Pattern Vs Plain

It is one of the greatest competitions in the interior design world and the head to head still rages on... PATTERN vs PLAIN? While many stick to simple clean lines and plain painted walls others decide to go for all out pattern and print across wallpaper, cushions, bedding and rugs. Which side do you fall on? Whose team will you take? Or are you one of the indifferent interior designers who opt to mix and match both patterns and plain in one room?

Plain

Many people think that a plain interior design is boring or unimaginative but in reality clean, linear shapes and lines and basic colours can create a calm and peaceful space in which to relax. If you don't feel the need to bother with the complications that come alongside wallpapering then a painted feature wall can be equally as striking and will bring together the room with a central colour scheme. For a burst of colour within the room a plain upholstered sofa or chair in a bright jewel tone such as turquoise or emerald will create a luxurious and opulent finish within your space. If you love the minimal interior look then a crisp white interior with white high gloss furniture or clear glass furniture will create a sleek and sophisticated look that is calm and peaceful.

Patterned

Pattern is a great way to accent a particular area of your home. Whether it's with a bold and colourful patterned wallpaper or a selection of patterned accessories and upholstery it is a way to draw attention to specific focal points within the room. A patterned wallpaper can be used to create the overall theme of a room such as english garden, tropical, retro or vintage and can be co-ordinated with the same pattern across your cushions, rugs and bedding for a universal theme within the room. Alternatively you can mix and match patterns within the room such as polka dots and stripes or florals and geometric patterns as well as mixing and matching the colours of the same patterns for a more Moroccan inspired interior look..

Mix It Up

If you are undecided on which side to take then why not mix and match some patterned and plain interior selections to create a space that features sleek and simple designs alongside bold and eye-catching ones. Place patterned cushions and throws on a plain upholstered sofa or switch it around so that you place plain cushions on a patterned upholstered seating area. Place a crisp white bedding set on a coordinating bed frame and place against a bold patterned wallpapered wall for a striking visual finish. A patterned set of curtains will look great against a plain feature wall and creates a visual focal point within the room. Alternatively why not place some patterned wall art on a plain painted feature wall to draw the eye to that particular space.

For more ideas on using both patterned and plain furniture, accessories, soft furnishings and wallpaper in your home this season; take a look at this week's latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Pattern Vs Plain.