Are you looking to liven up your next corporate or hospitality interior design project? A bold pattern or texture could be just the thing.
Designers in all industries can benefit from thoughtfully including these eye-catching statements. Patterns and textures make workspaces more interesting, draw customer attention in retail environments, and add character to hospitality experiences.
Here’s how to make the most of patterns and textures in your next interior design.
What do we mean by “texture” and “pattern”?
Texture refers to the surface quality of an object. It describes the way a material feels to the touch — is it smooth? Jagged? Soft? Imagine settling onto a leather couch or brushing your toes against glossy tile.
Pattern, on the other hand, simply refers to the repetition of a graphic motif on a material. A bold pattern can elicit a perceived feeling of texture, but it’s just a sensory impression. Have you ever seen an “optical illusion” that creates a sense of depth even though it’s printed on a two-dimensional surface?
While texture and pattern are different, they both add visual weight in a space. A rug can have a flat texture with a bold pattern, or it can have a standout texture with only one neutral color — just think about the shag carpets that decorated the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Let’s look at some popular pattern and texture choices
Like any facet of interior design, patterns and textures come in and out of style quickly. Let’s take a look at some timeless choices and up-and-coming designs we expect to see throughout the next year.
Popular interior design patterns in 2020
- Irregular, organic shapes: In our tech-heavy world, people crave a connection with nature. Irregular, organic patterns are a key part of biophilic (nature-inspired) design.
- Traditional gingham: Perhaps nothing is more quintessentially “American” that the classic gingham print. It’s not just for shirts and picnic blankets — we’re seeing this versatile pattern crop up in interior designs large and small, especially as we approach the summer months.
- Color blocks: Neutral pastels and bright jewel tones are in this spring — and so are abstract, blocky patterns without much depth.
- Geometric shapes: Hard lines and angles can bring a modern element into any space.
Popular interior design textures in 2020
- Raw wood: Raw wood is a perfect spring addition. We’re seeing untreated accents creating visual interest in interior designs this year.
- Sleek, glossy surfaces: Smooth textures feel modern and luxurious — although too much can make a room feel aloof. Hospitality spaces especially are incorporating sleek surfaces.
- Natural fibers: The texture of natural fibers — like that of natural fiber rugs and carpets — is growing in popularity as part of biophilic design. These unique elements feel natural and authentic, helping to soften a space.
What to remember when using patterns and textures in your design
It’s exciting to play with patterns and textures. Sometimes a bold statement is exactly what a space needs!
Keep these tips in mind to make the most of unique accents while maintaining a sense of visual balance in your next interior design project.
- Remember that both textures and patterns add visual weight.
- Spread your patterns and textures out within your space. Avoid clustering them in one corner or along a single wall — this can make the room feel unbalanced.
- Stick to one statement piece per room. If you’re using a bold texture, opt for more subtle patterns. If you’re using a striking pattern, limit your use of three-dimensional textures.
- High-contrast patterns, especially black on white, can be disorienting. Use them sparingly — but don’t be afraid to feature small surfaces like a throw pillow or wall hanging to add visual interest.
- Incorporate loose, airy patterns to make a small space feel bigger.
- Use tight, repeating patterns to make a large space feel cozier or to concentrate visual attention in one specific spot.
- If you want to hide a material’s uneven texture — like an irregularity in a wall — cover it with a non-geometric, organic pattern.
- Natural textures like stone and unfinished wood can bring an outdoorsy atmosphere into an interior space, possibly even increasing employee productivity.
A natural-fiber rug can add pattern and texture to your space
Rugs are a great opportunity to add both pattern and texture to your interior design.
At Endless Knot, we’re proud to provide an expansive selection of rugs — from the timeless texture of natural wool to the beauty of bold silk patterns, our collections boast something for every project.
We have on-demand options that are ready to ship, and we can also create a fully custom hand-knotted rug to your exact preferences. You can customize our patterns to fit your space or build your own dream rug from scratch. Get started today!
