Pattern Play
Photograph: Simon Kaempfer
A space is brought to life with a floor made up of mismatched tiles. A bold move by any standard, but the neutral tones of the walls and furniture create a sense of balance. For a less busy effect one could decrease the number of tile designs. The artisanal nature of the tile is what gives the floor its character though, so be sure to choose hand-painted tiles that are not factory perfect. Hadeda stocks colourful Mexican tiles.
Graphic Flooring
Photograph: Grant K Gibson
A graphic floor is the perfect antidote to a formal dining room, giving it life and energy. Black and white is an almost-foolproof combination as it manages to be both classic and contemporary every time. The pattern used here is particularly striking as it comprises both octagons and diamonds on a large scale. Try Concept Stone Solutions for expert, custom crafted stone designs.
Painted Patterns
Photograph: Simon Upton/The Interior Archive
Revive a wooden strip floor with a coat of paint – or three. The floor is just as paintable a material as walls are and can be a more effective surface to hold a pattern. Here designer Miles Redd has designed a striking pattern in a hallway and made it a statement space rather than an awkward in-between zone. The effect is better suited to smaller spaces, as a small-scale, intensely coloured pattern can be overwhelming over a large floor area.
Delicate Monochrome
Photograph: Joakim Blockstrom
A delicate design is a good option for spaces where both pattern and subtlety are needed as it can be stretched over a large floor area without drowning out the rest of the decor scheme. This is especially true if the design is monochrome as it is here in this Neisha Crosland grey stencilled pattern, which offers a consistent, but unobtrusive graphic effect to the room.
Geometric Love
Geometric pattern is a trend that is here to stay, and for good reason. Its consistency and regularity provide a stable foundation for a room setting and also serve as an effective focal point. This type of simple design and cheerful colour palette seen here in a living room works well in a variety of settings – both classic and contemporary, and in this context proves to be a good foil for a mix of period furniture. Paco stocks a range of geometric rugs.
Playful Patterns
An irregular pattern gives a room its own sense of rhythm. Using it in a space where the elements are particularly ordered can loosen up the room. This example resembling a worn kelim, is made up of separate blocks from Flor that can be aligned in any combination, offering the creative license to design your own patterns. MP Rugs Granada Ruins will give you an equally asymmetric and distressed effect, albeit in a complete carpet.
Touchy Feely
Photograph: Elsa Young
To introduce layers while the floor maintains a supporting role, look to texture. Contrast will create interest while allowing you to keep the palette neutral and unobtrusive. Here Tonic Design has used glossy marble and a luxurious rug, both in muted tones. Get this subtle streaky effect with Moca Cream marble from Concept Stone Solutions.
Hide and Seek
Photograph: Elsa Young
Animal hide’s natural graphic nature and beautiful colouring make it a desirable decor element. In this Michele Throssell sitting room a patchwork springbok rug – a more contemporary feel than a whole hide – complements the warm tones and tactile materials used in the room. African Gameskin supplies rugs in a variety of animal hide.
Textural Talent
Photograph: Damian Russell
The use of both rough and smooth surfaces is a simple way to introduce interest – the narrow black strips giving the natural pavers a more polished edge. A combination of limestone in French Vanilla from Natural Stone Warehouse and black granite from World of Marble and Granite will give you the same effect.
Add Texture with Wood
Photograph: Carlo Carossio
Wooden slats in a bathroom are the result of both an aesthetic and practical choice. The slats act as a non-slip surface but also give the simple, minimal space texture and depth. Stable Marketing offers decking solutions.
Tone on Tone
Photograph: Ake E:Son Lindman
Painted parquetry is a novel way to introduce both colour and pattern. Tham and Videgård architecture firm took it a step further and used it to define spaces by using an oversized and multicoloured parquet where overlapping colours add a new layer of structure and link the rooms. To achieve this you’ll need to map out your floorplan meticulously – random placement has had no part in this design. Zimbo’s Trading does parquetry.
Neon Neutral Love
Using neon with neutrals is very now and is the easiest way to add impact with only a small amount of colour. A rug is also a good way to do it as it’s not a permanent fixture and, if you tire of the brightness, it can be changed easily. The pattern here creates a dramatic effect in contrast with the study’s function as a work zone. Fibre Designs stocks a range of very on-trend rugs in a variety of colours and designs.
Layer Tones
Photograph: Marc Janssen
A different route to introducing colour is using more muted tones but a greater number of them – safer, although no-less effective. Here layering a variety of patterned Persian rugs in different colourways creates a kaleidoscope of colour. This solution is versatile too – chop and change the rugs, move them round, or even place them in a more tradtional linear layout. Experiment with different types of rugs – it’s the layering, not the pattern that matters. Gonsenhausers Fine Rug s has an excellent range of kelims, Persians and other Oriental designs.
