The role of pattern in the interior

by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

The use of pattern, meaning 'a decorative, repeated design' has changed from era to era, and has formed a large part in defining the style of each one. The Georgians in the eighteenth century were noted for their skills in using pattern in their homes with simplicity and restraint.

The Victorians adored pattern and used it all over their rooms. In large part due to the ease of wallpaper availability to all but the very poorest in society since the development of the surface-roller printing machine in the 1840's.

In the twentieth century, the presence of pattern in the domestic sphere shifted and gathered pace until the period between the 1960's and 1980's provided another glut of dramatic pattern exposure in the home environment, with styles definitively linked to the respective decade.

The end of the twentieth century, however, saw the demise of pattern in the interior with the minimalist aesthetic that sought blank, clam spaces with no clutter or distractions.

Although the start of a new century has seen a definite move back to the eclectic use of colour and pattern, most of the population still seem to have an enduring caution for the use of patterned surfaces in their homes.

Despite this, the fact remains that pattern provides more than a style choice - it has an integral role in defining and giving character to our spaces.

Patterned wallpapers can be a cheerful style choice for any room.