Pattern has the power to bring an interior to life, adding colour, character and joy and there are so many beautiful ways to make it your own. Stripes, herringbone, diamond weaves or even leopard print; there’s a pattern for every interior style. At Alternative Flooring we love how beautiful designs can inspire from the floor up. That’s why we’ve created a go-to guide, perfect for those looking to welcome a bit of personality into their homes. 

Where should you start when decorating with pattern?

One of the easiest ways to transform your home, without changing the layout, is by rethinking what’s beneath your feet. Patterned and colourful carpets, rugs and runners will continue to bring drama and charm to our interiors no matter what’s trending. Start by thinking about your existing colour scheme and if there’s a signature shade you’d like to highlight or complement. Then use pattern, our preference through rugs, runners or carpets to do so. 

A great way to get a feel for what will work in your home, considering texture, colour and pattern is by ordering samples via our website. 

How do you introduce pattern in a neutral room?

We always suggest when starting from a blank canvas, to introduce pattern from the floor up. For many, welcoming bold patterns into the home can feel a little daunting, especially when it’s underfoot. But pattern doesn’t always have to be loud prints in bold, bright colours. One of the most timeless ways to bring interest into a space is through texture. 

For those wanting a softer approach, textured weaves offer a beautiful way to introduce subtle patterns without committing to something that may feel too trend-led in years to come. Our natural fibres such as sisal, jute, seagrass and wool come in an array of intricate weaves that are perfect for creating depth and texture, with longevity and timeless design woven into every detail. Herringbone and bouclé patterns remain favourites amongst many of our customers, and for a good reason, effortlessly complementing a variety of interior styles while feeling as understated or impactful as you choose. Ideal for neutral spaces, they bring an abundance of warmth and understated pattern to create calming and cosy interiors. 

Our favourite pattern combinations: 

Florals & Stripes – Truthfully, nearly all patterns complement stripes,the trick is to look in detail at the colour grouping and scale, choosing tones that pair beautifully. A rug provides a base to build a design scheme upon, so consider the size and shape carefully. If in doubt go bespoke; our Make Me A Rug design service allows you to create a rug that suits your chosen room and theme, to your preferred sizing. Florals are synonymous with summer and incorporating bountiful blooms through soft accessories such as cushions and upholstery will instantly bring joy to a design scheme, even better when used with bright seaside stripes.  

Stripes on Stripes –  We’re a little biased (we do love a stripe) and you can never have too many. Stripes have a unique ability to infuse energy and visual interest into any space, whether mixing a pinstripe with a chunky bold stripe or keeping the same style but changing the colours, there’s nothing they can’t do. 

Does pattern work in a small room?

Pattern underfoot is a great way to influence and transform how a room feels. In smaller settings, stripes can help elongate a room, drawing the eye, creating the illusion of more space. A patterned rug can also be a lovely way to define a cosy reading nook in either a herringbone or sophisticated diamond weave, while a slightly larger rug placed beneath the bed can add a touch of personality to a smaller space. If an all-over pattern feels like too much of a commitment, bespoke services like our Make Me A Rug design service offer subtle ways to introduce patterns, with beautifully patterned borders tailored to your space. 

How can rugs and carpet balance a patterned room?

Placing a neutral toned carpet or rug in a room that is full of pattern will help to balance the room visually, allowing for a little breathing room by adding an abundance of depth and texture. Natural and faux fibres are a great way to do so, grounding the space, letting the pattern shine without being too overwhelming. 

When it comes to adding pattern to the home, the possibilities are endless. From bold statement designs to subtle patterned borders, there are plenty of ways to find a look that feels right for your space. If you need help bringing your ideas to life, our team is always happy to offer advice. For even more inspiration, head over to our Instagram to see how our customers are already incorporating their favourite patterns and styles into their spaces.