a living room with a blue couch and a vase with flowers

Pattern Drenching Is the Bold Decor Trend Taking Over — Here’s How to Pull It Off

If you’re looking for a way to breathe new life into your home décor, pattern drenching is a bold, trendy choice that can instantly transform any space. This daring décor trend involves layering patterns upon patterns, creating a visually stunning effect that’s both sophisticated and playful. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if done right, pattern drenching can make your home look like it belongs in a high-end design magazine.

In this article, we’ll guide you through ten different ways to pull off pattern drenching in your own home. From choosing the right patterns to balancing them in a way that’s pleasing to the eye, our tips will help you create a space that’s uniquely yours and on-trend.

a living room with a blue couch and lots of pictures on the wall
Photo by Steph Wilson

1. Start Small

It’s understandable if you’re a bit hesitant about diving headfirst into pattern drenching. The key is to start small. Consider introducing patterns through accent pieces like pillows, throws, or rugs. This allows you to experiment with different designs and see how they work in your space without making a huge commitment.

Also, starting small gives you a chance to gradually build your confidence in mixing and matching patterns. As you become more comfortable, you can start incorporating larger pieces and more complex patterns into your décor.

2. Stick to a Color Palette

When pattern drenching, it’s crucial to have some form of consistency to prevent your space from looking chaotic. One way to do this is by sticking to a specific color palette. Choose two or three main colors and make sure all the patterns you use incorporate these hues.

Having a consistent color palette can help unify the different patterns and create a more cohesive look. It can also make it easier to mix and match patterns, as you’ll know they’ll at least share some common colors.

3. Mix Scales

Another important aspect of pattern drenching is mixing scales. This means using a mix of large-scale and small-scale patterns. A room with only large-scale patterns can feel overwhelming, while a room with only small-scale patterns can feel busy and cluttered.

Mixing scales can create a balanced, visually interesting effect. Try to have a good mix of large, medium, and small-scale patterns in your space. This can add depth and dimension to your décor and prevent it from feeling flat.

4. Mix Types of Patterns

Don’t limit yourself to just one type of pattern. Mix geometrics with florals, stripes with paisleys, and so on. This can create a rich, layered effect that’s visually interesting and engaging.

However, be careful not to go overboard. Too many different types of patterns can become overwhelming. Stick to three or four different types and vary them throughout your space for the best effect.

5. Balance Bold with Neutral

A woman peacefully sleeping in a beautifully decorated bedroom with floral wallpaper.
Photo by cottonbro studio

While pattern drenching is all about being bold and daring, it’s also essential to have some balance. This means pairing your bold, vibrant patterns with more neutral, subdued ones.

Having some neutral patterns can give the eye a place to rest and prevent your space from feeling too overwhelming. Plus, they can help to highlight and accentuate the bolder patterns in your décor.

6. Use Solids

Just because you’re pattern drenching doesn’t mean you can’t use solids. In fact, solid colors can play an important role in this décor trend. They can act as a backdrop for your patterns, helping them to stand out more.

Consider incorporating solid-colored furniture, walls, or large pieces into your décor. This can provide a nice contrast to the patterns and help to balance the overall look of your space.

7. Consider Texture

Pattern drenching isn’t just about visual patterns; it’s also about texture. Incorporating different textures can add depth and dimension to your décor and make it feel more rich and luxurious.

Consider incorporating textured fabrics, rugs, or accessories into your décor. These can add another layer of interest and help to make your pattern drenched space feel more inviting and comfortable.

8. Don’t Forget About Wallpapers

When it comes to pattern drenching, don’t overlook the power of wallpapers. They can make a big impact and are a great way to incorporate patterns into your décor.

Choose a bold, vibrant wallpaper for one wall, or go all out and wallpaper an entire room. Just remember to balance it with some more subdued patterns or solid colors to prevent it from becoming too overwhelming.

9. Use Patterns in Unexpected Places

One of the fun things about pattern drenching is that you can use patterns in unexpected places. Think patterned lampshades, patterned ceilings, or even patterned furniture.

Using patterns in unexpected places can add a playful, whimsical touch to your décor and make your space feel more unique and personalized.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Last but not least, when it comes to pattern drenching, trust your instincts. If you love a particular pattern, find a way to incorporate it into your décor. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it.

At the end of the day, your home should reflect your personal style and taste. So if you love the look of pattern drenching, go for it! With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a space that’s bold, beautiful, and uniquely yours.