exists with bathroom wallpaper too. Both of these rooms, while opposite, support a similar structure because many people also have a statement piece in the bathroom too, the most common type is with tiles, but these are much more expensive. Vinyl patterns and prints are specifically designed for the bathroom environment, and they’re cheaper than the real thing and besides, imitation never hurts anybody.
Bathroom print and patterns inspiration
- Say hello to monochromatic clouds – this pattern offers a distinct but modern style, and as the bathroom should be the most relaxing room in your home, the clouds add a little touch of calmness. Are you up in the clouds or actually in a bubble bath? Who knows!
- Marble – again, marble has become an exceedingly popular style to incorporate into a home, it’s simplicity but uniqueness is what makes it so great. Rather than buying real marble that would cost you a rather large fortune, this is where patterned wallpaper comes in.
Then Cha Cha Into The Bedroom
The bedroom is most often where floral patterns reside. But it’s a great opportunity to truly transform your bedroom into a relaxing, peaceful environment, as it’s a room where you need as much rest as possible before you get up and go in the mornings. It’s important to never make a room purposefully dark because it not only makes the room appear smaller, but it also has an impact on your mood which isn’t ideal. Go for light, sunlight, sunshine!
- Modern lines – maybe it’s time to let go of the florals, just for a little bit. However, modern lines help create a simplistic interior with the right colors. Maybe you could go for an all-white minimalist color tone, with soft pink accents throughout. You can achieve this with accessories such as cushions, bed throws, blankets, lampshades, and even small ornaments.
- Fuse with fabric – Another neat little trick is to mix and match your bed linen. Block printed patterns and vintage stripes make for a distinct look and feel, and it definitely adds a lot more character to your bedroom interior.
