Pattern On Pattern

17 Sep Pattern On Pattern

charlotte moss

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about the evolution of style – how some elements will always be stylish and beautiful, and others make us cringe twenty years later.  (or sooner)  All of these deep thoughts began while opening a large box of vintage hats I bought off of Ebay (more to come on that).

In recent years, I have been drawn to rooms with pattern on pattern…meaning the wallpaper and curtain fabric are the same pattern, or the same fabric is used to upholster all of the pieces in a room.  There is something decidedly elegant about this design scheme, and though I have never done this in a space, I think my home is ready for a splash of it.  Stay tuned…

When thinking about who ushered in this way of placing patterns on top of each other, I first thought of Elsie DeWolfe, infamous American designer of the early twentieth century.

See how the fabric is the same here?

room design by elsie de wolfe

This look has transcended the decades; see split photo below.  Photo on the left: Elsie de Wolfe design, 1920.  Photo on the right: Mark Hampton in House Beautiful, 1980.

elsie de wolfe (left), mark hampton for house beautiful (right)

Of course, people are often afraid to try this scheme…mostly because your well-intentioned design can end up looking like this.

Some of these are over the top (although still interesting to me), but most of these, I can appreciate.

peak of chic

manuel canovas

source unknown

source unknown

the finest houses in paris (book)

house beautiful

manuel canovas

source unknown

source unknown

manuel canovas

kevin walsh

source unknown

source unknown

world of interiors

elle decor

tobi fairley

mark hampton

When I think of modern day designers who do this pattern on pattern look beautifully, there is one name that immediately comes to mind…Charlotte Moss.

elle decor

There is something timeless about her designs.

charlotte moss

charlotte moss

charlotte moss

While I don’t believe I am a “same pattern all over the floor, walls, and ceiling” kind of girl, I do love a well-done pattern on pattern design.  Perhaps the trick is to keep the pattern and colors timeless and not too trendy.  How would you feel about having the same pattern on your curtains and walls in your home for example?  I mean, if you really really love a pattern….

tobi fairley

tobi fairley