C O N T E N T SIntroduction

PARTONE

PRIMER

FindingYourStory

UnderstandingColor

BuildingYourBasewithTexture

TellingYourStorywithPattern

PARTTWO

HOME

TheEntryway

TheLivingRoom

DiningSpaces

SpacestoThink

TheBathroom

TheBedroom

PARTTHREE

PROJECTS

ProjectResources

ShoppingResources

Acknowledgments

Contributors

Index

THEENTRYWAYTHELIVINGROOM

DININGSPACESSPACESTOTHINK

THEBATHROOM THEBEDROOM

INTRODUCTION

MYVISUALWORLDisallaboutnoticingsmallbutexcitingdetails.

I grew up in the restaurantmy parents own onCapeCod. Evenwhileliving in front of their business,my parentsworked dedicatedly tomakeourhouseahome.Runningmyowncompanynow,Iknowjusthowmuchof a feat that is. Packed with heirlooms, handmade goods, and collectedobjects,ourhomewasfullofcharacterandlove.Vintagedressesfromthetwentiescouldbefoundintheattic,beautifulhand-paintedchinawasusedfor family dinners, home-sewn floral curtains hung in the windows, andcolor-blocked quilts stitched by my mom covered our beds. It’s theseparticularpiecesIremembermost,andthesethatbesttellthestoryofourfamily.

We lived a shortwalk from the beach. Early September ismy favoritetimeofyeartobethere:mostofthetouristshavegonehomeandthewateris stillwarm.Fora fewyears,myparents tookus toTruro,on theouterCape, where we rented a little cottage with pull-string lights and notelevision. My two sisters and I enjoyed just running around and beingcrazy kids by the beach.The colors and textures of this landscape are soingrainedinmysensibilities—thesimultaneouslighteninganddarkeningoftheskyatdusk,longcurvedbeachgrass,scrubpinetrees,palesand,heavyrocks smoothedby theocean,anddelicate shells thatare somehow intactdespite the rough waves: these snapshots form the basis of my palettetoday.

As a child, I was always drawn toward creating images, colors, andenvironments,andIexploredtheseintereststhroughdrawing,painting,andworking with my hands. It was a natural progression for me to study atRhode Island School of Design (RISD). When it came time to declare amajor, I initially debated studying apparel design, but ultimately I chose

painting. Both of my parents always said to us, “You are going to workhard,soyoubetter lovewhatyoudo.”Coming fromasmall townwheremyknowledgeofartwasbasedonlocalseascapes,Monet,andVanGogh,atRISDIwasexposedtoamuchwiderworldofartthanIhadknownevenexisted.Islowlybegantoexploretextilesaswell.Ipaintedpiecesinspiredby vintage lace my mom had kept, and then began painting knittedstructures I made myself. When it came time to look for a job, textilesseemed a practical path, and I found the home industry more appealingthanapparel.Myearlycareer—designinghomeproductsforAnthropologieandthenconsultingforasmallUK/NY-basedfirm—openedupaworldofpatternandfabricmakingthatcontinuestofascinateme.

Ialsobeganmyowncollectionoffabricsjustlikemymomhaddone:silkscarves from my great-aunt Libby, flea-market linens, embroidered andwoven fabrics from trips to India, printed fabrics from London, andsamples ofmy ownwork. I enjoy learning about the textiles of differentcultures,findingouthowthey’remade,andthenfindingwaystolayerthemintomy life.Somuchattentionanddetail isput intopiecesweuseeveryday—I began to fall in love with this storytelling nature of patterns. Forexample,somequiltingpatternsrepresentlife’smilestones,likemarriage,orreference different periods of time in our history.Bògòlanfini, commonlyknownasmudcloth, ismadeupofmarks thatholdmeaning for specificcommunities in Mali that symbolize the earth and life. In India I sawfirsthandtheprocessofcreatingablockprint: theprintingblock ishand-carved by an artisan, dipped into pigment, and pressed into the fabric,revealing subtle variations in the pattern’s repetition. I also sawmulticolored fabrics screen-printed (each color a new screen), detaileddesignshand-embroidered, andotherhardgoodshand-paintedandmetal-etched. In Portugal, I visited ceramics factories and saw technologycombinedwithtraditionalhand-paintingandglazingtechniques.Wecanbesoremovedfromtheprocessesofhowaproductismade;it’simportanttoremember that even beyond the embedded symbolism of imagery or

patterning,thereisthestoryofhowsomethingiscrafted.

Whiledesigningpatterns,products,andcollectionsforretailers,IbegantorealizehowmuchImissedthathands-onapproach.EventuallyIthoughtabout startingmyown line tocreategoods that emphasize thoughtfulnessandthefeelingofsomethingtrulyconsideredanddistinct.Iwantedtoslowdown the design process and really love every object I put out into theworld—toownthosedecisionsabouthowandwhereitismade.Ibeganbydyeing my own fabrics and became obsessed with modifying shibori, aJapanesedyeing technique inwhichthe fabric ismanipulated intoa three-dimensional shapeprior todyeing.Evennow,years later, I still lovehowthe dye finds itsway into the folded, bound, or stitched form to leave apattern—much like the tide leaves a rippled pattern on the sandwhen itgoesout.FromthereIstartedprintingmyownfabric.Ihadneverbeenthemostpreciseprinter,butIbegantousethattomyadvantage,lettingthedyebleedalittlebittogiveeverythingasofteredge.Thepainterinmewantedeverypiecetobeunique.Workingtocreatemyownfabrics,notjustdesignthem,broughtmebacktowhatIfindirresistibleaboutthem.EverydayIhopetheenergyand love Iput intoapiececomes throughfor thepeoplewhouseit.

Ultimately, youwant yourhome tobe livable, layered, interesting, andmostimportantareflectionofyourpersonalhistoryanddreams.Weareallfilledwithcontradictions,andthat’swhatmakeslifeinteresting.Patterncanreflectyourparticularoppositions, interests, aspirations,andviewsof theworld. Pattern can be personal and genuine, not just trendy. You knowyour story—it’s your point of view, experiences, and life—but you mayneedhelprealizinghowtocelebrateit.Thisbookisforyou,toencourageyoutoexploreyourstoryandcreateahomethatisrich,multidimensional,andtrulyyourown.Patterncanquicklyovertakeyouroverallvision,soI’llshowyouwhatyouneedtoknowtovisualizeitwitheaseandevolveitovertime.

Inwritingthisbook,myultimategoalistocreateahelpfulandinspiring

resource on color, texture, and pattern. This book is neither filled withbold, overly patterned spaces, nor is it broken up by generalized,impersonal aesthetic labels. It is designed tohelp you reflect youruniqueviewpoint.Youdon’tneedtobeaninteriordesigner—butyoudoneedtolearnwhatyou like.Thetricknoonetellsyou is that there’snoformula.Youjustneedtokeepyoureyesopenandgetspecificaboutwhatyoureallylove.Thebest homes are unique and filledwithpairings only thepersonwholivestherewouldchoose.Patterncanbemorethanjustdecorative—itcan be practical. Depending on your needs, whims, and personality, youwilluseitindifferentways.Thisbookismeanttoguideyouandopenyouuptonewideas,butitisbynomeansarulebook.Whileyou’llfindalotofmy opinions here, I want you to trust yourself and come away with thetools to findwhat youwant your space to feel like andhow tomake it areality.

Part1 isyourprimerandreferenceguide for therestof thebook.Thissectionwillhelpyouidentifyyourpointofviewandunderstandthebasicprinciples of design and using pattern. You’ll define your story, learn tokeep track of what you love, and then explore color, texture, scale, andbasic pattern mixing. You will gain an understanding of what makescombinations sing visually and how to personalize them to your specificpreferences.Withthisinformation,you’llhaveastrongfoundationfortheideas,tricks,andprojectsintherestofthebook.Evenifyoureadnothingelse,theprimerwillgiveyouaframeworkforthebigconceptofpattern.

Fromtherewewillheadintothehome,movingroombyroom,stoppingineverynookandcrannyto lookatstyling inareal setting.Herepatternwillbe linkedwithpurpose—akeytoachievingaspacethatworks.We’llvisithomes that inspire,put togetherbydesigners, artists,photographers,and other creative people. Throughout each chapter you’ll find practicaladviceonhowtotranslatetheselooksintoyourownhome.Attheendofthe living room,dining spaces, andbedroomchaptersyou’ll find sectionsthatshowyouhowtostylefocalpointswithinthespace.Intotalwevisited

twenty-two different homes inwriting this book! It was incredible to seehowpeopleusepatterninwaysthataretrulytheirown.Allofthemhavedifferentaestheticsandhomes,buteachtellsussomethingvaluableaboutvisualizingouruniquestories.

Thethirdsectionofthebookincludesprojectstohelpyouvisualizeyourownstory.TheseareallprojectsIwouldmakemyself.Ihopethatyoufindthemhelpfulincreatingmeaningfulpiecesforyourspace.

Atthebackofthebookyou’llalsofindseveralresources.Firstthere’saguide for dyeing and reupholstering, which you’ll want to reference forseveraloftheprojectsfoundinPartThree.You’llalsoseealinencareguidewith green laundry tips from Method Home. Lastly, I’ve included aresource guide with my favorite places to shop. I hope you’ll find thissectionpracticalandusefulthroughoutyourexperiencewiththebook.

Thisbookisyourroadmaptoincorporatinglivablepatternintoyourlifeinanauthenticway, andyoucanapproach ithoweveryou’d like.Maybeyoujustwanttobrowsethisbookbrimmingwithvisuals,soperuseandseewhat speaks to you! If you are looking for a firm grasp of some of thefoundationsofdesignandpattern,startwithPart1.Ifyou’relookingtojustdiveinandstartmakingchangestoyourspace,jumptotheprojectsinPart3.Gettinghands-oncaninspiremoreinterestingresultsthananythingelse.Ormaybeyouwant the fullexperienceofreading frombeginning toend.Regardlessofyour approach,youcancomeback to thisbookover time.Whetheryou’removingintoawholenewspace,workingononeroominparticular,orrevisitingsomewhereyou’vebeenformanyyears,Ihopethisbook continues to inspire and excite you throughout all of the differentchapters of your life, giving you a newoutlook on pattern in and out ofyourhome.Creatingyour space is a journey—and I can tell you fromallthehomeswevisitedthatpeoplerarelyfeelliketheirownhomeisdoneorperfectasis!

FINDINGYOUR

STORY

YOURHOME isyourspace toshapeandshouldbea reflectionofyour lifeandinterests.Animpactfultool,patterncantranslateyourstoryintoyourenvironment. Iwant toexpandyour ideas aboutwhatpatterncanbeandlook at how it can range from the design on a fabric or object to therepetition of architectural details. Here we’ll look closely at how to findinspiration and define your story. Then we’ll look at the dynamicrelationshipbetweencolor,texture,andpattern,beforemovingtobuildingapaletteandpairingpatternstomakeacohesivecollection.Bystartingwiththesebasics,wecanreallydiveintoyourinterestsandtastestostartusingpatterninwaysyouhadn’timagined.Let’sseeyourstory.

YOURSTORY,YOURTOOLBOX

Youareshapedbywhereyou’velived,whatyou’veseen,andwhatyou’ve

done;yourstoryiscomposedofyourwholelife.Yourdistinctpointofview

is what makes you interesting—and that should be celebrated. The first

stepinexpressingallofthesethingsisfiguringoutexactlywhattheyare.

WhoamI?Wherehave Ibeen?Whatdo I love?WhenI startedmyowntextile line, thesewerethefirstquestionsIaskedmyself.WhileI live inahectic city, I grew up in a small coastal town. This opposition is a keyelementinmylife.Thedesertedbeachesandshiftinglightoftheoff-seasonare why I’m interested in muted but chromatic palettes, soft naturaltextures,andcoastalreferences.MyvisitstotheCapenowaremytimetoslowdownandlook;Imightfindsignificanceintheleopard-likespotsonacrabshell,theridgesofthesandatlowtide,orthesun-bleachedwoodgrainonadock.MydailylifeinBrooklynisofequalimportance.HereInoticethe contrast between graphic crisscrossed shadows on the sidewalk, thegriddedwindowframesinmystudio,orthecontrastofawomaninabluefloraldressagainstashinyreflectivebuilding.

I am always looking for inspiration, and I find patterns everywhere Ilook. Patterns are all around, but sometimes you have to seek themout.They can be quiet, industrial,mysterious, bookish, romantic, and just asuniqueasyou.

Yourstoryisawaytorememberwhatyoulove;realizingitscomponentsis the first steptosurroundingyourselfwithmeaningfulpatterns,objects,and environments. The overlap of your collected experiences is wherethingsget interesting.Thecontradictions, theway timehaschanged thosememories, and how you want your life to move forward can all beexpressed in your home. It’s not about collecting empty souvenirs orfollowingtrends,butratheraboutbringinginelementswithmeaning.

So where do you begin? One of

my favoriteways toget inspired isto get out of my daily routine.Experiencingisalwaysmoreexcitingfor me than sitting at a computerlookingatimages.Makeapointtospend a weekend noticing thedetails. Go to a museum exhibitand look at the colors—imaginehow a painting or sculpture wasmade. Try a new restaurant andpay attention to how the food isplated.Checkout a local high-endboutique. It may be the color ofpipingonashirt,thewayaglazeispainted on a plate, or even how the items in the store are styled on theshelf.Exploreyourneighborhoodand takepicturesofwhat interestsyouorwriteyourselfnotes.Don’tforgettolookatthesmallthings:theshapeofa leaf,theintersectionoftwocolors,orthetextureofasurface.Whenyou’re home, remember the shapes, different items, compositions, andcolors you noticed while exploring. These discoveries are cues to whatyou’rereallydrawnto.Youcouldtakethesamewalkasafriendandnoticetotallydifferent things.This process is all about getting toknowyourselfandwhatyou love—andyoumaybesurprised!Your interestswillevolvewith time and become more refined, so this exercise of looking shouldbecomeaconstantpartofhowyouviewtheworld.Makeitapracticeandfindtimeforitinsmalldosesthroughtheweek.

Once you’re actively exploring your surroundings and have awakenedyour observational skills, get introspective and investigate your past.Remember, yourpersonal history is a great sourceof inspiration and thefoundationofyourstory.Gothroughyouroldphotosandrevisitdifferentperiodsofyourlife.Pullouttheonesthathavespecialsignificancetoyounow. Talk to your friends and family about your shared memories.

Recollectingyourpastallowsyoutoconnectdifferentlywithyourpresent.Takeoutaboxofoldstuffkeptfromyourchildhood.Visityourrelativesandseewhattheykept.Perhapsyou’llfindsomethingastangibleasanoldrockcollectionandrememberhowfascinatedyouwerewiththecrystallinestructuresandelementalpatterningonspeckledstones. Itmaybeastampcollectionthatrecallsyourloveforhistory,storytelling,andsmall,detailedpatterning.Whilenoteverymementoordreamfromyourchildhoodhasaplaceinyourlifetoday,there’ssomethingtobesaidforthebasicinterestsyouexploredthen.

Reminisceabouttheplaceyougrewup.Whetheritwasasmalltown,abig city, or someplace in between, it shaped you. You may think of itfondlyorneverwishtoreturn,butthatsayssomethingaboutwhoyouareandwhat is important toyou.Rememberyour favoriteplaces in someofthe locations you lived: amuseum, a friend’s house, a park, a swimminghole, or a building with unique architecture. Recall the places you’vetraveled.Itcouldbeafavoritecampingvacationandhowyoulovedlookingup into the trees and seeing the stars at night. Or maybe your first tripabroad sparked your interest in new cuisine. Itmight even be someplaceyounevervisitedbutalwayswantedto.Thinkaboutall theplacesyou’vebeenandwhatyouconnectedwiththere.

With thesememoriesandexperiences fresh inyourmind, lookaroundyourhomeandobservewhatspeakstoyouandwhatdoesn’tfeelrelevantanymore.Isthereapieceofclothingthatexemplifiesyourpersonalstyle,abook that you’ve read several times, apieceof art that you love,or evensomething as simple as amug thatmakes youhappy eachmorningwhenyouuseit?Takementalnotesoftheseimportantpieces.

Lastly, start to think about where youwant to go in the future—yourdreamsareapartofyourstory.Surroundingyourselfwithitemsthatspeaktowhereyou’reheadedhelpmakeitarealitybyservingasareminderforwhat excitesus. Ifyou’re consideringamove to theWestCoast,perhapsyou should choose a pattern that speaks to the relaxed vibe and sunnyweatheryouassociatewiththatarea.IfyouliveinasmalltownbutlovethesophisticationofLondon,pick apattern that has its designorigin in that

city. You’ll know the history of it, and it will feel even more personalbecauseyouputintheresearch.You’llberemindingyourselfdailyofthatgoal. Be aspirational, and remember that less is more—that is, if you’remorespecificwithwhatthoseitemsare.Keepyoureyesopenallthetime,andbedecisiveaboutwhatyoureallylike.Perhapsyouhangaprintfromanartistyouloveifyoucan’taffordanoriginal.Oryousavefor justonehandmade ceramic piece that you really love—it doesn’t need to be acollection.Onepiececanhavepower.

RESEARCHIT

Many libraries and museums have great online sources thatcatalog their visual resources. The New York Public Library’sPictureCollection isagreatplace to search forunique images;therearebindersfullofthemgroupedbycategory.Ifyoucan’tmake it in person, they have an online version as well. A fewotheronlineresourcesincludetheMetropolitanMuseumofArt,the Victoria and AlbertMuseum, and theMuseum ofModernArt.www.digital.nypl.org/mmpco/index.cfm

www.metmuseum.org/collection

www.collections.vam.ac.uk

www.moma.org/collection

TRACKINGWHATYOULOVE

Therearemanywaystorecordthethingsthatyou’redrawnto,andnoneof

themisrightorwrong.Thispieceoftheprocessispersonal,too,butIhave

sometips. I like tokeepamixofphysicalanddigital.Pinterest isagreat

place to track online sources, as it allows you to link the images to their

originalarticles,whichisagreatconvenienceifyouneedmoreinformation

downtheline.Ialsolikethatitallowsyoutoseealltheimagestogetherand

howtheyvisuallyrelate.

KEEPNOTEBOOKSINDIFFERENT

PLACESWHEREYOUSPENDTIMESO

YOUALWAYSHAVEONEAVAILABLE

WHENTHEMOODSTRIKES.

Themostimportanttool,formeatleast,

istomaintainasketchbookornotebook.Recordinghelpsusremember,evenifwedon’t have time to look back later. Inaddition to drawings and paintings, holdon to clippings from magazines, photosyou’ve snapped, patterned wrappingpaper,andfabricswatches.Includenotesand observations, pieces of packagingwithcolorsorgraphicsyoulike,hangtagswith interesting type, postcards, andquotes that have meaning to you.Consider this collection a place todocument ideas and interests. There arenorules,sohavefun!Don’tworryaboutbeing neat and perfect; it’s essential togive yourself freedom and to allowinspiration toguideyou.Putdown ideas, colorcombinations,or imageryyou’reunsure aboutbut still interested in.Youdon’t need toknowhowyoumight use the concept or even to think it’s a great idea at the time.Simplycollect,keeptrack,andbeinspired.

Thenextstepistostartaphysicalmoodboard,whichIalwaysdowhen

I’mbeginning anewcollectionofdesigns.This exercise is about focusingtheinspirationyou’vebeencollectingforaspecificpurpose.Itisthetimetofind your overarching creative direction. Visually organizing yourinspirationenablesyoutophysicallymapoutthevisualrelationships.Youwill be able to see the connections between disparate things that interestyouandhowtheycouldworktogether.Forinstance,youmaydiscoverthata photo of your favorite bold sneaker looks fresh against an all-neutralspace with tailored, vintage-inspired furniture. This realization couldencourage you to mix a sporty graphic textile with a Louis XVI diningchair.

Gatheryourinspirationandpinitupinanarrangementthat’spleasingtoyoureye.Thetypeofprojectyou’reworkingtowardmayinformwhattypeofimageryyoupinup,butthetwodonotneedtodirectlycorrelate.Ifyouareworkingonabedroom,youmaywant tohavea fewbedroomimagesthat speak to you, but it could be that you actually have an image of aMoroccanoutdoor space that embodies the relaxed vibe youwant, alongwith a street-fashion image that has the colors you’re looking for, and ablown-upimageofaleafthatreferencesthetypeofpatternsyouaredrawntoforthisspace.Itdoesn’tneedtobeliteralinthebeginning.Focusfirstonthefeelingandthen,after,thinkaboutapplication.

Let the mood board evolve naturally over time. A week or so allowsenough time for you to observe the visual interactions and seewhat youtruly like, but it isn’t so much time that you lose momentum. For thatweek,move items around, add newones, and even pare down.Keep theboardsomewherethatyou’llnoticethroughoutyourregularroutine,evenifjustinyourperiphery.Thispositioningwillenableyourmindtoabsorbitsubconsciously.

YOURSTORY

Keepyoureyesopenandnoticetheworldaroundyou.

Collectmemories,notes,photos,andvisualsofwhatexcitesyou.

Keepanotebookwithyourideas.

Researchyourinterestsfurther.

Rememberyourpersonalhistory.

Thinkaboutyourdreamsandwhereyouwanttogo.

Createamoodboard,thenedityourboardandnoticethethemes.

Next,make time to go through everything on your board and give it a

goodedit.Beruthlessandspecific.Doyoureallylovethatimage?Whatdoyouloveaboutit?Writedownwhatitis.Perhapsyoulikethecolorortheshapeof amotif. Begin to look for relationships among the items you’vecollected. Maybe there is something that you truly love, but it just isn’tworkingwith everything else. Sometimes you have to eliminate the thingthatstarteditallandsaveitforsomethingelse.Ikeepoldinspirationtearsfrommagazines,print-outsofimagesIfoundonline,designideas,paintings,andotherephemera inboxesanddrawers, ready togo throughwhen I’mstartingthenextproject.Somethingoldcouldleadmetoabrandnewidea.Other thingsmay never translate into anything tangible, and that’s okay,too.

Asyouedityou’llstarttonoticethemes.Itcouldbesomethingassimpleasthefactthatyoureallylovestripes(Ido!),andfromthereyoucanstarttothink about nontraditional ways to use them. Maybe you paint stripesacrossyourceiling, layerstripedrugs,cutupa traditional stripeand thenreattachitinanoffsetplacement,orpipeyourpillowswithstripedribbon.Thepossibilitiesareendless.

Editingouttheexcessallowsyourclearestandmost interestingideastoshine,andthatclarityiscriticaltothesuccessofwhatyou’recreating.Evenifyoutakeonlytheseinitialresearchsteps,you’lllearnalotaboutyourself.Withtime,you’llfindwaystoslowlyincorporatethisprocessintoyourlife—findingyourstoryisajourney,notaprojectwithanenddate.You’lltrythingsout,you’llexperiment,andyou’llchangewhatyou’redoing.Noneofthese ideas needs to be permanent; thinking of your home as an ever-evolving reflection of your story relieves a lot of the pressure.Use yournewfound clearness to edit what you already own, inspire new choices,shopbetter,andhoneyourhome toreflectyou.Tosuccessfully translateyour story into reality, you’ll also need a few design tools to achieve it,whichwewillcovernext.

UNDERSTANDING

COLOR

NOW THAT you’re beginning to identify your story and interests, let’sreviewsomebasicprinciplesthatwillhelpyouwiththeeditingprocessandachievingyour look.Color is the first step. It isoneof themostpowerfulvisual tools we have for influencing the mood of a space. It has anunconsciousemotionalpull,whichiswhyit’ssoimportanttohaveabasicunderstandingofhowitworks.

COLORBASICS

Everyone has colors they are more naturally drawn to—time and again

you’llpickthosecolorsevenwhengivenallthechoicesintheworld.Lookin

yourcloset,yourhome,atyourcollections,

and magazine tears, and begin to notice

whatyourcolorsare.Youcanmakethose

colors work better for you if you

understand the principles of how color

works. This will allow you to pair them

betterandplacethemwithinaspacewith

moreease.

While there’s no wrong way to thinkabout color, it’s important to rememberthatthereareexistingstructuresforhowitcan interact, both physically and visually.Remember the basic color wheel fromgradeschool? It laysoutavisualstructurefor how colors relate to one another. Tostart, we have our primary colors: red,yellow,andblue.Thesearethecolorsthatcan’t be created with paint, but whenmixedtogetherwitheachotherintherightway, they produce all of the other colorsonthewheel.Bymixingprimarycolorsinpairs you achieve secondary colors:orange, green, and purple. You can seehowtheyfitinbetweentheprimarycolorson the color wheel. Now that our colorwheel is filling in, we can start to see arange of analogous colors, or colors thatare next to each other. Sticking with thisformula of mixing analogous colors, wecan continue to fill in the spectrum withtertiarycolors.Thisiswhereitstartstogetgood.Thewheelisnowmakingroom for more nuanced colors and starts to differentiate between colors

like red-orange and yellow-orange. This analogous color mixing cancontinue infinitely; sometimes thequietestdifferences in color canbe themostinteresting!

The color wheel also shows the important

relationship between complementary colors,which are directly across from each other. Youcan see that this principle applies to everythingfromatrueblueanditscomplementoforange,aswellasatertiaryred-purpleanditscomplementofgreen-blue. Complementary is a term often usedcolloquially to say that two items look goodtogether, but the term complementary colorsactually means two colors with the greatestcontrast.Whentheyarecombinedaspaint, theycancel each other out, producing a chromaticblack or gray hue. When placed next to eachother they pop—and sometimes the relationshipcan be so intense that the colors even appear tovibrate.

Fromhereyoucanalsoseethateachcolorhasits own scale of light to dark, also called value,and how strongly its hue is represented, or itsintensity. The variations within this range arewhere you can really see all the possibilities forcreatingamood.

USINGCOLORANDBALANCING

Whenyoubegintofocusoncolors,you’llstartmakingdesigndecisionsthat

pullapalettetogether.Thisprocesscanbethetrickiestpartofall,as it is

trulysubjectiveandtheplacewhereyouneedtodevelopyourowninstincts

andtrustthem.Themagicthathappenswhenyoufindtheperfectpairing

ofcolorsisn’tpurelyscientific.Somewilltugatyourheartmorethanothers,

and there may not be a concrete reason that explains why you love

something. Explore it. The first step in understanding how to make that

magicpairinghappenistolearnaboutyourspecifictastes.

As you group the colors in your collection together to organize them,perhapsyou’lldiscoverthatyoupreferyourredstohavemoreblueinthemthanorange,or thatyou likeyourblueswithgreenundertones.Playwithdifferentcombinations.

Doyoupreferpairingbluewithagrayoratan,orsomethinginbetweenthetwo?Ifyoufindyourselfreallydrawntoavibrantshadelikepurple,itmayneedtobebalancedwithgrays,sand,alesssaturatedlilac,andnavytomake a more subdued palette, or you may want to bring in other jewel

tonesthathaveasimilarsaturationtocreateabolder,richeroverallfeeling.Saturation is a term used to talk about the intensity of the color.Experimentandtrackthecombinationsyouloveinyournotebook.Attachasnippettoapageandnotewhatyoulikeaboutthecombination.Youcanalso record this digitally by taking photographs, but realize that photoswon’talwaysaccuratelydepictcolors.

DIDYOUKNOW?

Colorshavedifferentmeaningsallovertheworld.Forexample,whilewhiteisatypicalbridalcolor inWesternculture, inmanyEastern cultures it is the color of mourning. In Rome, Egypt,Persia,andmuchofEurope,purplewasconsideredthecolorofroyalty because it was so expensive to make; thousands ofmolluskswereneeded to create justa small amountofpurpledye. Research the colors that you are drawn to. Youmight besurprisedbywhatyoulearn!

After you’ve had some time to

play, think about how you’ll usethesecolors.Firstthinkaboutwhatyou are working on. Your colorneeds are different, depending onwhetheryouaredecoratingawholeapartment,creatingafreshstartforone room, designing an accentpiece, sewing a quilt, makingdrapes, or choosing a new servingbowl. Consider if you want themood tobe soft andserene,warmand dramatic, or bright andcheerful. Identifying the purposeand vibe of the project will helpyou pair color combinations withintention,especiallyifyou’vegiventhoughttohowspecificcolorsmakeyoufeel.

Tohelpyouunderstandhowtobuildapalette, Iwill takeyouthroughthethreebasicsequentialmodelsofcolorpalettes:neutrals,warmandcoolcolor, and fullmulticolored palettes.Understanding the first twomodelswill teach you how to successfully pull together a more complexmulticoloredpalette.Thefollowingcolor-paletteexamplesaremypersonalfavorites of these categories and are all based on special locations andmemories.Whenyoudo this exercise foryourself, startwith imagining aplacethatembodiesthemind-setyouaretryingtoachieve.Gettingspecificwithyourintentionanddesiredmoodempowersyourcolorchoices.

NEUTRALS

Neutrals may seem bland at first, given a cursory glance, but they’re

essential todesign.Thinkofneutralcolorsasyour foundationor thebase

that holds everything else together. Anymulticolored combination needs

neutralstogrounditandkeepitfromfeelingtoocrazy—evenifit’sjustone

ortwocolorswithinapattern.

On their own, neutrals can also create awholeworld of interest becauseyou’ve narrowed the focus.Think about trying to paint awhite egg on awhitebackdrop.Ifyouweretosetupthisstilllifeandreallylookatit,youwould find you needed to mix many colors—from blue, orange, yellow,purple, andevengreen,but in averynarrowrangeofpastels—toachievethesubtlevariationsincolor.Focusinandyouwillseeneutralshavetheirownintricacies.Onabroadlevel,theyaresplitintowarmandcool;warmneutrals have undertones of red and yellow, whereas cool neutrals haveundertonesofblueandgreen.Let’stakeacloserlook.

WARMNEUTRALS

Combinesoftivorywithsand,taupe,nude,ahintofblush,andevenbringinawarmrichbrowntonetoadddepth.Everythingissubduedandmutedbutsimultaneouslycomplex.Thispalettefocusesonthesubtledifferencesin the soft sedimentary hues and references the sandy colors of an off-season day on Cape Cod. It is a lovely scheme all on its own, if you’relookingforacalmbutwarmvibe,oritisagreatbasetobuildupon.

COOLNEUTRALS

Startwithsoftdovegrayandaddslate,stormygray,anddeepblue-blacksvergingonindigo.Atouchofablue-purplehueaddsjustenoughcolortokeep the palette from being too flat. This more moody scheme also hascomplexitytostandonitsown,revealingthebeautyincoolgrayhues,ortoactasafoundationformorecolor,justlikethewarmneutralpalette.It’sagreat example of how monochromatic can be interesting. The dark blue-blacksreferencewetrocksonajetty,onagray,slightlyovercastafternoonby thebeach.The touchofblue-purple thatenlivens thispalette ispulledfromtheinsideofamusselshell.

ADDINGINTENSITY

Nowlet’sopenuptherangeofhueandvalue.Thenexttwopalettesbuild

onwhat you’ve seen in the neutralsmodel, still exploring the concept of

warmand cool, butwithmore strength. You’ll see that knowingwhen to

tonedownandwhentointensifycanbecrucial;Ialwaysexperimentwith

severalshadesofahuetoseewhatworks.

WARMCOLOR

Startwiththefoundationwecreatedinthewarmneutralcolorpalette,butadd in soft tangerine, a seashell pink, a soft pink-violet, and a touchof acopper-rust hue. I picked these new colors thinking about what the sunsettingwoulddototheoriginalwarmpalette.Everythingintensifies justabit,andthesaturationispumpedup.

COOLCOLOR

Expand your cool neutralswith icy pale blues to deep dark indigos—thecolorsof the sky atduskwhen the incandescent lights comeon.Bring inbrightgreenasapopofcolor—but,sinceitisaconcentratedhue,usingitinsmalldosesisthekeytobalance.

THEFULLRANGE

Bringingtogetheramulticoloredpalettewillbuildontheelementsfromthe

past twomodels.Here it’s about the foundation of neutrals plus amix of

warm and cool colorswithin one palette. Let’s look at four different color

schemeswithuniquemoodstoshowyouafewwaysofcreatingadynamic

palette.

RICHGREENSWITHJEWEL-TONEACCENTS

Greenandnavyhuesarethebaseofthispalette.Thesebasecolorsareallofa similar value, and they remindmeof a rainy, humid landscape at nightwith the dark grass and deep blue-black trees and sky. The brighter jadegreenbringsinaluminousfeelingthatisaccentedwithotherjewel-likehuesofruby,orange,pink,andalimegreen.Usethosecolorsasaccentsinsmallamounts so they’re not overpowering. To ground this color palette, youneedsoftnaturallinen,warmbrown,andclaycolors.

APOPOFYELLOW

This palette explores amostly neutral color storywith soft sandy colors,subdued lilac,washednavy, and clay tones that have a hint of pink.Theyellow and small amount of cerulean blue add awelcome brightness andremindmeofahotsummersky.Use this ideawithany“popcolor”thatyoureallylove—grounditinneutralsandletthehuereallyshine.Thekeywithapopcoloristoaccentuateitasafocalpoint,butrememberthatyoudon’tneedalotofaboldhuetomakeanimpact.Playwithproportion.

BLUSH,TOMATORED,ANDBLUES

Atouchofarichtomatoredpairedwithasoftercoralandroseblushisthebase for thispalette—a rangeofonewarmhue.Mix these colorswith anarrayofbluesandchromaticneutrals.Thegrayinthisstoryvergesonlilac,andthetaupehasatintofrosetoitaswell,whichhelpthemrelatetotheothercolors.Theorange intheredandcoralhighlights theblues,makingthempop (remember thatorange is the complementofblueon the colorwheel). Inspired by the crisp air of late-summer afternoons, rosé, and asimplepanzanellasalad,thisisoneofmygo-topalettes.

MUTEDPURPLE,CHOCOLATE,ANDPEACHACCENTS

This cozy palette is all about playing the rich red-purple hue against thewarm brown tone. Together the colors feel complex and full-bodied andgiveoneanotherbalance, likeacoldfalldaybythefire.Softorangepairswellwiththispeachandaddsauniquebutflatteringcombinationwiththerangeofpurples.Thesoftgrayfromthestampedinkdrawinggivesacoolnotethat,whenpairedwiththewhite,acts likeacoolbreezeandkeeps itfromfeelingtoodark.

YOURCOLORS

Noticethecolorsyou’redrawnto.

Remembertheimportanceofneutrals.

Playaroundwithnewcolorcombinationsusingyourcollection—buildingfromneutrals,towarmandcoolcolors,totruemulticoloredpalettes.

Experimentwithhowproportioncontrolsmood.

Use each example as a

framework for creating your ownpalette from colors you love. Tostartfromscratch,chooseapaletteof five colors. Then pick twocolors that you feel look goodtogether. Think about what youare drawn to and get specific byreferencing places and memories.For example, it’s not just green—it’s the green of the leaves whenthey first appear in early spring.Depending on the mood you’retrying to achieve, you may wantcolors that are complementary to create contrast, or colorswithmore incommon that create a softer look. You can’t really go wrong. With theremaining three colors, aim for twoneutrals and onewild card—perhapsyou’lluse itonly as a small accent.Playwith swappingoutone color foranotherorcreatingabunchofnewpalettes.Thisexercisehelpsyoulearnwhatworks for you.Be sure topush yourself and trynew things or oddcolors—youmaydiscoveranew love foracolorwhenyou find the rightpairingforit.

Seeing colors interact isfascinating. The balance of thecolors usedwithin one palette candrastically change its feeling. Let’slookatapaletteofblue-black,skyblue, denim blue, cream, sand,tangerine, and dove gray. As youcan see, by using more of thecream,sand,anddovegray,alittleof the blue, and very little of theother colors, it becomes light andairy.Amoodydramaticvibesetsinwhenyoushifttheemphasistotheblue-black, denim blue, and dovegray; however, focusing on thetangerine and sky blue creates abright and cheerful vibe.Proportion with color is all about

tweakingthe levels toachievethefeelyouwant.Shiftingtherelationshipsbetween colors can be a greatway to do sowhile still usingwhat you’redrawnto. If there isacoloryouabsolutely love,but itdoesn’thelpbuildthemood you’re interested in, consider how it could function as a smallaccentandwhatothercolorscandotochangeitsfeeling.

To give you an idea of the power color

pairingscanhaveinapplication,I’vetakenonepatternandrecoloreditineachoftheinitialpalettes Idescribed so thatyoucanseetheeffectontheoverallmood.Watchit become soft and quiet, fresh andsprightly,darkandmysterious,orrichandvibrant. White or light-colored groundstend to feel fresh and airier, whereasdarker-colored grounds feel richer andmoreappropriateforcoolerweather.Evenif it’s just a two-color print, reversing theplacement of the colors can be dramatic.Limiting your color palette allows you tomakesmartchoicesabouthowandwhereyou use color. When you’re just startingout,trysimplifyingbylookingforpatternswith fewer overall colors. If you’re morecomfortable with the complexities ofcolor, push yourself and experiment withunique combinations. If your home isalready filled with many two-coloredprints, consider how the addition of athird, fourth, or even fifth color wouldchangethings.

BUILDINGYOURBASEWITH

TEXTURE

BEFORE WE dive into pattern, we must first cover texture. Texture isessentialtoyourpatternpalettejustasneutralsareessentialtoyourcolorpalette. Think of texture as the base of your pattern palette, or asmonochromaticpattern.

Thefirst texturestoconsideraretheexistingones inanenvironment—thearchitectureofaroom.Itcouldbethemoldingonthewalls,thetilesofabacksplash, apressed-glasspatternonyour showerdoor, evenyouroldmetalradiator.Maybeit’sthewoodgrainofyourfloorboardsaswellasthepatterning of the layout—gridded, herringbone, or chevron. Crownmolding, paneled shiplap walls, spindle banisters, wrought iron railings,rusticceilingbeams,andwoodenshuttersarealldifferentstripedpatterns.Astaircase isa fungeometricmadeofbarsanddashes;windowpanesandcabinetsaredifferent takesonagrid. Itcanbeassubtleas the finishofaceramic tile versus the matte paint on the wall. These textures are thefoundationof anyenvironment.Somewillbepreexistingelementsyou’renotabletochange,andothertimesyoucanalterthesefinishes,orchoose

newonesifthey’relacking.

CREATINGTEXTURE

How can you work with these established textures? Build upon their

structureandbringinpiecesthatspeaktothebiggerpictureyouwantto

create.Iftherearetextureswithinthearchitecturethatyoulove,thenplay

them up. This emphasis could come from repeating other textures that

referencethem,orhighlightingthembycontrastinganotherverydifferent

texture.Forinstance,youcouldhighlighttheoldcrown-moldingdetailyou

love bywallpapering a hallwaywith a lattice design. Choosing a pattern

with architectural structure accentuates this detailing and continues the

storyinadifferentway.Bothchoicesaretraditional,buttheycanbemore

contemporarydependingonhowcleanthedesignsthemselvesare.

Ultimatelythetexturesyouchoosewillbeabletogowithanythingelseyoulayeron,butcertainsubtletiescanmakethebasemoredynamicwhilestilladdressingyourpersonaltaste.Fleckedstone,jute,unfinishedwood,grass-cloth wallpaper, and rough canvas feel more casual and earthy, whilepolishedcement,marble,texturedglass,brushedmetals,andsilksfeelmoreurbanandrefined.Investigatedifferentmaterialsandbrainstormhowyoucan use them. You may want to be consistent with the vibe or perhapsconsciouslychoosecasualtexturestocreatecontrastwithluxurioustextilessotheoverallenergyisn’ttooopulent.

Every foundation of texture should have some contrast within its

assortment.Varyingfinishesisonewaytocreateinterestrightoffthebat.Lookforamixofshinyversusmatte,hardversussoft,chunkyknitsversusfine wovens, or rough versus polished. Bring in elements that speak tonature,asthesetexturesgroundyourspace,givingitweightandasenseofplace. They make an area feel complex and considered, as opposed tostartingwithawhitebox.Whenyou’vethoughtthroughthetexturebasics,evenasparserbuttruepatternwillstillmaketheroomfull.Textureisalsoagreatstartingpointforthinkingaboutthekindsofpatternsyou’llusetobuildupontheenvironment.

Don’tforgettothinkoutsidethebox.Thinkabouttexturefromabird’s-eye view as well. Your furniture and objects build the surface of yourhome,andmanyobjectshavetexturalorthree-dimensionalpatterningbuiltin.Thinkabout ametal chairwith a griddedpattern,or awoodenbenchwithslattedpanels,orthecurledandcrossedpatterningonarattanpeacockchair.Dresserorcabinetknobsaretheirownsubtledotpattern;thelegsofa stool are a deconstructed stripe. Then go small and notice the texturalpatternsinawovenbasket,amacraméwallhanging,afacetedwaterglass,ascalloped plate, a tufted chair, the leaves of a plant, or a punched metallantern. Texture isn’t just the surface of your home but the objects youbringintoit.

1.CROCHETEDCOTTON

2.WOVENPLASTIC+MARBLE+WOOD

3.SISAL+RATTAN+STRIPEDLINEN

4.SLATTEDWOOD+WOVENSTRIPES

YOURTEXTURES

Reviewexistingarchitecturalelementsandsurfaces.

Decideifyouwanttocontrastorhighlighttheexistingenvironment.

Createinterestthroughvaryingtextures.

Thinkoftherepetitionofobjectsastexturalpatterning.

The repetition of objects you

style into a space also can formpatterns. Typically three itemsmake thepattern clear,but apairof chairs in a living room can beeffectivewhileseverallinedupona deck form a clear sequence.Nesting tables are an obviousexample of this concept, as theexact motif is replicated in adescending scale. Another easyexampleisthecreationofathree-dimensional stripe concept usingthespinesof thebook tocreateapattern. Bottles, jugs, pottedplants, candlesticks, or canisters lined up next to one another form apatternoftheirown,too.Lookatthesilhouetteyourshapescreateaswellasthenegativespacebetweenthem.Thinkabouthowliningthemuporamore scattered and organic positioning around the room will make animpact.

Displaying your dishes, glasses, and mugs on open shelving is also anopportunity.Howcouldyouhangobjectsonthewall?Arrangeallofyourartwork andphotos togetheron thewall andyouhave a gallerywall. It’sbeendonethousandsoftimesbutcanstillfeelrelevantifyouuseitemsthatare really personal. You could expand this concept with a collection ofmountable objects such as plates, hats, or baskets, positioning them in adotted or structured pattern. It can be something as small as rocks on awindowsill.Once you start looking, you’ll see these natural patterns andtextureseverywhere.

TELLINGYOURSTORYWITH

PATTERN

NOW THAT youhave anunderstandingof how colors affect one another,howcolorsinfluencepattern,andtheimportanceoftextureandplacement,let’slookathowdifferentpatternsinteractwithoneanother.

Moreoftenthannot,pairedpatternsbecomemoredynamicthanjustasinglepatternstandingalone—andthey feelmorepersonal.Theycanalsooffsetenvironmentsandobjects.Whileatickingstripemaybeclassiconitsown, it becomesmoremodern and edgywith a 1980s-inspired geometricprint. Are you drawn to florals? Get particular: English country rose orgraphic 1960s geometric florals? Think of the patterns you pair asdescribingthedifferentelementsofyourpersonality.IfyouleantowardanEnglishcountryrosebutitfeelsjustabittoosweetforyou,offsetitwithapatternrepresentinganotherpartofyourpersonality.Ifyou’remorebrightand cheerful, consider Mexican embroidered Otomi textiles; the boldembroidered animals will bring levity to the floral. If your taste is moremodern,thenpairitwithalargestripeoranabstractprint;thecleanlineswillmakethefloralfeelmorecontemporary.

Selectyourpairingsinordertoelevateeachindividualpattern,allowingthe combination to become something much more personal andextraordinary.Let’slookathowyoudothat.

SCALEANDPROPORTION

Two key elements in mixing and matching patterns successfully on a

technicallevelarescaleandproportion.Wecan’treallydiscussonewithout

theother.Whilethewordscalecandescribethescopeofhowsomethingis

used, here it will mean the physical size of a pattern; I’ll use the term

proportion to discuss how much of a pattern we’re using. Scale and

proportionaretoolsforcreatingdramawithinaspace.

Before thinking about the individual piece you’re applying pattern to (orpurchasing alreadypatterned), consider thebiggerpictureof thepattern’spurposewithin the room.Choose larger-scale patterns for items or areasyouwanttobethefocalpointanddrawsomeonetoward,andsmaller-scalepatterns for ones you want to recede into the space or even hide orcamouflage. This highlighting or minimizing through pattern can helpdefinethepurposeyouhaveforthespaceandsubliminallyinformpeoplehow to interact or use the space. For example, accentuating a pair ofarmchairswithaboldpatternwillencouragepeopletositthere.

Thesenseofanobject’sorapattern’sscaleisdirectlyrelatedtothesizeof the roomand theotherobjects in it.Consider theroomasawhole tounderstand what the scale actually is within the particular context. Apatternyoumay think ismediumto large in scalemay feel giganticwhenusedonabiggerpieceorinasmall-sizeroom,andevenmoresoifalloftheother prints are small scale. A larger space will be able to accommodatelargerpatternsmoreeasilyandwillactuallyneedthemforbalance.Inthatcase,youmayneedtogobiggerthanyouthink.Rememberthatit’sokaytobuypiecesovertimeandletthespaceevolvenaturally.Ifyouwanttotrysomethingunexpected,goforit—youhavetostartsomewhere.

PATTERN40TO60%OFYOURROOM.BREAK

UPTHEPATTERNEDAREAINTOTHREE

PATTERNS,WITHA60/30/10PROPORTION,OR

FIVEPATTERNSWITHA40/30/20/5/5

PROPORTION.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to understand scale prior to

purchasing is to bring home swatches and samples to help you visualize.Look at the patterns from a distance. A small-or mid-size pattern mightlookbusyandcomplicatedwhenviewedupcloseandonitsown;however,whenyoupullbackandenvisionitinaspace,itmaybecomelessboldandmore textural. You should, of course, love it up close if it’s somethingyou’re going to be cozying up to, but bear in mind the bigger picture.Knowingwhatscaleorpatternworksinyourspacewillenableyoutofindsomethingyou love that alsoworkswithin the contextof the room.Youcanexperimentwithbringingswatchesofvarious-sizepatterns,regardlessofwhether they’re the ones you like best—it’s an important and helpfulexerciseandmaygiveyouabetterunderstandingofwhatyouneedtolookfor.

Proportion should also be considered when deciding how much of aroom should have pattern versus solids or textures. I suggest 40 to 60percent of the room be patterned. This proportion gives you enoughexcitementbutalsoenoughrest—andrememberyoucanandprobablywillbuildthe levelofpatternovertime,soyoudon’tneedtohit thisnumberright away. The unpatterned portion of the room is made up of solids,subtleshiftsinsurfacetexture,andrepetitionofshapes.Keepinmindthatallofthesurfacesandobjectsinthespaceareanopportunityforpattern.

Now,howwillthesepatternsinteractwithoneanothertocreateavisualbalance?

An assortment of small-, mid-, and large-scale patterns is essential tocreatinginterestandleadingyoureyearoundtheroom.Groupingitemsinoddnumbersisawell-knowninterior-designconcept,anestablishedtheoryoncreatingavisuallypleasingdisplay,andaformulathat’seasytofollow.Startwiththreetofivepatterns.Yourcollectionshouldincludeatleastonelarge-scaleprint,plusamixofatleasttwoothermid-tosmall-scaleprints.Ilike to thinkof the large-scaleprint as the“heroprint”—it’s theone thathasthemostimpact.Thinkaboutitlikethis:thelargestprintcreatesalittledrama,whereastheotherssupportyourstory,butdependingonyourspace

andtaste,theprintwiththemostnarrativequalitycouldbeanaccent,whilethelarge-scaleprintwouldbesomethingmorelivablethatyouwon’ttireof.

Scalemayalsochangethemeaningorinterpretationofapattern.Blowing

upaclassictoilepatterntoalargescalemakesitfeelmoremodern,asit’sunexpected.Younormallythinkoftoilesasdetailed,figurativedesignswithfinelinework,butthatideachangescompletelywhenit’senlarged.Aplaidincreased in scalebecomes colorblocking.Smaller-scaleprints are a greatway to try out a pattern that is a bit more playful but can still read assophisticated. A quirky print with animals in it may seem naive at amediumorlargescale,butshrunktoasmallsize—andintherightrendition—itcanfeelrefined.Aguestmightnotevennotice theanimalsuntil theyseethepieceupclose.Evenafloralprintatthreedifferentscalescanhavesubtle shifts in theway it’s perceived: an oversize print feels graphic andmore abstract; as a mid-size print it starts to appear younger and moreplayful;andreducedtoaminiscaleitcanseemsophisticatedbutwhimsical,likeaLibertyLondonprint.

FOOLYOUREYES

Two patternswith a similar colorpalette and scale will readsimilarly fromadistance.Theeyewill initiallyseethemasthesamepattern, so it can be fun to playwith creating unexpected interestthatyouonlynoticeonceyou’reinthe room or even, for example,sittingonthesofanexttothetwopillows.This trickworksbestwithmedium-size patterns, as it feels

BALANCINGYOURPALETTE

Asyouputtogetheryourpatternpalette,you’llalsobegintofigureoutthebalance of eachwithin that assortment. If you used them all in the samequantity, the space would feel hectic. Create a visual hierarchy.Traditionally, the larger print would be used in the largest proportion,followedby themid scale and then small scale, but that’s not always thecase.Ifindithelpfultogobacktothebiggerpictureandthinkofwhatyouwanttohighlightorrecedewithinthespace.Ifyou’restartingfromscratchwith a room, you can be very calculated about your choices. If you’reworkingwithanexistingroom,havealookaroundandseewhat’sworkingsofarandhowtheadditionorsubtractionofotherprintscanhelpcreatebalance.

Scale becomes easier tounderstand when you’re thinkingabout a particular item, ratherthan the whole room. You’ll benaturally inclined to choose asmaller pattern for a dining chairand a larger pattern for a sofasimply because of the size of theobject. Don’t be afraid toexaggeratetheoppositeandgofora big, bold pattern on a diningchair or a pillow. This deliberateburst can be amazing, but beselective when cropping a large-scale print, otherwise it may notlookasyouintended.Whendoneright, it’s a great way tomake anidentifiable print feel abstract—like a large floral where you can

more intentional than withsmaller-scale patterns and lessdistracting than with larger-scalepatterns.

seeonlypartofaleafandpartofaflower.

SAVEORSPLURGE?

BUILDINGACOLLECTION

So what will make up your collection of patterns? As with colors and

texture, it’s helpful to have a base that you can mix and match with

anything. The base isn’t necessarily the star of a story, but it is the

backgroundinformationneededtocompletethestory.Forexample,alarge

embroidered suzani fabricmay be a showstopper, but without any other

patterns,itlosespersonalcontext.Stripes,geos,dots,ditsyprints,andno-

printprintsareyourpattern’sbasicbestfriends.Stripesareclassicandcan

addwidthorheighttoaroomorindividualpieceifusedonalargerscale.

Thinkoutside theboxwhen itcomes todots—therearemorekinds thanjust your standard polka dot. They can read as playful, classic, abstract,animal print, and evenmodern op art–esque.Ditsy prints are very smallscale;themotifcanbeanything—floral,geometric,novelty,orabstract.No-print prints are essential to anymix and perfect for the patternwary, astheseprintshavefullmotifcoveragethatcreatestheillusionoftextureand,fromadistance,theycanalmostreadasasolid.

Thesebasics,alsocalledcoordinateprints,canandshouldtiebacktothecolorsorthemeofwhatevermoredramaticpieceyou’reincluding.Ifyou’renewer topattern, interestingcoordinatesarea greatplace to start.Keeparecordofanybasicpatternsyoufallinlovewithbyputtingsmallswatchesin your notebook or taking pictures of them. Often you start a patternscheme around one larger-scale fabric, or even a painting, that has manycolorsinitandthenbuildwithsmaller-scalebasefabricsfromtheresothatthey move back to the overall theme and palette. If, however, you findreallyuniquecoordinatefabricsthattellastoryontheirown,theycanalsobethestartingpointforyourpatternpalette.

Considerthegeneralmixofthetype of patterns you’re using andtheir overall feeling. Are they all

I recommend splurging on thatone-of-a-kind print you love aswell as on high-quality texturedsolids. You’ll have those for alifetime. Simpler basic patterns,suchasstripesanddots,areeasyto find at awhole range of pricepoints,sothey’reagreatplacetosave. For fashion prints you’reunsure of, or pieces you’re goingto switch out frequently, likepillowcases or dish towels,considersaving.

basics? Then you need to addmore personality. Does the mixfeel too romantic? Then youmayneed to add in somethingmasculine or bold. As withindividual colors, it’s aboutbalance. Each pattern has its ownconnotations and subtexts thatcreatemeaningwhengatheredinagroup. You want to be sure torepresent the many parts of yourstoryasyoumakeyourselections.Remember, it all startswithwhatyou’re drawn to and what looksgoodtoyoureye.

On the following pages we’regoing to get into the specifics of mixing patterns, focusing on the tactileexperienceofbeingupclosewiththepatternsandhowtheytellastorywiththeir meaning. Sarah and Renée from Anona, a Philadelphia-based printstudio, help show how all the information works together. They createoriginalartworkandsellpieces fromtheirarchiveofvintageclothingandfabricstocommercialclients.Wepulledpiecesfromtheirarchivetoshowyousomeinventivepatternmixing.

FLORALREMIX

Here we’ve taken a rather traditional floral print and given it complexity

throughaneclecticmix.Alone,thebluefloralsmightfeelsweetandpretty,

butincludingthedarkerblueandthetwo-toneaddslayerstothepalettein

away that keeps it from becoming too “matchy.” The classic striped-dot

print on the wall—the basic here—plays well with the florals, and is

complementedbythesoftpalepinkandbluewovenpiececominginatthe

topcenter.Theoversizebluefloralsuzanifabricaddsneededtexturetothe

all-printstory.

For addeddepth to anotherwise traditionalmix,we’ve included a brightHmong textile (bottomcenter) for embroidered texture, andaquirkyevileye ceramic to give it an updated feel. The black and red stacked booksprovide this light story with a little more weight and balance, as non-patternedobjectsareanimportantpartofanypalette,too.Thismixisallaboutupdatingaclassicbyfindingsomethingspecialtogiveitalittlemoreinterest.

BOLDGEOMETRICSMEETPAINTERLY

One ofmy favorite pairings is tomix something graphicwith something

free-flowing.Thisclassicblack-and-whitepaletteisagoodexampleofhow

easythesecrispandlooseprintsmix.Thetrickistokeepthecolortight.It

maynotseem likemuch,but just thathintofagraypaintedstripe in the

topleftcorner,alongwiththenaturalwoodandstonetextures,helpsoften

thishigh-contrastpalette,allthewhileallowingthepatterningtorelate.

The rectangular areas that the patterns fill plus the block of wood alsotranslatethisgraphicconceptinamoreabstractway,contrastingagainsttheirregular shapes of the rocks. The small triangular geometric print in theforeground also has a hand-drawn look that helps tie together the cleanboxes in the background with the brush marks in the foreground.Remember,proportioniskey!

SHIBORIANDHAND-DRAWNGRAPHICS

Thismixisallaboutonebig,loosershiboripanelandthesmallercoordinate

prints.It’sagreatexampleofhowstrongcoordinateprintscanbuildastory

withoutabold,multicoloredlargeprint.Intheforegroundisathrowwitha

printed ikat design that feels like a more graphic interpretation of the

shiboripatternatthetopleft.Thosetwoelementscomplementandcontrast

eachothernicely.

The other prints in this story act as supporting characters. The copperdashedpatternreadsasanallover texturethatrelates tothenaturalwoodand coral becauseof themarks; also, the coloring and subtlemetallic areikatinspiredandechothequiltontheground.Thestripeandbrushstrokefeel painterly, repeating the looseness of the shibori panel. The texturedcoralpieceandthesmoothwhiterockthat’speekingintothecompositionon the bottom left have a visual tension because their placement createsenergy, much like a printed pattern. Remember to think about objectplacement—not justprints—aspatterning.Theoverallarrangementof thefabrics,coral,andwoodcreateacompositionasawhole,too.

STRIPEDQUILTSQUARESWITHABSTRACTFLORALS

Thesoftpeachfabricwithgreeneyelashmarksontheleftisavintagepiece

thatisfullofpersonality.Iusuallyhaveluckfindinggreatfabricslikethisat

thriftstores.Hereit’spairedmostlywithblack,cream,andwhitetokeepit

from becoming too soft and sweet. The striped quilt square is a great

example of oneway tomix basic stripes; here they are used in different

directionstocreateawholenewpatternalltheirown.

Thetwootherprintsworkwell togetheras theyarebothgraphicabstractflorals, which relate to each other and to the striped quilt through theirpalette. Notice how white and cream cohabitate as the value of the lightcolorshiftsthroughoutthescheme.Thedifferentmaterialsalsohelpthemworkwelltogether.

WOVENGEOMETRICSWITHDENIMTEXTURES

Thebaseforthisprintmixisallaboutthesubtleshiftsindenim.Awoven

ikat adds a subtle touch and complements the bolder pieces by adding

some contrast with a softer edge. The woven bottle holder has a great

geometric pattern that connectswith thepainterly redgeometric print in

thebackthroughbothcolorandline.Thegeometricnatureofthetextured

wovenfloral is thankstotheconstructionof the fabric.Thiswoventheme

continueswiththeikatfabricdirectlybehindit.

These items all play on the textural element of the pattern and theunderlying structure of how they are made. Lastly, we’ve added a loosesplatterfabricinthetopleftcornertofreshenupthestory.Withoutit,thegrouping feels a little static andmorepredictable because all of theotherelements are based on a grid. If your concept has become stale, considerincludingsomethingwithaverydifferentfeeling.Putitintheroomorholdupapictureofit,andconsiderhowitinteractswiththeotherelements.

YOURPATTERNS

Getparticularwithyourpatternchoices.

Chooselarge-scalepatternsforitemsyouwanttohighlightandsmallerscalesforthingsthatneedlessattention.

Mixthescaleofprintswithinyourassortment.

Bringhomeswatchestodecideonscale.

Considertheapplicationandthecrop.

Buildyourbasewithcoordinateprints.

Balancethevibeofoneprintwithanother.Pairingsmakeforauniquepointofview.

Createastorywiththemix.

NATURALTEXTURES,BATIK,ANDINDIANFLORAL

Batik prints like the one

represented in the center are

always full of interesting textures

and tones. The earthy feeling

reminds me of a flecked piece of

dense granite, which is similar in

character to the natural wood,

ceramic, twine, and stone pieces

inthefront.

Bring similarnatural textures intoaroomeasilybyaddingasisalrugor amarble or stonemantel.Theintricate Indian floral is a nicecomplementtotheotherpieces;itcoordinates the rich mood byadding more dense coverage butalso provides a feminine touch—without it this pattern palettewouldfeeloverlyearthy.

Thesemixesaresimplymeanttoinspirecombinationsthatareasuniqueas you are. I encourage you to gather objects from your home, clothing,swatches, magazine tears, and such to start piecing together your ownvignettes. It’s a greatway to hone your pattern-pairing skills on a playfulscale.Bringingthingsyoulovefromdifferentareasofyourhomethatmightnot normally sit together may reveal a new way of looking at what youalreadyown.Hold themupat arm’s length,or attach them to awall andstandback for a full view.Now that you’ve identifiedyour story, started

collecting your inspiration, and understand pattern, texture, and colorbasics,inthenextsectionyou’lldivedeeperintotheroomsofyourhomeandputtheseconceptsintopractice.

THE

ENTRYWAY

THEFIRST steps through thedoorwayset the tone.This isyourchance towelcomenotonlyfamilyandfriendstoyourhomebutalsoyourself.

Getting intomyown space at the endof theday is something I alwayslook forward to.Passing through thericketyblack irongateandclimbingupthewell-wornstepstooursecond-floorapartment,I’mfamiliarizedwiththe idiosyncrasies that make this place my home. Once inside, I’mcomfortedwithsmells,textures,colors,andpatternsofmychoosing.Evenif you haven’t defined a “proper” entryway, once you step through thedoorway, whatever you see leaves an impression. While this space isdefinitelyaboututility,itdoesn’thavetolackpersonality.Thinkofitasthefirstglimpseintoyourstory.Yourentrywayseesthegoingsandcomingsofall the family, friends, and lovedoneswhovisit.Bags aredropped, shoesremoved,coatsdiscarded,keystossed,andstressesofthedayunloaded.Itisasmallspace,oftenforgotten,butit’salsoaspacethatcanchangeyourmoodandmind-set.

In this space,patternhasadefinitepurpose: towelcome.Pattern is thebest tool to create awarmand friendly environment, so it’s perfect here.Anyentryway,nomatterhowsmall,canbenefitfromthewelcomingpowerofpattern.Thinkabouthowyou like to greetpeople andwhatyouwantyour first impression tobe.This spaceshouldemitandreflect the feelingyouwanttoevokewhenyouwalkthroughthedoor.

Thischapterfeaturessevenhomesthatwelcomewithpatternindifferentways.Lookingatthesedistinctstyleswillenableyoutopickandpullwhatresonates not only with your life but also with your space to create anentryway that offers genuine hospitality. This is the space to initiategenerositytowardyourselfandyourguests.

CREATINGCOMFORT

Providingcomfortisabasicwaytoofferawelcomeinanysituation.Aplace

that addresses our basic needs and the excess stuff we all have creates

comfort and eases our transition from outdoors to home. Thinking about

youressentialrequirementsforthespaceisthefirststep,andthesecondis

tohighlightthosepieceswithpatterntodrawpeoplein.

MyhusbandandIoftenworklongdays,sowhenwecomehomewewantto feel relaxed. This means casual luxury, personal pieces, and trulypractical furniture thatdoesn’t just look goodbut standsup.The easeofusing a space is a key aspect of comfort, but it’s equally important to besurroundedbypatternsthatspeaktoyou.Iwantedaspottodropmybagandtakeoffmyshoes,soabenchwasthenaturalchoice.Ihighlighteditbycovering it in a fabric I really love.The swirlingmarks remindmeof theoceanandmakemefeelathome.Findingprintsthatbringyoucomfortisagreatwaytodefineyourentryway.ThefabricIusedisalsoagreatexampleofano-printprint,butitstilldrawsusinwiththevibrantbutneutralnavyhue.

The next addition was a patterned rug. Soft browns, muted teal, andsubduedpinks create a nicebase and expand the complexityof the colorpalette.Iwantedapopofcolortoenhancethevignetteandaddsomecheer,and I needed extra storage, so I opted for a basket in a bright pink. Itaccentuatesthemutedcolorsintherugaswellasthepattern.Anicetrickwhenpairingpatternsistofindasimplerversionofalarger-scalepattern.Itcan be a loose relationship, but the subtle repetition helps tie themtogether.

The piece that elevates it all is the mirror: it’s oversize, with a subtlefacetingdetail thatreferencessomeof therectangularshapesof thespace.Itsscalecreatesimpactandeverydayluxurythatmakesthisspacesing.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Pickapatternwithanall-encompassingfeelingthatwillhelpcreateanewworld—yourworld.

Lookforalargestatementpiecethatspeakstothedécorintherestofyourhomeinanoverarchingway.Thisdesignelementshouldfeellikethefirstsentenceinthestoryofyourhome.

Patterningjustonesmallwallcancreateastrongfeelingevenifyoulackspace.

Introduceacolorschemeyoumayexpanduponinroomsthatfollow.

FINDINGATRANSITION

Theentrywayisthefirstsentenceinyourstory.Therearenorulesexcept

theonesyoumakeasyoucreatethevisualvocabularyforyourhome.Angie

Hranowksy is a sought-afterCharleston-based interiordesignerknown for

creatinghigh-impactroomswithtraditionalrootsandamoderntwist.She

redefineswhat youmay expect from a space andmakes unique pairings

look easy. Here Angie transformed her client’s entryway with the use of

wallpaper.

Thisspaceopenstoseveralroomsinthehome—without thewallpaper youmightmisstheentryway.Itspatterndefinesthespace without relying on any objects orfurniture.Itenvelopsyouandbringsyouinto a world of abstract shapes, livelycolor,andfun.Thisstrikingenvironmentintroducesyoutothespiritofthehome,setting the tone.Thepattern is a graphicgeometric and abstractly represents thefurniture layout in the next room: itwould be difficult to forget the abstractshapes within the vibrant wallpaper asyou take in the clusteringof furniture inthe living room. The wallpaperintroduces the space and gives anaesthetic framework for viewing the restof the home. You’ll see this graphicgeometricconcept represented inadifferentway in thebathroom later inthebook.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Gowithagroupingofobjectsversusoneboldpattern,asitallowsyouflexibilitytoevolveandchangethespacebysimplyswappingoneobjectoutforanother.

Softenaloud“pop”withotherpieces,objects,andprints.

Bedaringandrememberyoucanalwaysmakechanges.Thisisanareaofyourhomethatyouwalkthrough—youdon’tstayinitforlongperiodsoftime—soyouwon’tgetsickofitaseasily.

APOPOFPERSONALITY

Ifchoosingjustonepatterntointroduceyourhomefeelschallenging,then

you can use a curated group of objects that showcases your personality.

Injectingyourstory intotheentryway,howeverbigorsmall,willwelcome

yourvisitors, as it is a representationof you.They’ll feel at ease, allowing

themtobethemselves,too.

SallyKingBenedict isanabstractpainterwho is fearless with her pattern choices.She andherhusbandmetwhile living inCharleston,SouthCarolina, anddecidedto move back to Sally’s hometown ofAtlantaafterthebirthoftheirson;beingcloser to family was important. Theirhome still references the coastal vibe ofCharleston.Aconstantcollectorunafraidto trust her taste, Sally is always on thehuntforpiecesthatspeaktoher.

Sally’sentrywayisaperfectexampleofhow she mixes her interests with ease.She focuses the spaceonapairofchairsinafuzzy,blueMissonichevronpattern.They arewild, unique, and certainly noteveryone’s cup of tea, but they lookamazinginherspacebecauseshereallywentforit.Sheclearlylovesthesechairs—that’s what makes it all work as she expresses her personality.Whenyouhave aboldpattern that speaks toonepart of your storybutmaybeoverpoweringon itsown,youbalance itwithotherpartsofyourpersonality.WhileSallyisfearless,she’salsofeminine.Asoftpinkpillowisanunexpectedcomplementandmakesthespacefeelmoresophisticated.

OneofSally’spastelseascapeshighlightsthesoftertonesfromthepatternin the chairs and calms the space. A pineapple painting symbolizeshospitalityandaddsanotherquirkytouch.

If you’re going to gobold, gobold!Don’t be afraid to experiment andshow all who enter your home what you love. Your entryway is a greatplacetotestideas.Startbyaddingasmallvignette.You’llgainconfidencethatyoucanthenbringtolargerareas.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Contrastmoodywithcheerfulforaspacethatfeelswarm,notglum.

Useaccessoriestohelpbridgethegapsothatthecontrastdoesn’tfeeldisjointed.

Traditionalpiecescanserveasabackdropinmanysettingsandstillhaveamodernvibewhenmixed.

STARTINGWITHCOLOR

It’s been seven years sinceAtlanta-based painterMichelleArmas started

renovating her one-hundred-year-old bungalow, and it’s still happily

undone.Shehasayoungdaughterandtwopint-sizerescuedogs,andher

homereflectshernurturingnature.Michelleisbright,open,andkind,and

soisherart.Michelle’spaintingsrangefromthebeautifullywildtothecalm

and pensive. Color is always her starting point, and she knows how to

manipulateit.

Inthisspace,thedooropensuprightintoa seating area, so Michelle and herhusbandhadtobecreativeaboutdefiningan entryway. The deep blue-black wallsare moody but cozy. Without theadditionofherpainting, the spacemightbe too dark, or feel closed and eventraditional. But it’s whimsical,lighthearted, and upbeat, which adds amuch-needed contrast and infusesMichelle’swarmpersonality.

Michelle also highlighted the space bythedoorwitharugandafewkeypiecesoffurnitureforfunction,whichcontinuetheflowoftheseatingarea.Thecontrastofthedarkwallsservestoenhancethe happiness of the painting, and suddenly even the motifs in the rug,whicharegeometric, feelbuoyant.Patternshave theability tochangeoneanotherjustbyproximity.

High-contrastelementsoftenneedafewwell-positionedbrushmarksorobjects to tie them together. Michelle used a mid-century modern lampwithageometricpatternthathighlightstheshapesintherugaswellasthe

light,neutralcolorsinthepainting.Thegeometricpatternisanexampleofa coordinate print, which means it’s not the main design element but astrongsupportingcharacter.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Startwithaprimarilylightneutralpaletteandlayerinsoftcolor.

Playupthetextureinthespacebyhighlightingthearchitecture.

Selectaluxuriousstatementpiecetokeepamoresparsespacewarm.

ACALMGREETING

Yourhomeshouldbeyour retreat.Leavingworkandotherstressesat the

dooriskey,andcreatinganentrywaythat’scalmenablesthisbehaviorasit

welcomes you home. Lindsey Carter is the founder and designer of

Troubadourclothing,aswellasawifeandmotheroftwinswhoknowsthis

tobetrue.Shehasa lotonherplate,butherfresh,happy,andcalmstyle

means she’s always looking good. From running her own business to

keepingupwithherkids,sheneedsserenitywhereshecangetit,andshe

hascertainlytranslatedthatconceptintoherentryway.

Decoratingherspacewithjustafewwell-chosen and carefully placed pieces, shecreatesabreezy, freshvibe thatstill feelshomey.Thestructuralwhitestripesofthebanisterandsubtlepanelingon thewallscreateasoftgridforherdécortoinhabit.Shemakes thesparsespacecozierwitharug that adds warmth while remainingsoft and airy through its colors andabstractmotifs.Lindseyisalwayslookingfor patterns for her line of fabric andoftenworksdirectlywithartiststocreatethem, so it’s natural that she’d want tohang beautiful original artwork in her entryway. Both cheerful paintingspepperpersonalityintothespacewithoutdisruptingtheoverallcalmvibe.

Lindseysplurgesonone-of-a-kindrugsbecause,forher,thereisnothinglike having a large-scale pattern that is unique to your home. ThisMoroccanrugisagreatexampleofthat,andit’sactuallyfoldedtothesizeofarunner.You’dneverknowunlessshetoldyou—andit’sagreat trickforrugsthataremoreflexible.

The tie-dyed seat is a nice update to classic

DEFININGTHEFLOW

Showingyoucareandconsider thedetails is anotherway towelcome.A

visuallypleasingspace iseasytounderstandanduse;pattern isyour tool

forachievingthis.

A way to create thoughtfulness isthroughconsistencyinyourdesignchoices. Jenny Keenan, aCharleston interior designerknownforcreatingspacesthatfeelcollected and unique, is an expertat this. She designed a Sullivan’sIsland, South Carolina, beachhome for NYC-based clientslooking for a cool coastal retreatthat’srelaxedbutrefined.

Oneofthethingsthatmakesthisspace feel especially welcoming isthat all of the surfaces areconsidered.Jennychosetopaintanoverscale diamond pattern on thefloor in aneutral shade.The floorisagreatplace foraspecialdetail inasmall space like this.Thediamondshape becomes a directional element as well as a theme she uses to tietogether the rest of the area on a more technical level. As you explore,you’ll seediamonds in the rattan chairpatterning, the tie-dyed chair seat,the front of the dresser, and even more abstractly in the ceiling lamp.Repeatingsmalldetailsbuildsconsistencyandcomfort.

The same thoughtfulnessextends to the hallway.The front

rattan and feels relevant for a beach home.Changingthefabricseatonachairisaneasyway to add your own story to a moretraditional piece. Learn how to simplyreupholster a chair seat with theseinstructions.

spacehashintsofblue,whichthenexpandintothehallwaythatleadsinto the home. Several patternedrugsformapathway,accentuatingthe zigzag floor plan, and directand encourage you to enter therest of the house. The blue rugs

createafocalpoint,surroundedandsupportedbyneutrals.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Considerallsurfaces,especiallyflooring,asanopportunityforexpressiveness.

Keepthemajorityofthespaceneutral,andhighlightareasofpurposewithpattern.

Repeatpatternconceptsvisuallythroughtextiles,textures,furniture,andthree-dimensionalforms.

Keepyourcolorpaletteconsistentinspacesthatconnect.

While we typically think of an

entrywayas thearea just inside the frontdoor, the area immediately outside thedoor isalsopartof thatexperience.Youcan extend your thoughtfulness to thisarea as a tasteofwhat yourdesignplansareontheotherside.ChassityEvansisablogger,motherof two,anddesign loverwho introduces us to her design paletteon her front porch. She is drawn tographicpatterns;bold,happycolors;andclean lines that reflect her upbeatdisposition. A vibrant coral door andblackslattedchairhintatwhat’stocome.Shequickly identifiesherpaletteandthegraphicnatureofherpatternchoices.

Inside,Chassitycontinuesherpalette,but thespotlight is thepatternedtile flooring. It’sauniqueandluxurious lookthat,because it’sdurable, isalsopracticalforherfamily’slifestyle.

STORAGESOLUTIONS

Sinceentrywaysarewherewetendtodumpallofourstuffwhenwegethome,spendsometimefindingbaskets,containers,magazineracks,trays,bowls,andhooksforstorage.Aladderisanotherunexpectedwaytodisplayandstoreitems;itletsthepatterningofyourhangingscarvesandaccessoriestellyourstory.Suchaccentsareagreatwaytosneakinalittlepattern

andshowcaseuniquepieces.

THE

L I V I N GR O O M

WHILE PATTERN can be unexpected in an entryway and a great way tointroduce your story, it can be unwieldy in the living room—but theopportunity here is to tell your story in a bigger, fullerway and to let itshine.Youhavemoreroomtoexploreandplay in.Togetherwe’llreviewthestepstosuccessfullylayeringyourstoryinthisspace.

First,definethemoodandvibe.Gobacktothemoodboardyoucreated,ortakethetimetomakeonenow.Identifytheenergythatmakesyoufeelbest.Think about specific places, feelings, andmoments in time that canguideyou.Thelivingroomshouldbeaboutyourinterestsonthebroadestlevel, making them understandable for those who visit and adaptableenoughtochangewithtime.It’salsoessentialtolookaroundthespaceyouhave.Chancesareyou’vealreadybegun tobuildyourbase.After readingthroughthischapter,youmayfeelinspiredtobuyanewpieceortwo,butthinkaboutwhatyoucanachievesimplybyrearrangingthefurnitureandbelongingsyoualreadyown.

Adaptabilityiskeyhere.Mymomalwayswas—andstillis—movingthefurniture around to try out different combinations. I’d come home fromschool and find that she had switched the orientation of the room awayfrom the television by moving the armchairs in expectation of a familygathering.She’dthenaskformyhelptoscootasofaovertojusttherightspot. She said hermother did the same, and I do it now, too.Of all thespaces in your home, the living room is probably the least staticwhen itcomes to furniture. Think of its elements as puzzle pieces that can berearranged for different circumstances. You’ll always be moving piecesaround and trying out different configurations as your needs change andguestsarriveordepart,soyou’llwanttokeepyourpatternsflexible,too.

Onceyouidentifythebasemoodforyourlivingroom,it’stimetoaddtextilesandaccessories.Patternhereshouldbevibrantandhavemovementand emotion. Expressing your interests and showing off your collectionswillsupportchitchat,heart-to-hearts,anddiscussionsofallsorts.Youwantto create a space that encourages interaction while also allowing you tounwind.Inthischapterwe’llvisitelevenhomesthatexemplifyhowpatterncandefineaspace,createconversation,andengageactivity.

GRAPHICPATTERNSINNEUTRAL

HUESCANACTASPRINTED

TEXTURETOBUILDYOUR

FOUNDATION.

CREATEAFOUNDATION

Olivia Rae James is a Charleston-based photographer who shoots

everything from weddings to food imagery. Originally from Nashville,

Tennessee,sheisaromanticatheart.Allofherphotosfocusonpeopleand

basichumanconnection.Atthetimeofthisshoot,Oliviaandherhusband

were new homeowners in the midst of a renovation and focusing their

energyoncreatinganoasis.

Their living room became a small retreataway from the construction, even if justaroundthecorner.Itisthefirstplaceinthehome they had really decorated, andwhileminimal in style and light on traditionalpattern, it focuses on texture. A sisal rug,woven chairs, a striped slated coffee table,andabstractgeometricpatternsbuildabasefor thepalette.Keeping thingsminimal isagreatwaytohighlightthelinesandpatternsmade by the objects. Cozy and neutral, aspacelikethiswillgrowwithtime,justlikethehappycoupleintheirnewhome.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Usealargeneutralrugasyourbaseanddefinetheseatingareabylayeringasmallerrugontop.Keepeverythinginplacebyputtingatableontopofyourlayeredrug.

Focusontexture.Lookforwovenchairs,baskets,texturedwovenfabrics,wood,andstone.

Rememberthatlinearelements,suchasthelegsofaplantstand,canbecomepattern,too.

Keepfabricpatternssimpleandgraphictomaintainthefocusonthefoundation.

Across the country in San Francisco is

another space, designed by ConsueloPierrepont and Katie Spalding of SwayStudio,thatreliesonthefundamentalsoftexture and subtle pattern to define it.The founders’ philosophy focuses onintentionallylayeringelementsthatreflectthetasteoftheirclients.They’veworkedwithcountlesspersonalitiesandknowtheimportanceofbuildingabase,whichtheycan then translate to fit their clients’unique characters. Cohesive but diversefoundational elements define the seatingareawithinalargerspace.Ifyourphysicalroom includes a dining area, usefundamental patterned elements to splitthepurposeof theroom.Forexample,asisal rug—also in Olivia’s home—is aworkhorse in any room and an easy piece to layer further.Use a secondrug,likethespeckledhidehere,todefineaseatingarea.Thispairingkeepsthe space elegant but practical, and urban but coastal—a perfect mix forSway Studio’s sophisticated but low-maintenance client who loves toentertain. Create additional textural interest with no-print prints, wood,polished stone, andwoven fabrics.Define themood furtherwithanotherlayer of pattern, which here mirrors the colors and shapes in the JohnBaldessariprint.

Now,lookatyourownlivingroom.Thinkabouttheexistingfoundationand what can be moved around to define the space for your needs, orwhetherthereisanelementthatyoucanbringintosolidifyit.Youcanusethisbasenomatterwhatyouwanttodonext,whetherchangingthemoodtoreflectanewoutlookonlifeorjustupdatingfortheseasons.

MAKINGWHITEPRACTICAL

Theownerofthishomewantedawhitesofabutlovestoentertain,soConsueloandKatieoptedforanindoor/outdoorfabrictoaccommodatehersoirees.Thewhiteiscomplementedbyotherneutralno-printprintsinthespace,whichwarmitupsoitdoesn’tfeeltoostark.

DEFINE

Sincethe livingroomisoneofthemostmultipurposeareasofyourhome,

definingthespaceisessential,anditgoesbeyondthefoundation.Youmay

needtooutlinethelivingroominanopen-conceptplan,oryoumaysimply

want to mark out areas within the space for different activities, such as

reading,watching television, engaging inconversation, orplayinggames.

Pattern can do that for you by building on the foundation, unifying the

spacethroughrepetition,orseparatingitthroughfoils.I’lltakeyouthrough

several rooms thatwield pattern strategically and intentionally to achieve

definition.

REPETITION

Pattern can help unite more sprawling spaces or make smaller areas feelmoredeliberatethroughrepetition.Herewe’lllookattwospacesthatrelyonrepetitiontocreateacohesivespace.Usethis toolwhenyouhaveoneobject,pieceoffurniture,ordesignconceptthatyouknowyoulove—buildonittomakearoom.

Brian Paquette is a Seattle-based interior designer whose work isthoughtful, collected, and authentic.Heoftenuses repetition tomakehisspaces instantly feel established and lived in. It’s important to look fordifferentelementsthatworkthematicallytokeeptheroomfeelingunifiedwithoutbeingmonotonous;thisspaceusesstripes.Mostobviously,you’llseethegraduatedstripeblinds,followedbythetuftingonthestripedsofa,whichencourageyoutolookformore.Thenyoustarttopickupthelegson the side table, the metal radiator, and decorative striped pillow thatverges on geometric. Hone in on one concept you love and really thinkabout different ways of expressing it. It could be focusing on a simpledesignidea,likethestripehere.Orifyouloveplantsandbeingsurroundedbyfoliage,transformyourlivingroomintoanindoorgreenhouse!Bringin

potted plants, of course, but also woven textures that speak to theunderlying structure of the plants, and tangible patterns that abstractlyreference greenery. You may opt for patterns with graphic, simple leafshapes, similar toMatisse cutouts,orpainterly abstractprints thatmimicthe sensation of light flickering through the trees.Do your research hereand explore the possibilities. To keep a theme like this from feelingtiresome, it’s importantnotonlytomakesurethewaysyou’reexpressingthe idea are varied but also to break it up by bringing in amix of othershapes, patterns, and textures. Brian uses both organic and geometricshapestobreakupthestrongverticallinesofthespace.

WINDOWTREATMENTS

Dependingonthespaceandtype,windowtreatmentscantakealotofpattern.Fabricblindsareaclean,tailoredlookthatcanfinishoffaroom.Ifyouhavealotofwindowsandhighceilings,consider choosing patterned drapes. Hang them high and letthempoolabiton the floor—this lookoozes luxury. Ifdrapesfeel too romantic, consider pleated, honeycomb, wood, roman,vertical,orotherwovenblinds,thinkingabouthowthesetexturesandcolorswillaccentyourspace.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Studytheobjectsyouownandlove.Figureoutwhatthemeyoucanbuildaroundthem.

Findatleastthreewaystoexpressyourdesigntheme,butkeepthereiterationsabstracttoavoidmonotony.

Translateapatternyouloveinathree-dimensionalformat.Remember,youcanpositionobjectssotheyactabstractlyaspattern.

Keeprepetitionfreshbyoffsettingitwithothershapes,patterns,andtextures.

Wendy Wurtzburger Bentley and her

husbandChris live inabeautiful,quirkyold home in Philadelphia. Wendypreviously worked for Anthropologie ashead curator. Through that job she wasabletotraveltheworld,andherhomeisa reflection of those journeys. She hasdeveloped a keen sense of color, andinteresting combinations are foundthroughoutthehouse.

One of the most striking spaces isWendy’s second-floor living room. Theroom sings when you walk in—andpatternisabigpartofthat.Wendyrelieson repetition here, though it’s not asobvious as in the living room Briandesigned.Let’sbreakitdownsoyoucanre-createthismagicinyourownway,inyourownhome.

Whilemanyofthepiecescouldhavebeentherootofthisroom,Ibelievetheyellowpainting,apiecebyWendy’saunt,musthavebeenthestartofitall.Wendyhungitnexttotheyellowdoor,creatinganabstractdiptychasafocalpoint.Thelongbrushmarksintheartspeaktoirregularrectangularshapes, emphasized by the rectangular shape of the work itself and thedoor. Just like that, a visual conversation of rectangular repetition hasbegun.Thesoftabstract shapes in thepaintingreference thepatterning inthe layered rugs, duplicating the concept. Even the furniture placementplays on this idea with the emphasis on rectangular forms. Wendy alsorepeatskeycolorsfromthepaintingandthedoorinthepillow,throw,andrug,whichtieitalltogether.Withouttheuniqueandtightcolorpalette,theconnections wouldn’t be apparent. Ultimately, this room is a veryintentional exemplification ofWendy’s story—a family heirloom and thepiecesfromhertravelsareunitedthroughpattern.

Thekeytomakingsomethingstrikingisusing it with intention. My first year incollege,mydrawingteachertoldus,“Youcandoanythingifit’sintentional.”Itwasasimplebutgroundbreakingconcepttome.Think about it. If you really believe inwhatyou’redoing,anddoitcarefullyandthoughtfully, anything works. Everyobject,color,line,andshapeyouplaceisachoice.Youhavetostartsomewhere,andIsuggest really studying the things youalreadyown.Understandingyourpiecesisthefirstpartofcombiningthemwell.Get

toknowthemagain.Pickonepieceyoulovethemostandfigureoutwhat’sgoing on: the overarching design period or style it fits into, the specificcolors,thematerials,andtheshape.Thenbuildonthat.Whatelsedoyoualready own that can help build that story? Search for pieces that willcomplementitifyoudon’townany.

DUALITY

Dualityisthedivisionofaconceptinto twocontrastedaspects.A foilisanarrativeelementinwhichtwocharacters play off each other,contrastingeachother,tohighlightqualities and intricacies of theirpersonality—itisatypeofduality.This same concept can betranslated topattern anddesign todefine and further explain thevarious stories and interests inyour own life. You have manyroles within your life, and theymakeyourstory.Maybeyouwanttoexploredifferentaspectsofyourday-to-day life through foils, ordifferent aspects of what you’revisually drawn to. Patterns canrepresent different parts of you,such as being a mother and adesigner, and they also canrepresent different visual interestsfrom a purely aesthetic point ofview.

Nick and Rachel Cope are thecreative duo behind the brandCalico Wallpaper, where theyfocus on techniques such asmarbling.Livingandworking inRedHook,aneighborhoodinBrooklyn,their family includes a calico Persian cat, fromwhom the brand takes its

name,andabeautifuldaughter.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Gobigwithdualpatternstohelpdefinethespace.Thiswillcreateseparation,buttheroomwillstillbeunitedthroughacommontheme.

Choosepatternthatresonateswiththemoodoftheactivitiesyouplantodointhespace.

Ifyouchoosesmaller-scalepatternstoexpressduality,besuretheyarecloseenoughinproximityforyoureyetomaketheconnection.

PATTERNCANBE

PRACTICAL,NOTJUST

DECORATIVE!

Iftheywantedtoputthetelevisionoverthecredenza,thewallpaperwouldalsobeagreatwaytocamouflageit.

WhenNickandRachel’sdaughterwas

born, their needs changed, and theywanted the living room to function asboth a lounge space and a play space.They’ve explored duality through twowallpapers—both featuring large-scalemarbledesignswithmetallic accents,butoneislightandairyandtheotherisdarkandmoody.They are foils to eachotherand highlight their differences. The darkdesignevokesasenseofstaringoffadockinto water reflecting a star-filled nightsky;thisseatingareaisforloungetime—perfect for an afternoon nap or timetogetherwhen their daughter is sleeping.Directly across the room from this darkseating area is a soft cloud-like space,onceagaindefinedbythewallpaper.Herethey’veusedtheirwallpaperwithmetallicgold and soft gray-blue coloring, whichfeels like the sun streaming through theclouds after a storm. Comfy with a softshagrugonthefloor,thisspaceismeantfor playtime. Nick and Rachel separateand connect these two worlds throughpattern—their adult designer selves andtheirlifeasnewparents.

Whenyouusefoilslikethese,theymustspeaktoeachotherandcoexistinorder towork.Therehas tobe a connection.Nick andRachel’s spaceworkssoeasilybecause,althoughthepatternsthemselvesareopposites incoloring,botharemarbleized.Youcanusedifferentcolorwaysofthesamepattern like this, or just explore the general concept of night and day bysimplyfocusingonthedarkandlight.

CREATEACONVERSATION

Beyondthepracticalneedsofdefiningaspace,patterncanmoreimportant

sparkconversationandactivitywiththosewhouseaspaceaswellasthe

design elements within the room. Let’s look at how to use pattern more

abstractlyinthelivingspace.

CREATEAMOOD

Creatingamoodisaboutbuildingonyourfoundationandputtingforthanatmospherethatexpressesthetoneyouwanttoencouragewithinaspace.Iurgeyoutolookatotherroomsinthisbookthatyou’repersonallydrawnto and analyze the mood. Let’s look at two living spaces that share verydifferent and distinct moods. Both of these areas build the mood with afocusoncolor,butpatternisalsoanimportantplayer.

Brian Paquette designed this moody bachelor lounge. Located inVictoria,BritishColumbia,thishomehasmanyspotsmadeforcozyindoordays.Thisspacefeelsliketheperfectplacetoloungeandhavefiresidechatsor reada goodbook, a feeling achieved through the room’svisualmood.Color,texture,andpatternallcreatethisvibebyconversingtotellastory—one that is masculine and rich, and speaks to the period of the homewhile remainingmodern. Brian uses a rich color palette of dark neutrals,includingadeepsatinbrown,charcoalblack,steelblue,andruby,tomakethe space dramatic. Texture comes in through wood, tile, marble, andnature-inspired prints that feel earthy but sophisticatedwhen pairedwithleather, tufting,andtailoredsilhouettesreminiscentofanold library.Thepatternisthefinallayerincreatingthemood.Brianplaysontraditionbutkeepsthemixmodernwithhispatternchoices.

An abstract marble pattern that references sedimentary layers butremainsgraphicisusedonthecurtainsandapillow.Itispairedwithacrisp

geometric,whichplaysoffthemoretraditionalgeometricintherugtokeepitfresh.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Buildthemoodwithcolorandthenrefineitwithpatternsthathaveadistinctpointofview.

Classic,neutralfurnitureworksasabackdropinmostrooms,andpatternfocusesthemoodinkeepingwithyourpersonalaesthetic.

Pickpatternsthatspeaktoactivitiesandintereststhatmakeyoufeelgood.

Enhancethemoodwithonestatementpiece.

This space is completely different, but

it’sperfectforJennyKeenan’sNewYorkCity clients’ beach retreat in Sullivan’sIsland, South Carolina. Their home inNew York is serene and muted tocontrast with the city, so here theywantedtoplaywithcolorandaccentuatefamilyfun.

Jenny relied on a neutral texturalpalette with pops of cerulean blue andelectric yellow to achieve a seaside vibe.She chose patterns that have a loosecoastal feeling to keep the moodeasygoing in this second home. Whilecolorlaysthegroundworkforthemood,patterncreatesspecificityandemphasizesthat this space isabeachhome.Batikprintsprovideabreezyenergy,andthe texture in the artwork acts as an abstract pattern. Playful piecesencourage gathering—a seating area is centered on a striped table madefromthesamematerialsasasurfboard.Thesporty,vibrantstripecontrastswiththemoresophisticatedlinensandvintagebatikprints,creatingamixthatfeelssophisticatedmetropolitanandfuncoastalallatonce.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Identifydifferentperiodsandstylesthatintrigueyouandpairthemforauniquemix.Besurethepiecescansustainaconversationwithoneanother.

Chooseintereststhataestheticallyfeelmorecasualforpiecesthatshouldbemorecomfy,suchasseating.Alternatively,choosemorerefinedorlavishinterestsfordecorativepieces.

Scatterdifferentstylesaroundtheroomthroughtextilesandart;they’remucheasiertochange.

DISCUSSYOURINTERESTS

A truly genuine person, Sally KingBenedict is open and vibrant and hasimpeccable taste because she bravelydisplaysherinterests,getsparticularwiththem,andstructurestheminthecontextof what’s needed. While expression ofinterests is important, Sally knows that,for her family, it must also be marriedwithcomfortsothattheirhouseisaplacethey can truly live. With a young son,Sally believes keeping it comfy isimportant in all areas of the home butespeciallyintheirlounge-likelivingroom.She does this with ease by delving intothespecificsofwhatmatterstoher.

Danish modern, British colonial/WestIndies plantation, safari style,SouthwesternAmericana,surferstyle,andvintagecampyallappealtoher,and she figuresouthow tomake themwork together.She lovesbringinghome the styles of places she wants to visit or memories from herchildhood.

Howcanalltheseinterestsspeaktooneanother?HereSallyhasbroughtsafari style to life with a textural leopard rug—it’s a bit of luxury thatreferences one of her dream vacations, but it’s also soft and perfect forplaytime.TheL-shapedrattansofaiscomfyandpracticalbutalsospeakstoSally’s surfer style. The conversation between the sofa and rug expressdifferentinterests,buttheyhavecomfortandpracticalityincommon.Thesofaintroducesanopportunitytoaddmorepersonalelementsandhasbeenspeckled with pillows in fabrics ranging from Kuba cloths to a vintageCollierCampbellprintcalledCôted’Azur.AnAfricantextilewithabold

geometric print provides a larger-scalemotif that drawsus in.Darkwallsaccentuateherbright,cheerfulpaintingsbutkeepthemoodsophisticatedinawaythatwhitewallswouldn’t.

LETYOURPATTERNSSPEAK

Creating dialogue between the physicalpieces in your room also encouragesconversationamongpeople.Thinkofeachpatternasagroupof friends, sinceyou’reessentially creating a space meant forenjoyingtimewithyourguestsandfamily.Each pattern should be unique, but allshould relate, support one another, andworkwelltogether.

Wayne Pate and Rebecca Taylor are acreative couple with three kids living inPark Slope, Brooklyn. Wayne is anillustrator known for his graphic,whimsicaldrawingstyle;Rebeccaisawell-

known fashion designer admired for her feminine yet modern look. It’sonlynatural that theywoulddecorate in collaboration.They’ve created ahomethat’sclassicbutstillfreeandfullofidiosyncrasies.

Their living room truly shows a conversation between the pieces, eachwithitsownuniqueidentity.WayneandRebeccahavecollecteditemsovertime and move them around to encourage the conversation and keep itfresh.Thebonesofthespacearetraditional,andsoaremanyofthelightingfixtures, but the fabrics on the furniture soften the look and keep thebalancecasualandrefined,justlikethecouple.

One sofa is covered in a beautiful ikat fabric; the sofa cushions havebecomewornandwashed,andthepatternisfaded.Thefabricisevenmorebeautiful because it’s clearly been lived with and loved. Pillows with bigdotsonanindigogroundarelayeredonthesofa.Thelarge-scaleofthedotpattern emphasizes its playfulness but also means the pattern doesn’tcompetewiththeothers intheroom.Inthissameclusteringof furniture,

you’llseeabluebatik-inspiredfabricandaleopardprint.Thebatikrelatestotheikatinseveralways:ithasabuilt-indistressedlook;itpullsfromthesame color palette; it is a no-print print; and they share roots in theirhistoryaspatterns.Theleopardprintontheottomancouldfeelunrelated,butitisprintedonanaturallinenfabric,whichmakesitfeelmorecasual,puttingitateasewiththesemorerelaxedfabrics.Mixingcasualpieceswithdressy is a great way to achieve balance, much like you’d do with yourwardrobe.

Relating unique patterns takes practice,

butitcomesdowntoafewthings:aunitedcolor palette, a similar physical scale, andthe more abstract balance of defining themoodthroughparticularpairings.

Artwork is another place whereconversation can take center stage.Displaying art shouldn’t be static—use ittoshareyourinterestsandcuratetheever-changing dialogue between pieces thatmatter to you. Wayne is constantlymovingaroundtheartworkintheirhome.Theyhavea largemapofParishanging inthe living room,buthehadgrown tiredof looking at it sohedecided totape some other artwork over it. This approach to display—as a way ofexploring visual relationships and discovering new things—is a greatreminder not to treat items too preciously. You should live with them,interactwiththem,andenjoythem.

FAVORITEPATTERN

Wayne’sfavoritepatternisaFrenchindigoflammeikatfromtheeighteenthornineteenthcentury,seenonthesidetable.

BREAKITUP

Withinthislivingroomthereareseveralseatingareas.Aleopard-printsofa,inthesamefabricastheottoman,isactuallyinthebackoftheroom.Breakingupsetsisagreatwaytotiethewholeroomtogethervisuallywhilekeepingitfromfeelingtoostuffyorperfect.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Thinkofpatternsinaroomasfriendsorfamily.

Usethesameprintindifferentplacesaroundtheroom.

Pickfabricsthatgetbetterwithage,likelinen.

Drapesmallertextilesoversurfacestoplaywithoutcommitment.

Moveyourartworkaroundtoexploredifferentrelationships.

LIVEYOURSTORYWITHPATTERN

Yourlivingroomisaplacenotjustforconversationbutalsoforactivityand

engagement—aplace to liveyourstory in real time.Youcanshowwhere

you’vebeenandwhat’shappeningnowbykeepingyourdécorenergetic.

KateLoudoun-Shand isacreativedirector living inBrooklyn,NewYork,withherhusbandandthreechildren.ThefamilymovedintotheirBedford-Stuyvesantbrownstoneabout twoyearsago,andwhile theydidrenovate,their home is still evolving as they get settled; one could argue that in adesigner’shome,nothingisevertrulydone.WhileKate’sstorybeginswithherchildhoodintheUnitedKingdomanddesign-careertravelstoIndiaandtheUnited States, it’s also defined by her role as amother.Motion is aconstantwiththreeyoungchildren,sothishomeisallaboutadaptability.Everything is in a state of flux, and design ideas are tested without thepressureofperfection.

Althoughthewhitecouchmayseemimpracticalwithsmallchildren,itissoft,worn in, and ever changing.Nothing canbe toopreciouswith threekids jumpingaround—oneofwhom,perhapsmakingadesigndecisionofher own, embellished the sofa with a ballpoint pen. Kate responded bylaying down an extra textile on the cushion to cover the mark. Thelandscape of the cushions is constantly changing as the kids bring themonto the floor to play. Find a way to make it work by embracing theimperfectionsthatwillcome.

SPOTTINGSPOTS

Pom-poms in the corner, hanging from thecurtain rod, add a playful moment and are anicecomplementtothelongpolka-dotpillowonthecouch,astheseshapesechoeachother.

REPURPOSEIT

Katehasrepurposedanoldsheetasacurtaininherlivingroom.Never discount using a fabric for something other than itsoriginal intention. A sheet can be a curtain, a woven Turkishtowelcanbeathrow,atableclothcanbeputonabed,andsoon.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Pairboldpatternwithboldcolorinsteadofamatchingset.

Repurposefabricsandobjectsfornewneeds.

Createaninformalinspirationboardasartwork.

Adornyourdécorwithunexpectedpersonalaccents.

Letdesignchoiceshappennaturally.

KEEPITFLEXIBLE

A12x16-inch(30.5x40.5cm) pillow is agreat size for a chairasit’ssmallenoughforsomeone to sit with,whereas a large pillowmaybetoobigwhenaguestuses the chair. Ifyou have pillows thatneed to be movedwhen someone comes

Whileasofaisalargerpiecethatisless

intimidating to buy in a solid, armchairsare an easier place to consider pattern.Katechoseamismatchedpair,apracticalchoice, as they can bemoved around tosuit the family’s needs. While one is abold,quirkypatternwithelephantsonit—anodtoherloveofIndia—theotherisa solid red. A bold pattern can hold itsown against a bold color. In this case, ifboth chairs had been reupholstered inthis unique patterned fabric, it wouldn’thave felt as special. Chairs are oftenpulled into the living room from theconnectingdiningspaceaswell.Anextramultipurpose chair comes in handy, andcan also be an opportunity for pattern.Youcanweaveyourownchair seatwiththeseinstructions.

Laserprintoutsareattachedtothewallwithmaskingtapeasthefamilycontinuesto settle in, but I love how these havebecome a fluid informal place to displayinspiration. Temporarily hangingartwork, printouts, wrapping paper,fabrics, and other visually interestingobjectsisagreatwaytotestoutwhatyoulike.

You can easily change other décorelements,suchasyourlamp,byaddingalittle embellishment. One of Kate’schildren snapped a plastic braceletaroundthebaseofalamp,andKatehung

tovisit,consideracutestoragebasketnearby.

pom-poms from its switch. Taking anextramoment to adorn an object allowsyou not only to change the feeling withtime but also to customize somethingmore basic. Consider wrapping jewelry,ribbons,or tassels aroundaknob, lamp,orcurtainrodforaquirkytouch.

“HOWPATTERNSWORKTOGETHERISKINDOFLIKE

A FAMILY—WHO IS THE LOUDEST AND WANTS TODROWN EVERYONE OUT, WHO IS THE GLUE THATHOLDSITALLTOGETHER,WHOISSUBTLEBUTVERYPOWERFUL.”

—KateLoudoun-Shand

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Everypieceyoutrulylove,evenifit’squirky,cansomehowbeusedinyourhome.

Lookforaconnectionbetweenpiecesthatoutwardlydon’tseemtogotogether.

Searchforoneof-a-kindpieces.

Learnwhatmakesaplaceunique.

Temperhand-me-downswithpatternsthatspeaktoyou.

BALANCEYOURSTORY

If making constant design decisions isn’t your style, consider a more

balancedapproach.HarperPoe isthecreative forcebehindProudMary,a

lineofethicallymadehomeandapparelitemswithanethnic,modern,and

simplestyle.Abouttenyearsago,HarperquitherjobinNewYorkCityand

wenttoSouthAmericawithHabitatforHumanity.Whenshereturned,she

wasso inspiredby thepeopleand textiles there that shedecided tostart

herownlinerootedin“pridenotpity”fortheartisanswhomakeheritems.

She and her partner Constantine rent asecond-floor apartment on the peninsulaofCharleston, SouthCarolina, and havemade it a cozy and eclectic space.Wanderlustisinherheart,andherhomeis a visual diary of her collected travels.Harper has lived all over the world, butshegrewupintheSouth,soherrootsarethere. She’s been given many traditionalfamily pieces and loves to mix colorfultextiles, random folk art, and crafts tobalancethemout.Inthelivingroomsitsapink armchair with a small-scale featherprintthatbelongedtohermother.Harperhas thought of reupholstering it manytimes, as it’s not something she wouldhave chosen for herself. In another setting it could be all wrong, butcombinedwithherblanketfromLesotho,itispartofamix.Harperlovesto share the storyof theherderboyswhomake theseblankets, gatheringthewoolanduniquelyembroideringeachone.SheboughtthisonefromaboyinthecapitalcityofMaseru.

When Harper travels, she is not looking for souvenirs; instead she

becomes invested in the place she visits. Knowing the story behind thepieces she brings home gives them weight and importance that are thentranslatedintohowshedisplaysthem.

CALMWARMHUES

Thewallcolorofsoftclayvergingonmauveisagreatexampleofhowwarmcolorscanbecalm.Oftenwethinkofthemasmoreexciting,butitreallycomesdowntothatsubtlemixofhue,value,andintensity.

STYLEIT THESOFA

Let’stakeamomenttogetspecificandlookatsomeofthekeypiecesthat

willmake your living room shine. Generally every living room has a sofa.

Mostoftenit’sasolidcolor,makingitaperfectfocalpointtostartbuilding

onyourstory throughpattern,usingpillowsand throws.Focusingonone

pieceisachievableandcangiveyouotherideasfortherestoftheroom.

TAKEITFURTHER

If you find a patterned fabric you’re crazy about, considercoveringanassortmentofdifferent-sizepillows in it for impact.It’s a notch up from a tonal textured-pattern look, but morecleanandmodernthanaheavypattern-mixingconcept.

PATTERNLIGHT

Thinkaboutpatternasaddingtextureandsubtletonalinterest.Herethelong,narrowpillowacrossthemiddleofthecouchmakesanunexpectedlayout,whichbreaksupthequietmonochrome.Thinkaboutproportionsasaformofpattern,too.Aroundbolsterworksinthesameway.

TWO 22 X 22-INCH (56 X 56CM)PILLOWS WITH ONE LONGER ORUNIQUEPILLOWINTHEMIDDLE

TWO 24 X 24-INCH (61 X 61CM)PILLOWSWITHONE16X20-INCH(40.5X 51CM) PILLOW AND ONE 18 X 18-INCH(45.5X45.5CM)PILLOWINFRONT

TWO 24 X 24-INCH (61 X 61CM)PILLOWSWITHTWO18X18-INCH(45.5X45.5CM)PILLOWSINFRONT

TWO 24 X 24-INCH (61 X 61CM)PILLOWSWITHTWO16X20-INCH(40.5X51CM)PILLOWSINFRONT

TWO 22 X 22-INCH (56 X 56CM)PILLOWSWITHTWO16X16-INCH(40.5X40.5CM)PILLOWSINFRONT

ONE24X24-INCH(61X61CM)PILLOWPAIREDWITHONE16X16-INCH(40.5X40.5CM)PILLOWONONESIDEOFTHECOUCH AND ONE LARGER 20 X 20-INCH (51 X 51CM) PILLOW ON THEOTHERSIDE

PILLOWPROPORTIONS

Decorativepillowsandthrowsareagreatwaytoaddpatternandchangethefeelingofa roomwithoutmuch investmentof timeand finances. First consider the sizeofyourcouch.Astandardsofaistypically6to8feet(1.8to2.4m)long,whichiswhatwe’reworkingwith in these looks. Three to six pillows is generally a good number;morethanthatisn’tpractical.WiththecouchI’mstyling,therearenobackcushions,sowewentwithfivepillowstomakeitcomfier.IfyouhaveanextendedorL-shapedcouch, you’ll have more room to play with and can use more than six pillows,dependingonthesizeofthesofa.

Pairs of pillows give amore traditional look,whereas an odd number feels a bitmoremodern.Oversizecushionsaround24to26inches(61to66cm)squareseemmorecasual;Iloveusingthemasfloorcushionsinapinch!Afewlargerpillowslookcleanerandmoreimpactfulthanabiggerassortmentofsmallerpillows.Ifyourcouchisdeeper,youcangowith largerpillows; if it’s longeryoucanhavemorepillows,asyou’llbeseatingmorepeople.Isuggesttestingoutsomedifferentpillowsizestoseewhat works. Consider bringing your standard and Euro sham pillows from thebedroomintothelivingroomjusttoseewhattheylooklikebeforebuyinganything.

PATTERNMEDIUM

Tobuildonthispatterning,let’slookatmixingpatternswitharefinedneutralpaletteelevatedbytheadditionofafewvaryingshadesofbluevergingongreen.Allofthepillowsherearedifferent,buttheymaintainaunifyingthreadofcolor,whichtiesthislooktogether.Thepatternsincludesmallandgraphic,vintageindigo,loosepaintsplatters,modernfloral,andaclassicstripe.Thematically,there’sareferencetoasoftcoastalscene,butthat’scomingprimarilyfromthecolorpalette.Bylimitingcolor,youreallycanmixjustaboutanythingyouwantanditwilllookprettyfantastic.Remembertomixup

mixjustaboutanythingyouwantanditwilllookprettyfantastic.Remembertomixupthescaleandtypesofpatterns.

PATTERNHEAVY

Forafull-onpattern-mixversion,we’reexpandingthecolorpaletteandplayinguptheuseofathrow.I’vecoveredthebackofthesofawithavintagekanthaquilt,andtheseatofthesofawithaMoroccanrug.Thekanthaquiltbecomesthebasisforthecolorpalette;therestofthepiecestakecuesfromitsmulticoloredscheme,pullingoutthegray,softblue,andfadedcoral.Thetrianglepatternisthenextstep.Thelargescalecontrastsnicelyagainsttheintricateprintonthekanthaquiltandprovidesavisualbreak,allowingsmallerscalepatternstobelayeredinfrontwithoutcompeting.Theikatand

allowingsmallerscalepatternstobelayeredinfrontwithoutcompeting.Theikatandembroideredpillowscomplementeachotherandreadsimilarlyfromadistance,butupclose,eachhasitsownpersonality.

THROWSTYLE

Goboldbycarefullytuckingordrapingathroworlargertextileonyourcouch.Throwscanbeusedinavarietyofways,notonlydrapedalongthesideofyourcouch(FIG.1).Cover thebottomsofacushionsand tuck in the fabric fora tailoredpatternedseat(FIG.2).Alternatively,trydrapingthethrowalongthetopofthesofa(FIG.3),orconsiderplacingitacrossthecenterofthecouchfromthetopbackdowntothebottomoftheseat (FIG. 4). This is a greatway to get the look of an upholstered patterned piecewithoutthecommitmentorexpense.Toachievethislook,keepthesizeandstyleofyoursofa inmind.A tailoredsofawillbeeasiest tostyleasyoucantuck the throwcleanly;aheavier-weightthrowwillstayinplacebest.

(FIG.1)

(FIG.2)

(FIG.3)

(FIG.4)

KNOWYOURSTUFF(ING)

Typically,pilloworcushioninsertsshouldtobe2inches(5cm)biggerthanthecoversizeforafull look.Whenswitchingcovers,besuretomeasurethe insert;don’t justreadthetagforthesize.Thefillmakesabigdifferencewithcomfort,anditcanbevery subjective. Personally, I think down-feather blends are the most luxurious, butthere are many other options on the market. Some hypoallergenic choices includefiberfill,recycledfiberfill,buckwheat,horsehair,andwool.Kapokhasbeenseenmoreoftenrecentlyasanaturaloptiononline,butit’shighlyflammable.Doyourresearchandtrytogetyourhandsonthefillinpersonandtestitfirst.

STYLEIT RUGS

Rugscanpulltogetherthelivingroom.Theydefineandshapeitinavariety

of ways. They can create separate areas within one space [Sway Studio

livingroom]or illuminateapaththroughaspace [JennyKeenanhallway].

Large rugs help unite a room by visually bringing together all of the

elements,whereasusingsmallerrugscandivideordefineaspace[Wendy

Wurtzburger Bentley living room]. Rugs, like artwork, can be the

centerpieceofaroom.Theyarealsoaninvestment;thisistheplacetolook

forsomethingthatyoujustcan’tstopthinkingabout.

COLORANDSCALEINRUGS

Colorisalsoimportanttoconsiderwhenchoosingapattern,especiallyonethatwillcoveralargearealikethefloor.Lighter-coloredrugswillopenupthespace,buttheycanbehardertokeepclean.Darkerrugswillfeelcozyandrich.Amidtone isalwaysagoodoption,as it’sbetterforhidingdirt.Overallsmall-tomedium-sizepatternswillalsohelphidedirt,pethair,andstains,andthuscanbemorepracticalthansolids.

Consider how much of your rug is going to be covered by furniture. If not much will show, consider asimplerpattern. If youhaveagoodamountofarea, amore intricateor large-scalepatternmakes sense.Besuretovarythescalesofyouraccessoriestoplayagainstthepatternsizeyouuseontherug.

Yourrugcanbethebasisfortheroom'scolorscheme.Pulloutcolorstouseonyourwalls,accessories,andfurnituretohelpeverythingfeelcohesive.Focusonthesubtleneutralsforthemajorityofcolorsintheroom,thenpickupontheaccentswiththeaccessorieslikepillowsandlamps.

DESIGNERTIP

Whenitcomestopickingtherightsizerug,takethisadvicefrominteriordesignerCaitlinFlemming:“Measureyourspaceandsofa.Myruleisthattherugshouldbeatleastafewincheslargerthanthesofaonbothends.But,ifyoufallinlovewithonethatistoosmall,don’tfret,youcanalwayslayerit.Also,it’simportanttobeconsistent:youeitherwantallofyourfurnitureontherugorallofitofftherug.Pickoneandstickwithit!”

I’vepulledtogethereightrug-layeringlooksfromStudioFourNYC.Myruleofthumbis

toletyourbottomrugbebasicsotheaccentrugontopcanhavefullimpact.

(FIG.1)TEXTUREDGEOMETRICWITHASHAGGYBERBER

(FIG. 2) CHUNKY SISAL WITHHONEYCOMB GEO AND A CLASSICSTRIPE

(FIG. 3) VINTAGE AND SOLID DHURRIEMIX

(FIG. 4) SMALL-SCALE SPOT WITHABSTRACTANIMAL

(FIG.5)WOVENGEOMETRICWITHSOFTMULTICOLOREDCHEVRON

(FIG. 6) BRIGHT TEXTURED WOVENWITHABSTRACTTUFTING

(FIG.7)STRIPEONSTRIPE

(FIG. 8)TINYCONTRASTINGGEOWITHTONAL-PATTERNEDDHURRIE

RUGMIXINGANDLAYERING

Whenusingmultiplerugs,youwanteachtohaveitsownpersonality,buttheyshouldallrelate,muchlikewhenyouplaywithpillowmixing.Layeringrugsisagreatwaytoadddifferentpatternsandcolorstomakeyourfloorreallyinteresting.It’saneclecticlook,butitcanbemademoretraditional.Forexample,anOrientalrugontopofasisalrug isaveryclassiccombo. It’salsoagreatwaytosavea little,assisalrugsare lessexpensivethanhand-knottedvintagefinds.Ifyouwantsomethingmorerelaxed,considerlayeringaflat-weavedhurrieunderacowhiderug.Testoutdifferentcombinationsandplacements.

Tryusingtwosmallerrugsandlayerthemslightlyoffsetsothattheyjustoverlapeachother.Thisisagreatwaytogetthelookofalargerrugbutallowformorecontrastandcustomization.Itcanmakeonerugyou’vehadforawhile looknewandgiveyouflexibility tochangethingsup.Hereyou’ll justneedtotap in toyourpattern-mixingskillsbychoosingonesthatsittogetherbutdon’tcompete.

If you have wall-to-wall carpet, you can still layer accent rugs in certain areas to define purpose, like aseparate smaller seatingarea.Flat-weaverugsarenice for layeringas theyhaveadifferent texture than thetuftedorloopedconstructionyou’llusuallyseeinwall-to-wallcarpet.

DININGSPACES

COOKING AND dining as a familywas an important part ofmy childhoodanddefinitely shapedwho I am today.Achildof restaurateurs, as I grewolderandworkedasafoodrunnerIrealizedwhatanartistmyfatherwas.Plating the food was a form of composition—the color, placement, andpatterningcreatedanappetizingartspread,readytobeeaten.

Inthehouse,ournightlydinnershadclothnapkins,heirloomsilverware,anddelicioushome-cookedmeals.Specialoccasionscalledforchina,hand-paintedwith violets and gold, lace tablecloths, and embroidered napkins.My parents’ restaurant is open most holidays, so Thanksgiving dinnershappened late at night, with an assortment of friends and staff membersjoiningourtable.Oneyearwemadeabigbuffetandateintherestaurant,rewarming the apple pie by the fire. No matter the occasion, my momwouldalways insistonmatchingplacemats andnapkins.Now inmyownhome,Icanappreciatethesignificanceoftheselittlechoicesinmakingthemealtimespecial.Whenshebroughtoutchina, shewasn’t justdecoratingthetable,butshewasalsospeakingtoherheritagewiththesefamilypieces.Whilesomepeoplenolongeroptforchina,Ilovetheromanceofit.Whenmyhusbandand Ipickedours, I realized it symbolizes the significanceofstartingalifetogetherandwelcomingotherstoyourhomewithyourownaestheticidentity.

Ultimatelytheheartofanyhomeisthediningspaces.It’sembeddedwithdailymemories, love, and joy.Whether it’s an eat-inkitchenor a formaldiningroom,thisistheplacewherewegathertocelebratetheeverydayaswell as the special events. Community, sharing, and enjoyment arehallmarkshere, too, so look tocreate aversatile environment that invitesthese gatherings.Setting the table gives you flexibility andopportunity totrynewthingsandchangethemood.Theroom’sbiggerpictureshouldbeversatile enough toaccommodate allmannerof events.Thinkof it as theplace setting thatholdsyourmeal.Let looseabit, asyou’ll constantlybechangingitup.

SHOWYOURHISTORY

Yourpersonalhistory isperhapsmosteasilydisplayed inthediningroom,

as there are plenty of opportunities for it to be represented. Family

heirloomscanbeusedforeverydaymealsordisplayedonshelvesoronthe

walls. While speaking to your heritage is a natural choice, you can also

expressyourmorepersonalhistoryandthatoffoodaswell.

You may remember Nick and Rachel Cope’s open-plan apartment fromtheircontrastedlivingroom.Onceagain,theyhavechosentousepatterntocarveoutthediningspace,thistimeinamoreabstractwaythatspeakstotheirhistoryasacouple.Earlyintheirrelationship,theirmutualinterestindesign and interiors, and respect for how each had decorated theirrespectiveapartments,wassomethingthatmadethemcloser.Todayalltherooms in their home are filledwith eclectic objects that carry interestingstoriesandpersonalmemoriesandgiveasenseoftheirsharedviewoftheworld. Mixing more functional plates and glasses with artwork, books,curiosities,andvariouscollectionsmakesthisfeelmorepersonal.Havingafew favorites out, or rotating what’s on display, is a way to keep yourkitchen looking fresh.Thepatterningof theseobjects is a greatbackdropfor any occasion. They often use simple striped linens for daily meals,keepingtheoverallfeelingcalm.

In addition to thismore table-centereddining area,Nick andRachel also

haveabreakfastbarintheirkitchen.Thepatterningbelowthecounterisamodularsystemofflatwoodentilesthatcanbeslidintoplace,createdbyafriend and local designer, and it underscores their involvement in theBrooklyndesigncommunity.Themedium-scalepatternhasenoughweighttobecomeafocalpoint,butitdoesn’tcompetewiththeothervisualsintheopenfloorplan.Sincethespaceiscentralandvisiblefromotherrooms,thekitchen uses pattern to relate with the rest of the house. The wood isstainedinasoftgreen,blue,andblack,butthewoodgraincomesthroughslightly to soften the geometric design. Pattern here provides personalitythatrelateswiththeirlivingspace.

THEDETAILS

In the kitchen, line your cabinets and drawers with patternedpaper, change the knobs on your cabinet, or bring in artwork.Takecuesfromotherroomsinyourhometomakeyourspacemorepersonal.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Useopenshelvingoracredenzatodisplayobjectsofmeaning.Theycanbeplatesanddishes—ortheydon’tneedtorelatetodiningatall.

Patterncanbeexpressedinthearrangementofobjects.

Letcollectionsandsmallgroupingsshinebykeepingthebackdropsoft.

Looktobringpieceswithhistoryintoyourspace.Atablecreatedfromavintagedoorlayeredwithpaintissomuchmorepersonalandexcitingthansomethingpickedupatabigboxstore.

Gathering arounda table reinforces the

importanceoffamily.Gettingtogethertoeat isa traditionwith thousandsofyearsbehind it. It is the best way to celebrateboth the everyday moments and ourlovedones.

Huy Bui is an entrepreneur, designer,and artist working in New York City.Before studying architecture at ParsonsSchoolofDesign,Huyworkedinfinancefor six years. Now he is the founder ofPlant-in City, a design company thatmerges architecturewith the adaptabilityof plant life. Huy also cofounded AnChoi,aVietnameseeateryinNewYork’sLower East Side, with his brother.Celebratingwithfoodispartofhislife.

Huy’sBrooklynstudioapartmentisfilledwithcuriositiesanditemsthatholdmeaningforhim.Thecenterofthediningspaceisatablemadefromarepurposedtwentieth-centurydoorthatwasusedatAnChoibeforeitsbarwas built. The table has seen countless birthdays and family meals, andbringing ithomeisHuy’sreminderofallof itsprevious lives,makingthememoriespresentandmeaningful.

Huy has kept the bones of his dining area neutral, as it’s a studioapartment and everything is open. Huy patterned his walls with framedburlapbags, a great exampleofhow text can act as apattern andbring astory intoaspace.He foundthesebagsat theBrimfieldAntiqueShowinMassachusetts; theirhistorydatesback to earlynineteenth century,whenthey were the primary way of storing food. Although referencing foodhistory canquicklybecomecheesy, take a cue from this space,where it’sexecuted with sophistication. Instead of a big tomato painting, you maywant to display a homemade tomato sauce recipe handwritten by your

grandmother, or perhaps you’ll find a creative way to turn labels fromcannedtomatoesintoartorevenrepurposethejarsthemselves.

DISPLAYYOURARTISTRY

Michelle Armas’s bright personality is on display in her dining area.

Entertaining is part of her nature, and she keeps the space colorful and

adaptabletomakepeoplecomfortable.Thefoundationofthisspace,awood

tableandwovenleatherchairs,couldbepairedwithanything.Byhanging

herpaintingsover thepaneling inanuntraditionalway, theenergyof the

room is buoyant and vivacious, encouraging feasting, laughter, and

conversation.Youcanbreakruleswhenhangingartwork;justgetitupand

enjoyit—youcanalwaysmoveitlater.

WhileMichellecreatesalightheartedspacethroughart,SallyKingBenedictuses artwork to create a darker environment meant for lingering at thetable.

Weight and breeziness are balanced in Sally’s paintings, and she hascreatedadiningspace thatvisualizes thatbalanceaswell.Thissmall tablenearthefrontofthehomeisacozyspotwhereshe,herhusband,andtheirtoddler sonoften eat theirmeals. It’s a spot that theywant tobe able toenjoywiththeirson,butalsounwindtogetherafteralongday.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Makeartworkthefocus,andgobigandcolorful.

Artworkcanalsoprovidecluesforhowtocomposetheroom.

Ifyoudon’thavelarge-scaleartwork,considerpaintingthewallsaboldcolor,usingwallpaper,orevenpaintinganabstractmuralbystampingorstencilinganeasilyrepeatedshapeontothewall.

Aprintedfabriccantietogetheranabstractpatterningconcept,suchasthearrangementofyourdiningroomchairs.

Thebluesandgreensinthisdiningroom

painting are cool and deep, almost as ifyou could fall into them, but hints ofsienna and yellow feel earthy andgrounding. This painting is a greatexampleof how color canhavedifferentassociativemeanings.Inthisconcentratedarea,thesecolorsopposeoneanotherbyreferencing water and land, liquid andsolid. When balancing elements in aroom, consider the visual impact of acolor and how its associations can lendweightanddepthtoanarea.Whiteareasadd luminosity and accentuate thecontrast between depth and groundingforces. Sally’s paintingdraws you in andsets the thoughtful mood of the entirediningarea.

This same balance comes through in three-dimensional patterningthroughoutthefurniture.TheKuba-clothpillowsonthetwoleatherchairsform an abstract pattern that is a basis for the composition. The patternpicksuponthenegativespacecreatedbythelegsofthechairsagainsttheblackwallsaswellasthewarmsiennatonesofthewoodandleatherchairs.By keeping the color palette tight, the eye is able to easily make theseconnections between a traditional idea of pattern and abstract execution.Alongside the dramatic spot of rich colors, Sally keeps the room frombecoming too moody by adding some lighter elements, like the whitelampshade,strawbasket,andpottedminipalm.

“COMPOSITION BEGINS WITH THE FUNDAMENTALSOFHARMONY.IFYOUHAVEAGRASPONTHAT,YOUCANMAKEANYSTYLELOOKGOOD.”

—SallyKingBenedict

ELEVATEEVERYDAY

Creating balancewithin a dining space is all aboutmaking one that can

servetheeverydayaswellasthespecialoccasion.

The eat-in kitchen at Wayne Pate andRebeccaTaylor’s Brooklynbrownstone ismeant to be friendly and comfortable sotheycanenjoy time therewith their threechildren and theirHavanese dog.A large,worn wood table anchors the room andshowssmallindicationsofthefunthathasbeen had here: meals, painting, and crafttimealike!

The patterning in this space isthoughtful and calming, creating a cozyvibethatelevatesitbeyondthetypicaleat-in kitchen. Bringing an armchair into thespace helps make the room feel morerelaxedandencouragespeopletogetcomfortable.Seatcushionsonchairsaround the table are another great way to bring in warmth. The patternaroundtheroomdrawsyouinandbegsyoutostay,butitisverypractical,too. The tiled floor in white, blue-gray, and black is much more easilycleanedthanarug,anditalsohidesdirtandcrumbsbetterthanasolid.Iftilingyour floor isn’t anoption, consider a flat-weaveor indoor/outdoor-style rug,which ismucheasier toclean thana tufted rug.Evenpatternedseatcushionsareamorepracticalchoicethansolidsforthesamereasons.Thesearebeautifulandlivablesolutionsforabusy,creativefamily!

Another way to elevate a casual or utilitarian space is with artwork.We’vediscussedhowitcandefinethemoodofaspace,butitalsocanbeimportant in balancing.The art on thewall is somethingWayne recentlypaintedand tapedupover apreviously framedpiece.With its large scale

andbrightcolors,itbecomesafocalpoint,whiletheothersmallerpatternsintheroombecomesupportingelements.Thebrightbluesandgreensplayofftheexistingpalettebutpopbecausetheyareamoreintenseexpressionofcolor.

Elsewhere inBrooklyn,we visit a family that uses amore formal dining

space every day.KikiDennis designed this dining room so that it wouldhave flexibility to vacillate between an elegant dinner party and everydayuse.Thisroom’sriverviewwastheinspiration.Kikiwantedtoemphasizethisserenesenseofplaceandstartedbybringing inwallpaper.Thesubtlereflectedrepeatofthepatternmimicsthemovementsofwater—coloralonecouldn’t achieve the same effect on this space. A large soothing visualelement like this can both unify an elegant area and give a relaxed vibe,allowing it to transform as needed for any occasion. This goes back tocreatingyour foundation.Thewalls and large surfacesof a roomcreate abackdropforeverythingelseyouputinit.Usingpatternonasurfacelikethisunifiesitbytellingyoureyetoviewthisasonespace.Inthisroom,it’sa pattern that feels sophisticated because of the way it repeats and theintricatedetails,butit’salsorelaxedbecauseofthecolorandreferencestowater.It’saflexiblepatternthatcantilteitherwaybasedonwhat’spairedwithit.Ifyouchooseaformalpatternwithmoretraditionalroots,suchasanornatepaisley,youcanmakeitseemmoreinformalbybringingincasualfurniture that feels more fun. Remember when you choose to go withcontrasting styles, however, there needs to be one thread that ties themtogether,andcolorisaneasyroutetogo.Yourbackdropunitesthespace,andaccessoriescaneitherharmonizeorcontrasttocreatebalance.

Kikihungalargebrassplatterthatbelongedtothehomeowner’sfathertocreateafocalpointintheroom.Thisplattermakestheroommoreelegant,but it’s offset by a rustic table. Like the pattern on the wallpaper, thefurnitureisamixofcasualandrefined.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Bringcozyfurnitureintoacasual,utilitarianspacetoencouragelounging,oralternatively,mixmorecasualpiecesintoaformalspace.

Choosealarge-scalepatterntosetthetoneofaroomanduseitasabackdroptobuildon.

Usepatternforpracticality,coveringareasthatmaygetdirtyquicklyandmakingthemfeelmorerefinedallatthesametime.

Lookforinterestingshapestocreatethree-dimensionalpatterningwithyourlighting,accessories,andfurniture.

Whensettingthetableforanoccasion,changethemoodorrefineitwiththeuseofaccessories.

AcrossthecountryinSanFrancisco,we

visited another dining space built foradaptability. Sway Studio created thisbreakfastnook—theperfectspottoenjoyacupofcoffeeonafoggy,graymorning.While itsmain purpose is a casual placefor solo meals and quieter moments, ithas the sophistication needed forentertaining,too.Thissmallspacedoesn’thave room for too much display, sopatterningbrings in thepersonal touchesand defines the mood. Carefully chosenaccessories, lighting, and furniture createthree-dimensional patterns, while thesimple black-and-white textiles on theblinds and in the framecreate a senseofsophisticated, clean calm. The patternsare geometric coordinate prints that cango with anything, and they are a greatlayer that complements any table linensorotherpatterningbroughtinwithaccessorieswhensettingthetableforaparty. This room feels perfect as is for quiet moments, but it can alsohandleaboldtableclothforaspecialoccasion.Themoodcanberefinedoralteredjustwithaccessories.Thetriangularmotifonthechairsplaysofftherugpattern,andthebrownflatweavegiveswarmthtothisneutralpalette.Theneutralbaseisthengivenafemininetouchofsoftpink.

INDOORSANDOUTDOORS

Dining is often an activity enjoyed outdoors. Dining is inherently about

bringing theoutdoors inwith the fresh foodweeat, so itmakes sense to

alsobringtheindoorsout.

Wendy Wurtzburger Bentley and her husband Chris love to entertain.While they’ve raised two boys who have left home, they still have fourlovingdogsroamingthepropertyandarealwayshostingfriendsandfamily.They’ve filled theirhome,both indoors andout,with spots to gather fordrinks,meals,andconversation.Avidcollectors,thecouplehasbuiltupahugeassortmentofdishes,bowls,mugs,andglasses.Layeringtheseinnewwaysisalwaysontheiragenda.

“HAPPINESS IS THE NEW ENERGY CREATED BYMIXING THINGS WE LOVE: ART, OBJECTS, PRINTS,NATURE,COLLECTIONS!”

—WendyWurtzburgerBentley

Nature is always finding its way

into the house. In their diningroom, a vine grows through thewallandpopsoutofacabinettheyuse tostoredishes. It’seasy toseewhy it’s one of Wendy’s favoritethings.Butthecouplealsolovestobring their indoorpiecesoutdoorsfor an element of the unexpected.Ahedgedalcoveintheirgardenisaperfect spot for setting up anintimate dinner party duringwarmermonths.Youcanuseyourbackyard, patio, or deck; if youdon’t have your own personaloutdoor space, consider bringingfolding furniture and textiles to a park for an elevated picnic. Explorepatterns that referencenature tokeep the feelingeclectic.Layer fabrics tocreate the right size tablecloth, andmix china andcasualmelaminepiecestogether.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Letnaturebeapartofyourmeals,fromwhereyou’reseatedandthefoodyou’reeatingtoflowersonthetableandchinapatternsthatreferenceit.

Bringindoorfurnitureoutdoorsforadinnerparty—it’sunexpectedandfun.

Surroundyourdiningspacewithplantsandlettheiruniqueshapesactaspatterninamoreminimalenvironment.

Mixtextilestocreateatableclothifyoudon’thavetherightsize,andlayerthemoverchairsanddisplaythemonthewalls.

HarperPoealsolovestocollectandbringnatureinside.She’smadeither

career to connectwithpeople fromallover theworld and fromdifferentwalksof life, andher space reflects that.Her space showsoffher loveoftravelandaneasygoing,no-fussvibe.

Thebluehutch,afamilypiece,hasbeenpairedwithmementosfromhertravels.Her collection is built on objects found over time thatmake herhappy.TheantlersarefromheryearsinNewYork,foundatathriftstoreinBrooklyn;thebasketwaspickedupinGuatemala;thetasselsarefromamarketinasacredvalleyofPeru;thecamel,withatraditionalGuatemalanikat fabric, is fromChichicastenangomarket; the llamacomesfromLima;thewoodenfrogwasagiftfromafriendinBali;andtheframedtextileisacollagefromCharlestonartistKarinOlah.Eachpieceexpressesherglobalcitizenship.

This roomhas anoutdoor-patiovibe; plants become sculpturalpatternwithin the space.Bring theoutdoors in. Create an indoorgarden and reference spaces thathave an urban garden feeling.Consider how tiles, plants, andtextiles can create a sense of placeevenwhenused sparingly.Apalmor cactus can add liveliness andmovement.

STYLEIT SETTINGTHETABLE

Setting the table is theeasiestway tochangeaspace tomarkoccasions,

from everyday dinners to fall feasts and buffet brunches.Nomatterwhat

spaceyouhave,andhowyou’vebuiltthefoundation,theplatesandpieces

you bring to the table will shape the story and lead and encourage

celebration.

GOVINTAGE

Scouringfleamarkets,estateoryardsales,andonlineauctionsisagreatwaytofindchinaatareasonableprice.Collectvintagechinaindifferentpatternsbutasimplecolorpalette,likeblueandwhite,andseehowthepiecesaccumulateovertime.

EVERYDAYDINNER

Lifegetssobusythatmakingtimetositdownfordinneronaregularbasiscangetlost.Sincethedinnertableisagreatplacetocatchupwithyourfamilyandlovedones,itneedstoevokeamoodthatiscasual,classic,andsimple tokeep the focuson thecompany.Youdon’tneedanyextra fuss after a longday.The styled lookswithinthenextfewpagesaren’tnecessarilyatraditionaltablesetting,soyoucaninterpretthisconceptinmanyways.Acolorpaletteofsoftneutralswithsubtlepurple-grays,creamywhites,natural linen,canvas,anddeepblacksgroundseverything.Theblacktoneisusedsolelyinthetextilesthataresoftandwashed,whichkeepsitfrom feeling too slick. If you’d like to use black ceramics, think about matte finishes or rich glazes onearthenwareorterra-cotta.Keepthe linenssimpleandpartnertwoorthreepatternsthatcoordinate,alongwithastripedortexturedwovenplacemat.Ifyouhavemultiplelinenoptionsthatareinthesamecolorfamily,you can switch themout on different nights, depending onwhat is clean, ormix them.Use your everydayplates,glassware,andsilverware.Addtonalpatternedsaladplatesorbowls.

BRUNCHBUFFET

Acasualbrunchismyfavoritemealtohost,sinceyoucankeepthingseasybylettingguestsservethemselves.Here theaim is tocreateanenvironment that is rich,playful, andcheerful,usingamulticoloredpaletteasabase.Usepatternednapkinstorollupsilverwareandmakeiteasyforyourgueststograbeverythingtheyneedatonce.Mixandmatchallofyourdifferentnapkinsforafunandfestivelook.

Trytohaveacolorfromonenapkinpresent inanotherpatternyou’remixingtounitethem,as I’vedoneherewiththepinkandblue.Yourservingpiecescanbeanassortmentofwhatyouhaveonhand.Considerwoodenbowls,handmadeceramics,andoven-to-tablecasseroledishes.Thiseclecticassortmentwilllookgreatwhenpairedwithpatternedsideplatesandassortedmugs.

FALLFEAST

When youwant to up the sophistication factor for a festive fall feast or another special occasion, considerlimitingyourcolorpaletteandmixingpatterns.I’mabigfanofsettingthetablewithyourchinafrequently;whyelse have it? To keep it from feeling overworked, however, temper it with some more casual pieces andmodernpatterns.Elegantbuteaseful,vintagechinaplaysnicelywithhand-thrownstonewareandporcelain.Tokeepthisblue-and-whitepalettefromfeelingtootraditional,I’veaddedaccentsofruby,whichfeelunexpected.Alongside the classic porcelain is a mix of pieces from contemporary ceramicists. These bowls have moregeometricandloosepainterlydesigns,helpingtomodernizethewholelook.Lastly,thelinensareshibori-dyed,whichgivethewholesettingasubtlebohemianfeel.

WHERETOPATTERN

Knowingwhattokeepsolidandwheretoputpatterndoesn’tneedtobecomplicated.Asyou’veseenonthelastfewpages,yourtablelinensarealsoaveryeasywaytoaddpatternandchangethelook.Sinceyouchangethemsofrequently,it’sanobviouschoice,butwhenitcomestoyourdishesthinkpractically:keepyourdinnerplates white, as you’ll use them every day and they should coordinate with everything—not to mention itmakes food looknicer, and chipswill be less visible. Patternedpieces are your accessories. Saladordessertplates,mugs,andbowlsaregreatplacestoreallygoforit.Oftenyoucanfinduniquesetsinwhicheachpiecehasavariationonacommontheme,oryoucanbuildyourownsetbykeepingwithinacolorpalette.Startwithjustafewpiecestogetanideaofwhatyoureallylikebeforecommitting.Otheritemstoconsiderincludeyourservingpiecesanddecorativeaccessoriessuchaspitchers,candlesandcandleholders,oven-to-tabledishes,andvases.

HAVEACUP

Mugsaretheperfectplacetoexpressthepersonalitiesofyourfamily.Don’tworryaboutmatchingsetshere!Mixcasualcoffeemugswithmoreelegantteacupsifthatsuits.Goforuniquepiecesandbuildapatternedcollectionasvariedasyourinterestsandthoseyoulivewith.

SPACESTOTHINK

WHILESOME areasof thehomeareclearlydefinedwithroomsdevoted tothem,othersmustbecarvedout.Yourneedsareunique,andso, too,arethespaceswithinyourhome.Oneplacethat isn’tpredefinedisanareatothinkanddream.Whetherit’salibrary,areadingnook,anartstudio,orahome office, having a space set up for working, reading, and thinking isimportant.We’ll lookatarangeofsolutions,asthissortofareacantakeon so many different aspects and shapes, and it evolves as your needschange.

Therearen’talwaysobviousrulesorsetups,soyou’llhavetomakeyourown depending onwhat you needmost of all. Youmust know yourself.Thinkaboutwhatmakesyouproductive,whattypeofenvironmentyougetyourbest ideas in,howyouliketowork,andwhatencouragesyoutodoso.

NotthatlongagoIranmybusinessoutofourtwo-bedroomapartment,using the secondbedroomasmyoffice.Business grew, and for awhile ittookover,whichmademysetupfeelmorelikelivingatworkthanworkingat home. Iwas dyeing fabrics in the bathtub, storing onehundredpillowinsertsinthebedroom,andprocessingshipmentsoutofthelivingroom.Itwasn’tthebestsituation.TodayIhaveaseparatestudiospace,butIstilldoneed thinking space at home, too. My husband now uses the secondbedroom as his office, andmy area is a corner of the couch next to ourcoffee table where I like to curl up and read, break out my paints andsketch,andevenwrotethisbook.Sometimesit’seasierformetoworkoncertainthingsoutofthestudiospacebecauseitgivesmeafreshperspectiveandfewervisualdistractions.

Nomatterthesizeofyourhome,youcanfindaspot.Perhapsit’saspacethatalreadyexists,butyoucanfindnewenergytherebydefiningit.Lookaround your home for the opportunities. It may be that there are spaceconstraintsandyouneedanarea that’sadaptableandcanbetuckedawaywhen not in use, or you may be lucky enough to have an entire room.Whatever it is, find that spot and define it. Pattern is a key tool in suchspaces,andhere it shouldbeaboutyour inspiration,dreams,anddesires.This is aplace to try somewhimsy, go for theunexpected, and surroundyourselfwithwhateverexcitesyoumost!

YOUROWNLIBRARY

Alibraryfeelsluxuriousandevenromantic.Ifyoudon’thaveone,theidea

isstillperfectinspirationforathinkingspace.We’lllookatthreehomesthat

playontheideaofalibrary.Allaresetupforworkaswellasinspiration.

BrianPaquettecreatedahomeofficeandlibraryforhisclientthatisbothmasculine and serious, butwith a fancifulwink.Thebirch-treewallpaperprovidesanOldWorldvibewithjustahintofwhimsythatisperfectforaroommeanttoinspire.Italsogivesheighttotheroom,drawingtheeyeuptoward the ceiling. Bringing in a pattern that speaks to storytelling andimaginationisafunwaytobalanceoutamoreseriousspace.Ifyouwanttomix it in without skewing too young, include elements such as a sturdyleather chair, geometric pillow, and traditional tufted rug to ground thespace. Neutral colors and hints of blue and muted coral verging on claymaintainthesophistication.

Whilewealldon’thavethespaceforatruelibraryofourown,asmall

readingnookisaneasyalternative.Everyoneneedsaspacetocurlupwithabook,andanupholsteredchair istheperfectplacetostart.Designatethisarea as your thinking space and surround itwith the things youneed. Inphotographer Emily Johnston’s apartment, bookshelves create a minilibrary,therebydefininganook.Thesolidchairbecomesthefocalpointbybringinginpatternwithadrapedtextile.

BOOKSASPATTERN

Booksthemselvescanbeaformofpattern—thinkofthemasstripesyou’readdingtothewallofaroom.ErinBoyleoftheblogReadingMyTeaLeavessuggestsre-coveringbookcoversthatdon’tworkinyourspace.Sometimescolorsorgraphicscanbecomeavisualdistraction,sousewrappingpaper,wallpaper,brownkraftpaper,orevenaphotocopyofartworktobringanextrabitofpatterntoyourshelves.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Yourshelvesdon’tneedtobefilledwithbooks;displaywhateverinspiresyoumost.

Keepthefurnishingssimpleandgobigwithapatternthatspeakstoyourimagination.Balancethiswithmoreseriousfurniturepiecesorhistoricalarchitecture,ifitexists.

Drapingtextilesisagreatopportunitytochangealookforyourcurrentmood,ortouseamorespecialpiecethatmaynotstanduptoconstantuse.Iencourageyoutogoforpiecesthatreallyinspireyouhere.

Decoratearoundadesignconceptthatmovesyou,suchasnature,history,orevenaspecificlocation.Keepitlooseandnottooliteral.

Displayobjectsofcuriosityonshelves,keepingthemcleanandcalm.

Wendy Wurtzburger Bentley and her

husbandChrishaveawindinghomefilledwithextra roomsandspots for thinking,but they love a good reading nook, too.Onthemainfloorthere’saquietspotinaroom they call their nature room. Thecoupleisalwaysfindingwaystobringtheoutdoors in, as it is a constant sourceofinspirationaswellasacalminginfluence.This theme connects perfectly with theneeds for a thinking space. Just threepieces—anarmchair,astripedpouf,andametal lamp—make this spot functional,but it’s pattern that best ties in thepurpose of reflection. The floral patternspeaks to the outdoors, and despite thelarge scale, the neutral coloringmakes itfeel livable. The subdued ochre hue is abit quirky when paired with the mintygreen walls. Bright red from the poufbrings out the green tones in the ochre,and mint highlights the yellow in thechair’s upholstery, giving the tone morecomplexity.Built-in shelves frame this space andprovide a nice structurefordisplay.Whileotherareasof thishomeare filledwithbooks,Wendyhasfilledthislibraryofsortswithotherobjectsthatinspireher,includinglargepineconesandminiantiqueMexicanpots.Ifcalmiskeytoyourbestthinking, take a cue from this space and place objects in a streamlinedstructuredpatternversusamoreorganicorhaphazardarrangement.

PINITUP

You can bring this inspiration-board concept into yourhomebyusing big foam-core sheets andcovering them with muslin fabric,like I do in my studio. Simplystaple the fabric on the back asyou would when stretching acanvasorupholsteringandhangiton the wall. If you want this tolast,considerathickerfoamcore,orevengowithsomethingheavy-duty like Homasote and paint itwhite. This is a great way todisplaywhatinterestsyou.

CREATIVESPACES

Whilelibrariesandreadingspacesofferacalmplaceforthinkingandquiet,

pensive work, you may need a room for more creative activity and

engagement.

CollaborationisakeypartofhowWendy works, and she hasstructuredherworkspacearoundthat. A large worktable has twofacing chairs to encourageconversation. Another keyelement of her process is tovisualize what she’s working on.Her office is filled with bits andbobs fromher travels andday-to-day life, which she displays on alargeboardandscattersacrosstheshelvesandwindowsills.Likeme,Wendy creates boards for theindividual projects she’scultivating,butshealsohasalargeone to display current ideas,thoughts,andintereststhataretopofmind.

WaynePate’sworkspace,onthe

lower level of his familybrownstone, is simply a dream.Small, slatted shutters provideprivacy when needed but also letlight in and give view to the ironfencingoutside.Wovenchairswithanoutdoorfeelingareusedinsteadofbasicdeskchairsandaddtothetextured base of the room. Youreyes can’t stop exploring the areathat’s filled with beautiful books,magazines, lamps, objects, paint,and supplies.Collections are a bigpart of how Wayne inspireshimselfandgenerateswork.WhileWendy has an inspiration board,Waynehasaninspirationroom!

Everywhere you look there’s another considereddetail—from amarbled

shade on the lamp, to the blue ikat textile hanging on the door, to thegraphic Matisse print on the wall. Wayne fills his space with pieces thatspeak to him and has fun finding ways to display them: within thebookshelves,tuckedandstuckonthewall,orplacedonanyemptysurfacehecanfind.Littleobjects,cards,artworkandnotes,fabricballsmadeoutofJapanesetextiles,seashells,coral,turtleshells,gingerjars,smalltextiles,hats,andawovenmaskaredottedaroundtheroom.Collectingthingsyoulovewill lead you not only to discover things about yourself and inspireyoutotrynewthingsbutalsotoproduceandcreate.Wayne’sspaceisn’tabout creating a finished, decorated room, but rather about creating onethatistrulyengagingandmeanttokeepthewheelsturning.Essentiallyit’saliving, ever-changing three-dimensional inspiration board. While somepeopleworkbestinaminimalistenvironment,a“moreismore”spacecanbeequallyproductive,dependingonyourpersonality.

“PATTERNISATONICFORME,ITINSPIRES,ITAIDSINMYCONSTANTNEEDFORVISUALSTIMULATIONANDTHECOMFORTITBRINGSONACOLD,RAINYNIGHT.”

—WaynePate

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Searchforbeautifulboxesandvesselstostoresupplies,orcreateyourownwithpaintordecoupage.

Displayyourcollectionsorganically.Gatherthemtogetherinwaysyoufindpleasingandinspiring.

Repurposeroomsandspacestofityourpurposes.

Cozyupthespacewithrugsandchairsifyouhaveroom.

Onthedeskyoucansee thatallof the

suppliesarecontainedinbeautifulvessels—from painted ceramic jars to paper-covered boxes. In a work space, it’simportant to stay organized, and givingthislevelofattentiontowhatholdsyoursupplies makes a busy space morebeautiful. Try covering old shoeboxes,cans,orjarsinwallpaper,orevenpaintordecoupagedesignsontothem.

Making a mess can be an importantpart of the working process. Sally KingBenedict has created a space where shecan create openly with spontaneity. Herhome studio is a lofted area that looksoutoveralivingroom.Ithastworooms:one, a small area overlooking a livingroomfilledwithbooks,art,tworoundedpink chairs for chatting, and a desk forcomputerwork.Theotherishercreativespace—her painting studio. In otherhomes,itmightmakesenseforthemoredefined room tobe thehomeoffice,butfor Sally creativity takes priority. Thedesk and library are relegated to thehallway space,whichworksperfectly forSally’s needs. If you need a space formessy projects, considerwhat you could rearrange to accommodate that.Sally covers the wood floor in her painting room with a sisal rug thatbecomesadropclothofsorts(seephoto).Inthissetup,shecanworkfreelyandallowherselftobemessy.

ANEVERYDAYRETREAT

Whileaworkingspacemakessenseforsomepeople,youmayneedaplace

that’smoreaboutdreamingandlessaboutworking.I’mafirmbelieverthat

makingtimetounwindincreasesproductivityandtheabilitytobecreative.

The porches in and around Charleston, South Carolina, are one of thethingsthatmakethecitysocharming.Everyonecancreatealittlevacationright outside their door. Apparel designer Lindsey Carter took thisopportunity with her back porch. One of her favorite places is theDunmore,aHarbourIslandresort,whichhasalegendarypink-sandbeach.It’sidyllic,andofcourseabusymomoftwowouldwanttobringalittleofthathome.RattanfurnitureandbigboldstripesarejustafewofthecuesLindsey’spulledfromthere.Shemixesthingsupbyintroducingamodernsilhouettedfloralinsoftgraythatreferencestheoutdoorsbutisfreshandrelevant toher tastes.All shehas todo is stepoutsideand she’sbackonholiday.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Useoutdoorspaceasawaytounwind.

Letfavoritevacationspotsinspireyourdesign.

Orientdirectionalpatterns,likeboldstripes,inawaythatleadsyouintothespace.It’sagreatwaytosubliminallydrawyouin.

Mixcircular,organic,orfloralpatternswithstronghorizontalandverticalpatternsforcontrast.

Enhancearchitecturaldetailsasyourbase.

TheSullivan’s IslandbeachhomeJenny

Keenandesignedalsohasadreamyporch(seephoto).Thishousehasafewdifferentporches,actually,buttheoneonthesideof the house is a bit removed from themainareas.It’saquietlanding,perfectforhaving your morning coffee or escapingtoreadabook.While itdoesn’tfacetheocean, it nevertheless feels secludedopposite a row of palm trees. Here therailing and repetition of chairs form anarchitecturalpattern.Thepaisleyprintonthechairsaddsafemininetouchaswellaspersonalitytothespace.

Relaxingandgettingawayfromthedaytoday,even if it’sathome,canrechargeyou.IgetmybestideaswhenI’mjustobservingandwatching.Maketimetosit,withoutyourelectronicdevices,andjustlookatyoursurroundings.Youmaybesurprisedaboutwhatnewideascomeyourway.

HANGOUT

Ifyoudon’thaveaporch,considerahammock.Iturnedasmallroom off our bedroom that lacked purpose intomy own littleretreat. For me, a hammock is the epitome of outdoorrelaxation, but there’s no reason you can’t bring this ideaindoors. I love ones with striped fabric or crocheted edges, asthey feel a bit more easeful and sophisticated indoors. Add apillowortwo,butdon’toverwhelmthespace—youneedtofitinit,too!Forcoolermonthsconsideracomfythroworsheepskintomakethingsextracozy.

IFYOU’RELUCKYENOUGHTOHAVEOUTDOORSEATING,LETNATURESHINE.INTHISBEACH

HOME,ENJOYINGMEALSOUTSIDEISAMUST—IT’SALLABOUTTHESALTYAIRANDOCEAN

BREEZE.WHILETHEWOODENTABLEISSIMPLE,THEOUTDOORCHAIRSHAVEPATTERNING

THATREFERENCESTREESOROTHERNATURALFRACTALS.ITFEELSMODERNAND

APPROPRIATEFORAHOMETHAT’SALLABOUTRELAXATION.

JENNYKEENANTOOKADVANTAGEOFANODDSPACEINTHEBEACHHOMESHEDESIGNED,

CREATINGATHINKINGSPOTINTHEUPSTAIRSHALLWAY.TWOCHAIRSANDATABLECAN

MAKEFORAPERFECTSPOTTODISCUSSIDEASORTOSITSOLOANDREFLECT.

THE

BATHROOM

THEBATHROOMisoftenaneglectedspacewhenitcomestodecorating,butas one of the most personal rooms in any house, it deserves attention.Approach the bathroom as you would any other room. View its weirdfixtures and pieces that you can’t move as design challenges rather thanhindrances. Focus first on the foundation; if the flooring, tiles, andarchitecturaldetailsaresomethingyouhavetheabilitytochangeortweak,that shouldbe the first step.Thenbring in furnitureandobjects likeyouwouldinanyotherspace.Trynottofeelconfinedbytheconventionsofatypicalstore’sbathdepartment.Mymomwouldfindwaystodecorateourmainbathroomtomakeitfeelliketherestofthehouse.Shebroughtinaquirky hutch for storing towels, hung plants by the window, and placedantiquejars,baskets,andotherobjects.

Bathrooms are typically smaller spaces you can decorate with impactwithoutemptyingyourwallet. Just a fewpiecescancompletely transformthem.NewYork apartments notoriously leave a lot to be desired in thisarea, and the bathroom in our apartment was no exception. When wemovedinwequicklyrealizedthatwewouldhavetogetcreativeinordertomake it feel fresh and personal. Since my story is about coastal calm, Ichose soft patterns. While there’s no room for extra furniture, a wovenbasketontopofthetoilet,asheerpatternedlinenshowercurtain,Turkishhand towels, anda stripedbathmat arehelpful additions.This space is aplace to rejuvenate and renew. Make it one that speaks to that desirethroughtheuseofpattern.

EMBRACEAVISION

Think about unique places you’ve seen that use tile, glass, mirrors,

porcelain, stone, marble, and other materials found in the bathroom and

thatexudeavibeyoulove.Yourinspirationcouldbeavisittothespathat

leftyoublissfully relaxed,aneleganthotelbathroom,a restaurantwithan

open kitchen, a subway stopwith amosaic, or even the simplicity of an

outdoorshower inthesummer.Considerresearchinghistoricalsites,such

asTurkishorRomanbathhouses.

BRINGINGCHARACTERTOAWHITE

SPACEGIVESITWARMTH.OLD

WOODENDOORSAREONEOFHER

FAVORITETHINGS,ANDSHE

SUGGESTSSEARCHINGYOURLOCAL

ARCHITECTURALSALVAGESHOPFOR

SOMETHATHAVECHARACTER.

Kate Dougherty and Ben Towill arenewlyweds living in Charleston, SouthCarolina, byway ofNewYork.Kate is aninteriorandsetdesigneraswellasasought-afterpropstylist;Benisco-ownerofseveralrestaurants, including the Fat Radish, theLeadbelly,andtheEastPole.Aftertenyearsin New York, they wanted a change. Thecouple bought their first home together inCharleston, a renovation project Kate wasthrilledtotackle.

Themoodforherbathroomcamefromaphoto she found while researching forMoonrise Kingdom, a film directed by WesAndersonandshotonthecoastsofRhodeIsland and Massachusetts. It was of abathroominaNewEnglandseasidecottagewith an old porcelain sink and sailorpaintingsonawhiteship-lapwall.Shelovedthe idea of creating aNewEngland cottageintheSouth.

Shefocusedonbringinghervisiontolifeandworkedtirelesslytoletthematerialsofthespaceshine.Throughoutthehome,shestrippedsixtyyearsofleadpaintoffdoors,tookdownpoundsofdrywalltoexposebrick,andsandedfloorstotheoriginalheartpine.Elbowgreasecangoalongway,soconsider if you can make small changes to your space that will make itgleam;anewcoatofpaint andadeep steamcleancanmakeadifference.WhileKate’sbathroomisn’tfullofboldpattern,itisfullofquietpattern.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Considerthebigpicturefirstandsetanoverarchingvisionforthespace.

Rememberthatabathroomcanbepersonalandhomeyevenifit’ssimple.Startbypayingattentiontothefinishes.

Ifyouliveinanoldhome,considerpeelingbackthelayerstoexposethehistoryofthespace.

Mixnaturalelements,suchaslinenanddifferentwoodtextures,towarmupaspaceandkeepwhitefromfeelingstark.Youcanevenfindtilesthatlooklikewood.

ABLANKSLATE

The reality is that most of us are starting with white or mostly neutral

bathrooms. Almost all of them have imperfections or awkwardmoments,

but they’re a great place to start.White is clean, calm, and brightens up

smallspaces—it’sagreatfoundation!

Chassity Evans focused her energies onbuilding out her blank slate. Her freshwhite master bathroom is a perfectexample of a calming base. She and herhusband also took on a renovation andpaid attention to the details, choosing aherringbone pattern for the tiles on thefloor and wooden shutters for theirwindows. Without any other elements,however,awhiteroomlackspersonality,and Chassity wanted her space to feelcheerful, too. Adding simple naturalelements, such as the ladder and basket,helps warm up the space and maintainvisualtempo.

Layeringtextileswashernextstep.Youcan do a lot with them no matter howlittle space you have, so don’t overlookthem.Ashowercurtainmixedwithbathtowels,handtowels,arug,andabath mat can truly transform a space—and they don’t need to match. Ashowercurtainislarge;tryasmaller-scalepatternorasimplestripeifyouwantacalmvibe,orreallygoforitwithaboldstatementpatternifthat’smore your style. Keeping your bath towels neutral is practical, but yourhand towels are a place to experiment. Consider striped Turkish towels,vintage tea towels, and other easy-to-wash woven cotton or linen textiles

insteadof terrycloth.Look forpatternswithinacolorpalette,much likeyouwouldwithnapkins,andusethemtochangethespacefrequently.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Usecontrasttoenhancethefeelingofcalm.

Takedécorcuesfromboldpatternsbutusetheminmoresubtleways,suchasamoresubduedversionofapopcolor.

Createanunexpectedpatternmomentinanadjacenthallway,oronadoororaceiling.

Ifwallpaperisn’tanoptionforyourspace,addingafloorrunnerorevenpaintingthewallsabrightcolormayservethesamepurpose.

LOOKDOWN

Nextlooktothefloor.Ifyoudon’thaveabeautifulfloor,therearestilllotsof

waystousethissurfacetoyouradvantage.

Stephanie Pesakoff, a pattern lover andBrooklyn-based illustrationrepresentative,warmedupherbathroombyplacingavintagerugonthefloor.Thismakesthespacefeelmoreliketherestofthe home. It’s a great trick you can use,too! You can layer a bath mat on topwhenneeded—consideronewitharaisedsculpted patterned versus a print to addtexture. Or go bold with a pattern—allover-printed designs hide dinginessbetter. Another option to consider is asmallindoor-outdoorrug.

While Stephanie chose a rug in richhues, she still wanted her space to feellightandairy,soshekepttherestof thespace simple with just a striped showercurtain.Noticethatthestripesareonthebottomportionoftheshowercurtain,allowingforthewhitespacetokeeptheoverallfeelingbright.

THEPOWEROFTILE

Don’t underestimate the power of tile. It’s practical, but therearemany options and a ton of ways to experiment. A larger-scale patterned tile can create a story and also looks greatmixedwithsolidsorevenbrick.Asmallnoveltytile,orgrouping,is a chance to get more personal. Tiles can transport you, soinvestigatewhat’stypicaltoothercultures,too.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Whitesubwaytilesarealwaysclassicandcanbeinexpensive.

Payattentiontotexturewithinyourwhitebaseandaddpatterningwherepossible.

Patternsarebettermixed—don’tbuymatchingsets.

Thinkoutsidetheboxwhenitcomestoaccessories,andrepurposevesselsfromotherrooms.

Considertextilesbeyondterryclothtowels.

INTHEDETAILS

The littledetailsmakeaspacepersonal. Inaddition to thepatternofyour

towels,showercurtain,andbathmat,considerhangingtextiles insteadof

artaswell.Youwon’tneedtoworryaboutwaterdamageorhumidity,and

theycanmakethespacefeelcozy.

Hard goods are alsokey in small spaces.One of my personal décor peeves ismatching bathroom accessories—yoursoapdish, toothbrushholder, andcup—just because there are so many otheroptions. Instead of a set, just look forbeautiful vessels.Mixmaterials, finishes,and patterns. Consider a carved marbledish, a vintage brass cup, a Japanese teamug, a vintage ceramic ramekin, an oldcandle jar with a great label, or even asmall enamel pitcher with a spongeddesign. And your trash bin can be anatural basket, a big ceramic vasewith awidetop,oravintagemetalbucketwithapainteddesign from the fleamarket.Getcreative!

FINDINGATRANSITION

Part of what makes a bathroom relaxing is also the context of what

surrounds it, so consider how pattern can create a transition. Angie

Hranowsky,whoseworkyoumayrememberfromtheboldentryway,chose

asimilartacticforthehallwayleadingtothemasterbathandbedroom,but

this time she used graphic gold geometric wallpaper. The pattern is

elegant, but the large scale makes it bold, too. Here the patterning isn’t

actuallyusedwithinthebathroom,but ithelpsmakethatspacefeelmore

sereneincontrastwith itsentrance.Patterningcansetthestage,without

evenbeingusedwithinthespaceitself.

Thebathroom is neutralwith gold accents, including a brass light fixtureandgrass-clothwallpaperwithasubtlegoldsheentoit.Thesepickupthegoldfromthehallwaywallpaper,butinamuchmoresubtleway.

CONNECTWITHNATURE

Nature isagrounding force thatweoften relyon to refreshoursouls.For

someit’sthewoods,themountains,orthedesert;formeit’sdefinitelythe

ocean. Bringing nature into the bathroom is a way to renew, which is

ultimatelywhatthisspaceisallabout.

ThiselegantmodernbathroombyKikiDennisisallaboutnaturaltextures.The teakwood and marble tiles provide subtle patterning and contrastwithin the space.Thewood grain is elongated and almostbecomes a softpainterlystripe,while themarblehastheappearanceofshimmeringwaterbutinatonalgraypalette.Kiki’stextilesaresimpleandclassic.Whileyoumaynotbeabletotakeonarenovationofthisscope,youcanstilltakelotsofcues fromthis space. Ifmarble isoutof thebudget, look forapatternthathasasimilarfeeling—somethingorganicthathassoftblurrylinesoradesignthatabstractlyreferenceswater.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Picktexturesthatspeaktonaturalplacesyoulove.Thinkofwood,stone,marble,andplants.

Contrastrefinedtextureslikemarblewithearthieroneslikewood.

Keeptextilesinclassicpatternsthatdon’tdistractfromtheoverallnaturaltheme.

Goboldinasmallspace.

Whileyoumaywanttogoneutralwith

amasterbathroomspace,apowderroomis the perfect place to go bold since youdon’t spend too much time there. Andit’seasytomakeabigstatementinasmallspace.

RenéeShortell,oneof thefoundersofthe print studio Anona, lives inPhiladelphia in an old home with manyfloors,alongwithherhusband,daughter,and two dogs. Their top-floor powderroom has character, with an unusualtriangularwindowthataddsgraphiclinesaswell as a perfect spot for a plant, butthey also wanted an impactful update that brought in nature. The bold,swirlingbluemarblepatterngivesinstantpunchbutalsorefreshes.

PLANTLIFE

I’mabigfanofplantsinthebathroom.Nowindoworverylittlelight? My friends at the Sill, a delivery-based plant store,recommend the snake plant, Sansevieria trifasciata, and theZZplant,Zamioculcaszamiifolia,asbothcantoleratepoororartificial light.Theydon’t recommendkeepingtheminaclosedcloset, but they can survive (though maybe not thrive) inextremelylow-lightlevels.

PLAYINGWITHREFLECTION

Mirrorsareagreatwaytoemphasizepattern.Thescaleofthepatterninthereflectionwillbesmaller,andit’safunwaytoplaywithdistortionandscalemixing.

THE

B E D R O O M

WHILE SOME people’s favorite room is the kitchen, mine may be thebedroom. I love toget inbedearlyandcurlupwithagoodbook—andIlovetosleep!Asereneandpeacefulbedroomisextremelyimportanttome,andithelpsmedecompressfromthebusyday.Thebedroomisyourmostprivate space, aplace to rest, rejuvenate, and findabitofpeace fromtheworld,soherepatternshouldbepersonalandcomforting.

Growing up, I remember the simple pleasure of changing the beddingwiththeweather.Mymomwouldputonflannelsheets inthewinterandpileontheblankets,sincehalfofouroldCapehomedidn’thaveheat.Inthesummerwe’dopenallthewindowsandusecrisp,breathablesheetsandthinblankets. I rememberwhenIgotmyownroommymomandIwentshoppingforbedding.WefoundreversibleLauraAshleybeddingonsale—onesidehadafloralprintwithalightgroundandtheotherwasthesameprintbutwithadarkgreenground.Weusedthesheetstomakematchingcurtainsandevenpainted the floor tomatch themarine-greenhue. Itwassuchaspecialmoment,andIstillrememberthatbeddingsowellbecauseitwassomethingwepickedoutespeciallyforme.

The most important element of the bedroom should be a place torecharge and rest. Of course, this means different things for differentpeople,butpatterncanhelpyoucreatethatmood.Thinkabouttheplacesandthingsthatmakeyoufeelrecharged.Darkandcozyorlightandairy?Apeaceful and serene spacemaybewhat lets youunwind,or conversely, aspace filledwithvisual inspirationcouldprovideyoucomfort. Investigatethisonapersonallevelandmakethisplaceyourretreat.

PARTOFAWHOLE

Think of the rooms in your home as you do pieces of furniture within a

seating arrangement: they are parts of a whole, but each has its own

personality—just like the people they are designed for. Ideally you want

some continuity among rooms so it doesn’t feel like you’ve entered a

differenthousewhenyoumovefromoneroomtoanother,buttheyshould

stillstandindependentandmaintaintheirownidentities.Let’slookattwo

bedroomsbyBrianPaquetteinthesamehouse.Togethertheyareagreat

exampleofhowyoucantakesimilarspacesandfurnitureandmakedistinct

butcohesivelooks.

Thefirstbedroomissofterinmoodwithpaleblue-greenwalls.Whilebothroomshavewhitewrought-ironbed frames, in this space theshape—withcurvedlinesandsubtlescrolldetails—ismoreromanticanddreamy.Small-scaleprintsbuildtexture,andaplaidkanthaquiltgoesbeyondbasicwithaunique color palette and small sewn patches. The fabric on the blindsfurthersthedreamlikefeeling,referencingstarsglowingatnight.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Decideonoverarchingdécorvaluesforyourhome,likecrispandclean,thatallroomsshouldreflectnomatterwhat.

Usecolorandaccessoriesastoolstomakeindividualroomsfeelunique.

Alittlecontinuitycanbeassimpleasreintroducingorreinterpretingelementsusedinotherrooms.

Considerbiggeritemslikefurnitureasawaytoprovideunitythroughoutthehomebymakingsuretheyhaveanaestheticconnectiononabroadlevel—thinkdesignperiod,materials,andcolor.

Thesecondroomreliesonacrispblack-

and-white palette and high-contrastelementstobringagraphicedgetoacalmspace.Here thesetup is similar,with thelight bed frame and dark side table, butthe look is more structured andgeometric. The palette and accessoriesbuild on this story. This room not onlyrelates to the other bedroom but alsootherspaceswithinthehome.Stripesareacommonpatterninthishome;theyalsoappear in the living room. In thebedroom we explore this motif again asthe stripes act as a directional map,leading your eye from one piece to thenext.Theridgingonthewoodbaseofthelampmimicsthestripedpillow.Theblackgraphicshapesofthelampplaynicelywiththediamondshapeson thepillow, emphasizing a secondary geometric theme. If a crisp, cleanspacemakesyoufeelateasebutyouroveralltasteisgraphic,notsubdued,considerhowBrianhascombinedthoseneedshere.Justafewaccentscantakeawhitebedroomandmakeitstriking.

RECHARGEANDCALM

NewlywedsKateDougherty andBenTowill embraced their newhome in

Charleston,SouthCarolina,bytakingonamassiverenovation.Theirmove

fromNewYorknotonlygavethemaslowerpacebutalsomorespace!Kate

draws a lot of design inspiration from Santa Fe, a place where she

experiencesincredibleenergy,particularlyvisitingGeorgiaO’Keeffe’shome

thereandviewingherlandscapepaintings.

She believes in tranquillity over statement-making and that working wellwithpatternmeansknowingwhentouseitandwhentoholdback.Inthisminimalist bedroom,Kate added patterns in a throw pillow and the tilesbutheldbackonbiggeritemslikethebedding,aslargepiecesaren’taseasyto replacewhen youwant a change.This bedroom is all about simplicityandhangs togetherbecauseof theattentiontodetail in thematerials.Thebed frame has wicker detailing, which references the gridded patterninginsidethefireplace,thesurroundingtiles,andeventhelargegridmotifonthepillow.TheMoroccanrugandthewoodfloorshavetonalstriping.

Incalmerspaceslikethebedroom,focusingonthetexturalbasebecomesevenmoreimportant.Firstconsidertheitemsyou’lltouchmostfrequently.Yourbeddingcanbeamixofcrisp,coolpercale;slubbylinens;andwovenblankets. Your bedside nightstand can be a soft worn wood or have amarbletopthat’scooltothetouch.Whenyoustepoutofbed,perhapsyouwantyourfeettohitasoftshaggysheepskin,oratuftedantiquerug.Ifyoudo consider yourselfmoreof aminimalist, startwith the foundation andthe things you touch and use most within a room. Look first to thesesurfaces to build the pattern story. This way you can have less, buteverythingwillstillfeelconsidered.

“I EVENHAVEATILE I FOUND INSANTAFETHAT IMIXED IN WITH THE MOROCCAN TILES OF MY

FIREPLACEFLOORINMYBEDROOM.THETILEISOFAPAINTING OF THE DESERT VISTA AND MAKES MEHAPPYEVERYMORNINGWHENILOOKATIT.”

—KateDougherty

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Makesimplicityworkbyfocusingontexturalelements,suchasstucco,woodgrain,wicker,tile,andwovenstripes.

Choosepatternsthatfeelcalmbutstillimpactful—suchasdesignswithboldmotifsbutneutralcolorpalettes,softpainterlymarksinsteadofsharpedges,andlotsofwhitespace.

Consideraddingjustonenarrativeelement—anaccenttile,pillow,orpieceofartthathasspecialmeaning.

Contemplatehowarchitecturalelements,suchasafireplace,windows,orsconces,canactaspattern.

Blue,usedinanotherwiseneutralspace,cansoothelikeapooloffreshwaterevenwhenusedsparingly.

Consideragraphiclightingfixturethatplaysoffoftextilepatterns.

Thisextrabedroom,inahomebySway

Studio, is a space for guests to stay and,thus, a little less personal than otherspaces within the same San Franciscohome.Thisbedroommakesthemostofasmallspacebykeepingtheoverallfeelingsoftandlightwithanemphasisonneutralpatterning. Remember how impactfulrepetitioncanbe?Thecurtainsprovideatextural, tribal-inspired backdrop that’spicked up again on a much larger scalewith the throw at the endof the bed, aswell as more abstractly in the lightingfixture.Thekeyhereisforthepatterntoappearsoft.Evengeometricscanfeelthisway if they’re woven or hand-painted,and if they’re in the right color palette.Classic blues, ranging frombright cobalttodeepindigo,areaddedtothetopofthebed as pillows. These cool-toned accentcolorskeeptheroomfromfeelingtoodryortooneutral.

REDANDWHITE

ThesequiltshavealonghistoryinAmerica and became popular inthelate1800swhen“Turkeyred”dye became widely available.Turkey red dye, made from therubia plant, was originally veryexpensive,astheprocesstomakeitwas labor intensive.During theIndustrial Revolution, advances insynthetic dyes made this color

BOLDANDCOZY

While some people recharge through calm, others need more visual

stimulationtofeelcomfort.

Huy Bui puts a new spin on the phrase “bachelor pad,” as his studioapartment in Brooklyn is filledwith plants and other beautiful treasures.Sincethespaceisonelargeroom,keepingthetonesimplebutimpactfulisimportant—andabalancingact!

The interest in this bedroom area comes from a vintage red-and-whitequiltthathangsovertheplatformbed.Thankstothelowbedandthehighceilings,there’splentyofwalltousepatternasatooltoframethespace.It’spersonal and, despite being vintage, stillmodern and inHuy’s taste. Thesimplicityof thedesignmakes it graphic,butknowing itwashand-piecedwithcaremakesitevenmorespecial.Thisquilttiesintothebedroomspacethrough another red-and-white print on the pillowcases. While thepillowcaseprintisaleafyfloral,referencingHuy’sloveofplants,theoverallvibe still feels masculine because of the bold coloring and other graphicdetails.

If neutral spaces don’t makeyourheartsing,considerhowyoucan balance the need forrecharging with bolder pieces.This space works design-wisebecause the bold red hues areharmonized with earthy detailslike the army-green blanket andterra-cotta pot, as well as woodand natural textures. The woodcan hold its own against a stronghue like red. Cooler textures likemarble, stone, or cement would

availabletothemasses.contrasttheredandmakeitseemeven bolder, so it’s important tothinkaboutwhatnaturalelementsintrinsicallygowithcertaincolors.Onabroadlevel,thisgoesbacktocolorbasics. Instead of choosing cool light-colored materials when you have astrongwarmpalette, choosewarmmid-tone colors.Thewood iswarmedupwhenplacednexttored,whichbringsoutthosetones.Thesubtlegreensinthisroom,red’scomplementarycolor,alsoenhancetheredsinthewoodandintheterra-cotta,andthebrightgreenoftheplantpullsoutthegreenintheblanket.

Kate Loudoun-Shand’s master bedroom is warm and cheerful, a

representation of the family that lives here. For Kate, a designer andcreative director, it’s important that her bedroom be a place to rest andreboot,sothatshecanwakeeverymorningwithfresheyes.Thisroomisherplacetoplayandpracticewithdesign ideas.Shebringshomesamplesfromwork,mixingtheminwitholdfavorites.Seeingtheminherpersonalspacealwaysshinesanewlightondesignchoices.

Oneofthemosteye-catchingpiecesintheroomisherheadboard,madefromfabricsheprintedherself.Hereshe’sactuallyusedthereversesideofthe fabric to give it a softer look, as it’s a high-contrast design.The rightsideof theheadboard isoriented inadifferentdirection,breakingup therepeat andaddingcharacter.Offsettingorchangingapatternby repiecingaddsasubtleshiftthatallowsyoutoplaywithproportionsandcustomizeaprint.Abovethebedhangtwodrawingsmadebythecouple’smiddlechild,Sophie.The transientnatureof tapingupartwork feels fresh andeaseful;it’sthemarkofatruefamilyhome.Thebeddingisamixofoldandnew.Kate combined an antiquepatchworkquiltwith severaldifferent sheetingprintsandadecorativepillowofherowndesign.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Largerpiecesdefinetheareaandarealsogreatforfillingspaceandtellingastory.

Remembertheimpactcolorcanhaveonthefeelingofapattern—forexample,keepthecolorofafeminineprintvibrantifyouroverallstyleisextroverted.

Considerwhatnaturalelementsgowithyourcolorpaletteandaestheticsensibility.

Makeyourownbedskirtwithheavyweightcanvasbytuckingpiecesoffabricunderthemattressonthreesides.Embracetherawedge,anddon’themthefabric.

Hanghomemadeartworkonthewallswithmaskingtapeandenjoytheimpermanence.

Mixsheetpatternsinsteadofgoingforamatchingset.

Upholsteryourownheadboardandconsiderthereversesideofthefabric,too.It’saprettysimpleproject,andyoucaneasilychangethefabric,sodon’tbeafraidtotrysomethingbold.

Evaluatewhatitemsmakeyouhappyandparedownifneeded.

If a cozy and collected room speaks to

you, remember that color can keep itfromfeelingchaotic.It’sallaboutkeepingtoamorelimited,butrich,colorpalette.Consider letting dark neutrals have theimpact, followedbyaprimarymid tone,andthenanassortmentofpalerhues.Thelargerdarkareas,whether theyarewalls,furniture,orevenaccessories,willdeepenthetone.Themid-valuecolorsgiveacozyfeeling when used in larger amounts.Limitingyouroverall colorpalettekeepsthings calmer. Take a good look aroundthe space every few months. You canalways tuck away items, change artwork,or rotate favorites to keep your objectsfromoverwhelmingaspace.

BEYONDTHEBED

While the bed is the obvious focal point of the room, don’t forget the

surroundingareaisalsofullofopportunities.

Thenightstand isagreatplace toadd little touchesofpattern.Youcouldconsider a statement nightstand—using the furniture itself to bring inpattern with its inlays and construction. You can often find interestingpieces with more character at antique shops. You can also embellish aplainersidepiecewithascarforrunnerontop—asabonusyougettouseupextra fabricorpieces too small for anything else. I’malways falling inlovewithbeautifulpatternedceramics;displayingthem—aswellasjewelryandothersmalltrinkets—onthenightstandoralittleshelfatthesideofthebed is a nice way to enjoy them every day and a practical place to storethem.Ifyouonlyhaveasmallspace,trypatternonalampshade,orasmallrugby the sideof thebed—also a niceway todefine the space andkeepyourfeetwarm!

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Withsimplebedding,bringinpatternwithothermajorpieces.

Textureandshinearesoftwaystoplaywithpatternandcomplementawhitebed.

Treatyourdressingareaasaspaceofitsown,gettingpersonalwithpattern.

If you like a white bed, the other

elements in the room, such as a dresser,canbecomemore important forbringinginvisualinterest.JennyKeenandecorateda guest bedroom with a sage-greendresser,whichhasascroll-leafmotif,anda wooden mirror with floral detailing.When the sun hits it, the mirror’smother-of-pearl glitters, which isaccentuatedby a tin shade.Oftentimespeople choose solids forboth thedresserandthemirror,buthereyoucanseehowuniquepatternedpiecescanmakeastatement.

If you have a separate walk-in closet, treat it like a room, as WendyWurtzburgerBentleyhasdone.Aquirkyparrotpattern,suchastheoneonthearmchair,couldbetoughtomix inaroom,butbecauseofthemutedcoloring andpainterly drawing style, it’s quiet enough to playwith otherpatterns.Thecolorisperfectwiththebutter-yellowdoors,andit’senrichedwiththemulticoloredrug.Wendytreatsherclosetlikearoom,whichisatrickwecanallborrowforawalk-inspace.Ifyouonlyhaveasmallcloset,consider adding anoveltyknobor evenhookson the insideof thedoor.Wallpaperora freshcoatofpaintcanalsocreate interestandpersonalizethespace.

THEPATTERNEDOTTOMANIS

HEAVILYLAYEREDWITHPIECES

MICHELLECOLLECTED:ABASOTHO

BLANKETFROMASOUTHERN

AFRICANTRIBE,ASTACKOF

TEXTILES,ANDASHEEPSKIN.

THEBALANCINGACT

Whenaroomismeantsolelyforyou,it’seasiertomakedecisions,butthe

bedroomoftenbalancesacouple’s sharedneeds, or reflectswhatanother

familymemberorguestmaywant.

AbstractpainterMichelleArmas’sbedroomfeels almost velvety with its warm graywalls, shaggy Moroccan rug, and layeredpatterning. She balances her need forconstantvisualinspirationandpatternwiththoseofherhusband:comfort,practicality,andmodernlines.

Michelle sees taking the needs of othersinto account when decorating as a way toshow love. The modern bed is completelyher husband’s style. The headboard is theright height for sitting up in bed, but lowenough that it still feels modern. Thebedding is kept mostly neutral with amatelasséquilt,Moroccanweddingblanket,and a mix of prints on the pillowcases.Thesetonalandtexturalpatternsalsospeakto her husband’s need for peace and calm,but they are interesting enough forMichelle.Theredsuzanipillowmayfeelcounterintuitive,butitgivesthispale bed a pop that pulls out the creams, purples, and blue-greens, andspeakstoMichelle’sneedforvisualstimulation.Itspatterningisbrightandboldbutdoesn’t feeloutofplacebecause it relates to thearea across theroom that is anchored by a velvet chair, framed artwork, and pillows byJosefFrank.Shefoundanumberofdifferentwaystoincorporatetexturalpattern,too,whichhelpstobalancetheboldermoments.Shelovesanimal

hair,wovenstraw,caning,leather,glass,andmetalwithbubblesandpleats,as seen on her side table. Their bedroom speaks to both of their wishesthroughpattern.

Sitdownandtalkwithyourpartneraboutwhatrechargeshimorher.Ifyouhaveoppositepreferences,considerhowcompromiseandbalancecancreateanevenbetter,moreinterestingspacethattellsyoursharedstory.

GENDERNEUTRAL

Findingcommongroundinbeddingcanbetricky.Mixingupyoursheetsetsandvariouspatternswithinyourlinensallowsacouple’sdifferenttastestobeexpressed.InmyhomeIcaneasilyslideinasetofpurplepillowcasesiftherestofthebedismoregenderneutral.Ifyourpartnerlovesclassicbutyoupreferbohemian,incorporatethembothinsmallerways.Mixcleanplaids,oruseatailoredduvetwithIndianblockprints.Astylewithmorethanonedesignelementisalwaysmoreinterestinganyway.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Balancepeople’sjointneedsbypickingyourpatternmoments.

Focusontexturestobringinluxuryontheitemsyouusemost.

Objects,art,andpatternscanhaveembeddedmeaning,too.Findonesthatresonatewithyourheartanddisplaythemwithimportance.

Keepguestroompalettesgraphicandsimpleandthenaddpopwithpillowsandaccessoriesthatyoucanchangeasdesired.

Pushyourselftocombinecolorsthatyoumightnotthinkofoffthebat.

Considering the needs of others comes

intoplaywithotherroomsinthehomeaswell, but it’s especially true in sleepingareas. A guest room can have youraesthetic preferences, but it should alsoaddress the care and welcoming feelingyouwanttoextend.

Sally King Benedict is known for herpaintings of faces. Powerful with boldsweepingmarks anddistinct colors, theyhaveamagneticspirit,andforSallytheyrepresent a home guardian that protectsus.Sallyhungoneofhersimplerpiecesinher extra bedroom, representing herhospitableheart andgivingprotection toher guests. It perfectly sets the intentionof the room and its visual tone.Theboldblackmarksinthepaintingareaccentuatedbytheroom’ssimpleblack-and-white color foundation. The dresser is graphic, and the knobsand drawers assume a subtle dash patterning. The bògòlanfini blanketcovering theheadboardrelates to thegraphic languageof thedrawersandknobsvisually.Thisfabric (alsoknownasmudcloth)hasspecialmeaningwithin theMalian culture, and each one has a specific story known onlywithinthatcommunity;again,Sallyhighlightstheconceptofpersonalandspecialmeaningwithinanobject.TheroomisrootedinhospitalitybutstillfeelslikeSally.

Try patterns that abstractly speak to protection or love. Mandalas arespiritual symbols in Indian culture that represent the universe and beingpartofawhole.NativeAmericandreamcatchersaremeanttoprotectyoufromnegativedreamsbyfilteringoutthebaddreamsandonlyallowingthegoodones topass through.Objects andpatternscanholdmore than justbeauty—they can tell a story and our intentions, so consider the deepermeaningbehind them,even if it isoneyouhavecreatedyourself.Andasseenhere,theycanbeagreatstartingpointfordecoratingaroom.

COLORMIX

Theyellowinthepaintingpopsupagainintheembroideredfloralmotifsonthetinyredsuzanipillowthat’spairedwithtwolargerpinkcushions.

PLAYANDREST

Children’s bedrooms are another great source of inspiration for all ages.

Theyareaplacetohavefunandareoftencreatedwiththenotionthatthey

willevolveandchangewiththechild (but,ofcourse, that’showall rooms

shouldbedesigned).

Keeping a connection to other rooms in your home—but with a moreplayful spirit—allows your story to evolve. Sally King Benedict’s son,River,hasa littledresservignette inhisroomthatworksforallages.Thedresser’shandlesspeaktothe“surferspirit”Sallywantstoencourageinherson. Most of the accessories in this room can transition with him as hegrows,andjustafewplayfulpieces,includingasmallchairandminiplaidpillow, identify it as a child’s room. You can achieve a similar look bypairingvintageelementswithplayfulabstractshapes.

KateLoudoun-Shandtuckedapea-greencribinthecornerofabedroom

forheryoungestchild.Babydécordoesn’thavetobesoft,sweetcolors—thepalettecanbejustascomplexasinanyotherspace.ThesilkbumpersaremadeoffabricsfromKate’sdaysstudyingtextilesattheRoyalCollegeofArtinLondon.Iespeciallylovethelittleelephantprint,wherethelineworkissofaintthatthesilhouettesbecomeabstractshapes,andthusabitmore sophisticated. The orange owls on the sheets are a cheekycomplement. This room is a great example of how picking patterns youtruly love can work. The common thread is that they resonate with thepersonwhopickedthemout.

The rooms for the two older kids are amash-up of prints, artwork, andtoys.Inonecorneroftheroom,apinkIndian-inspiredfloralquilthangsonthewhitebrickwall,definingthelittlenookasperfectforplaying.Ontheotherside,theswirlypatterningonthevintagelampshadecomplementsthemovements in the graphicNoah’sArkartwork to the right.While this is

clearlyakid’sspace,mostofthepatternscouldbeusedinanadultroom.It’sthemixthatmakesthisroomplayful.

MAKEIT

YOUROWN

Choosefurniturepiecessophisticatedenoughtogrowwithchildren.

Usetexturetomakethesurfacecozy,anduseartandaccessoriestomakethespaceplayful.

Pickinterestingcolorsandcombinationsthatgobeyondtraditionalblueandpink.

In the bedroom of Lindsey Carter and

her husband Wes’s twins, scale plays ahuge role. Lindsey worked with HaskellHarris, decorator and Garden & Guneditor, to make the space come alive.Haskell took cues from Lindsey’sclothing line to bring in interior printoptions, but she also wanted to balancethem with Wes’s more traditional side.They chose green as a gender-neutralcolor. The bold kelly green gingham floor makes a statement and reallyshowtheimpactofgoingbigwithapattern—butnoticehowthelargescalekeepsitlivableandmodern.Sinceginghamissuchatraditionalpattern,itcould easily go saccharine in anursery,butblowing it up anddoing it inthis summery, happy color really set a sophisticated tone. You couldtranslate this idea into your home—for example, in a dining or kitchenspace—just by using amore neutral color, aswe saw in the beach houseentryway by JennyKeenan. The vintage beds complement the floors andhighlightWes’s taste. The soft, scalloped headboard and black-and-woodcombination are elegant and help elevate the space overall. Artwork,pillows, and rockers in a green-leaf pattern tie it all together playfullywithoutsacrificingsophistication.

PLAYTIMEFashioningamoreplayfulspacecanbeagreatwaytoletlooseandexploreyourcreativity.Tryoutcombinationsthatpushyourusualboundaries.Maybethisexperiencewillspillbackintotheotherareasofyourhome,too.

STYLEIT THEBED

Theeasiestwaytochangeyourbedroom is throughthebedding.Start in

your linen closet.When fully stocked, it’s easy to createmany looks that

take you through allmoods and seasons. Let’s be honest: sometimes the

matchingpillowcasesaren’tclean,oryouneedtoswapoutyourtopsheet,

or you spill your morning coffee on the duvet. If all your linens work

together,your jobwillbemucheasier.You’llalsofindthatyour linenswill

lastlongerifyouhavemoretorotate,andyourbedwillshowaninteresting

mix.Mypersonalfeelingisthatthebedshouldalwaysbeslightlyunmade,

nottooperfect,asyou’veseen inthischapter.Embracethe imperfections

andwrinkles;otherwiseyou’llalwaysbedissatisfied(unlessyoureallylove

spendingyourmorningsperfectingyourbed-makingskills).

BREAKINGUPBEDDINGSETSANDMIXINGYOURPATTERNSISONEOFTHEEASIESTWAYSTO

CREATEACUSTOMLOOK.SINCETHEPATTERNSARETYPICALLYSUCHASMALLSCALE,THEY

READASTEXTUREFROMADISTANCE.

THE WHITE UPGRADE

Everyonceinawhile inour linenrotation, Iendupwithanalmostall-whitebed,whichfeels luxurious, light,and clean. It’s the kind of bed that makes you want to sleep in and enjoy the sun streaming through the

windows. White is the default when you want that peaceful, serene vibe, but there are more options toconsider.Addpatterninaquieterway.Keepthecolorpalettesoftandtonal,withamixofwhite,taupe,sand,andtonesvergingonblush.

Texture iskey.Someinterestcomesthroughthesubtlefinishingofthefabric—likepairingtexturedlinen-and-crochetedEuroshamswithasateenpillowcase.Trymixingasheetingfabric, likepercaleorevenflannel,withahand-knitpillow,fuzzythrow,orothertexturessuchaseyelet,chunkywovenlinen,ornaturalcanvas.Ithelpstohaveonepiecethathasafewtonalwhiteswithinitaswell.

Ifyoualreadyownasetofwhitesheets,makesurethepatternsyoubringarewhitebased,notivory.Thegroundonthesheetswiththesmall-scaleprintisverysimilartothewhiteinthequilt.Mixingwhiteandivoryorcreamonthebedcanbeverytricky,butitcanbedone;off-whitepiecescanlookdirtyoroldnexttoopticwhite.Toshowyouhowtoachievethis look, Istyledgraphicpillowcasesandaquilt intanandcream,whichworksbecausethepatternisalloverandeachcolorisequallybalanced,allowingtheprinttoreadlikeasolidpaletan.It’svisuallyclearthatI’mnottryingtomatcheverything,whichmakesthecombinationwork.

Ifyou’reworkingpatternintoyourbedforthefirsttime,startwithyoursheets.Stripesorditsyprintsaregreatadditionstoanywhitebed.Whenmakingyourbed,theprintedsideoftheflatsheet isplacedpatternsidedown;whenyoufoldoverthetopofthesheet,there’sapeekofpattern.It’slessoverwhelming,asmostofyourbedisunderacoverletorduvet.Inthisway,thesheetsareanunexpectedaccent,andtheycanhelpyoutogetusedtoalargesurfacecoveredinpattern.Evenbeforethat,justusethepillowcasestolivewiththepatternfora littlewhilebeforecommitting toa full set. Ifyou’restillunsureof tryingalloverprintedsheets,considersolidswithanembroideredorwovenheaderdetail.

LAYERCHANGEHeretheheadboardiscoveredwithatexturedthrow,whichisagreatwaytochangethelookofyourbedwithoutreupholstering.Tryitwhenyouwanttochangethingsupseasonallyorifyou’reboredwithyourroom.Whilewe’veusedasolidhere,youcanalsotestapatternwithoutthecommitment.Youcanuseathrowaswe’vedonehere,auniquetextile,orevenarug.

CALM ANDCOOL

Thisnextlooktakesthingsupanotchonthepatternscale,butitremainsetherealwithawatercolor-inspiredprintpairedwith tiny Indianblockprints.Here thecolorpalette and relatively small scaleof all thepatternskeepthebedfeelingsoft.Thepatternsalmostblendtogetherlikeacoastallandscapewhereseaandskymerge.TheEuroshamslayerintothisblue-gray-lilacstoryandaddaniceabstracthorizontalstripe.Thequiltattheendofthebed isfullofpatternmixingand interestingpatchworkmomentsthatmake itatrueworkofart.Thedecorativepillowtiestogetherthewholecolorpalette,bringingincleanershadesofpurpleandblue.

PILLOWCASESANDSHAMS

Astandardshamisadecorativecoveringforapillowandusuallyhasa flangeor trimofsomekindwithanenvelopeclosureonthe reverse. A standard pillowcase differs in that it has anopeningatoneend.Aregularstandardshammeasures20x26inches (51x66cm),whereasaking-size shammeasures20x36inches(51x91cm).AEuroshamusesthesameconceptbutissquareat26x26 inches (66x66cm); itusuallysitsat thebackof thebed.Euroshamsareagreatplacetostartaddingpatterntothebedasasecondaryvisualelement,asopposedtoa duvet or even a standard sham in the front of your pillowstack.Orconsideraddingonelongheadboardpillow.

COTTONCOUNTS

Wespendone-thirdofour lives inbed, so tome,buying thebestbedding I canmakes sense—thatmeansfabricquality.Payattentiontothreadcount,fiber,andweave.Threadcountreferstothenumberofverticalandhorizontalthreadspersquareinchinawovenfabric.It isanindicationofquality;ahighercountmeansa

softerhand.Thefiberfromwhichthefabriciswovenisequallyimportant,ifnotmoreso.Longerfibersmakeforthebesthandfeel.Cottonisthego-tofiberinsheeting:itisbreathable,durable,andsoft.Egyptiancottonisconsideredthefinest,asithasthelongestfiberlength.Ifyoudon’twanttosplurge,lookforpimacotton,whichisthenextbest.Readthelabelscarefully,asmarketingandpackagingtermscanbeconfusing.Wheneveryoucan, go organic, as pesticides are often used on cotton.After that, it’s time to consider theweave. Percalecotton,knownforitscrispfeel,isverycommon.Itisconsideredaplainweave,meaningthatthewarpandweftthreadscrossovereachotheroneatatime.Ifyou’relookingforasofterfeeling,considerthesilkierfinishofasateenweave. Linenand flannel are goodchoices, too, respectivelybreathable andcool,or cozy andwarm.Steerclearofanysyntheticfabricsorblendslikepolyester—theydon’tbreathe!

BOLD ANDL I VABLE

Here I’ve gone for full-onpattern, but it’s still easy and livable.The color palette is pulled from the vintagekantha quilt. I’ve used a lot of the samepieces from the other styled looks, including the Indian block-printsheets andpillowcases in purple and clay, to show youotherways they can be used.Thewhite coverlet ismostlyhiddenbythequilt,butitprovidesanextralayerofwarmth.Youcanalwaysshowmoreofittosoftenthecolorstory.Thelargeshiboriheadboardpillowaddsimpactwithitsrichcolorandlarger-scalepainterlygridpattern.Thesecondyellowpillowcaseisanoddmatchtothepurpleblock-printone,butitbringsabitofquirkandcharacter.Foronefinalpop,I’veaddedadecorativepillowinatangerinecolorthatpullsouttherusthueinthekanthaquilt;itscleangraphicpatternistheboldestoneonthebed.Thesmall-scaleprintsonthesheetsreadastexturesfromhere,andthepetalsontheheadboardsupportthepotato-printpillow.

LAYERINGFORTHESEASONSAstheseasonsandperhapsyourmoodschange,you’llwanttolayerthingsdifferently.Inthewarmermonths,youcanprobablygetawaywithjustsheets,acoverlet,andalightweightthrow.Youmayprefertoswitchoutthedowninsertinyourduvetforalighter-weightsilkinsertthatstillprovidessomeweightandfluffbutwillfeelcooler.Coldermonthsareaperfecttimetoreallygoforitandlayerallyourpieces.Figureoutifyoupreferhavingablanketontopofyoursheetsandbetweenyourduvet,orjustlayeringaquiltontopofitallforextrawarmth;youcankeepitfoldedatthebottomofthebedduringtheday.

1.DECOUPAGE-PATTERNEDGLASSTRAYS

2.PAINTED-STRIPEREVERSIBLETHROW

3.PAINTEDTERRA-COTTAPOTS

4.SPECKLE-PAINTEDLAMPSHADE

DECOUPAGE - PATTERNED GLAS S TRAYS

Decoupageisasimpletechniquethatcanbeusedtocreatemanydifferentlookswithverylittleeffort.Technicallyanythingcanbedecoupaged,butIrecommendglass,asyoucanadheretheimagestothereverseoftheobjectforasmootherfinishontop.Thesesmallglasstraysandpaperweightsaretheperfectaccentsforanentryway,officespace,orevenbedsidetable—nottomentiontheymakegreatgifts!Note:Youcandownloadtheartworkshowninourprojectatwww.rebeccaatwood.com/pages/book-decoupage.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Laser-printedartwork(makeafewextracopiessoyouhavemoretoworkwith)

Scissors

ModPodge

Foambrushes

Glasstray,plate,paperweight,oranyotheritemyouwanttodecoupage

Smallplasticsqueegeeorfirmcardboardforsmoothingpapertoglass

X-Actoknife

Paintbrushesforapplyingpaint(optional)

Black,gold,orsilverpaintforback/bottomofglasspiece(optional)

Feltforback/bottomofglasspiece(optional)

Glueforapplyingfelt(optional)

Apronoroldclothes

Rubbergloves

STEP1:PreptheArtworkPrintoutyourartworkanddecidehowyouwanttouseit.Itcanbeappliedasonebigsheetorcutintostripes,dots,andsoon.Havefunandexperiment!Cutyourartworkasdesired, leavinga littleextra tohangover theedgeof the itemandtrimlater.

STEP2:ApplytheArtworkApplyModPodgetothefrontofyourartworkwithafoambrushand stick it to the back or bottom of the glass, adjusting the position of the artwork asneeded.Smoothoutthepaperusingasqueegeeorapieceofcardboard,pressingouttheairbubblesandextraModPodgebymovingitfromthemiddletotheedge.Ifyoumessup,simplyremovethepaper,washofftheglasssurface,andtryagain.

STEP3:SealtheArtworkApplyModPodgeonthebackofthepaperattachedtotheglass.Allowittodry.Repeatseveralmoretimesuntilhardened.

STEP4:TrimtheEdgesTrimtheextrapaperaroundtheedgesusinganX-Actoknife.

STEP 5: Finish (optional) For a more finished look, paint the bottom or back of thedecoupagedglassasolidblack,gold,orsilver,orglueonapieceoffeltbacking.

CHA IR W ITH D I P -DYED WOVEN S EAT

It’seasytofindchairswithoutseatsatyardsalesandfleamarkets.Forthisproject,we’vemodifiedatraditionalShaker-styleseat-weavingtechniquethatmygreat-uncleEdtoldmeabout.Theweavinghereisdonewithadip-dyedtwilltape,butyoucouldusestripedtwilltape,leatherstraps,orevenfabricscrapsstitchedtogetherintoalongpiece.Youcoulduseonematerialforthelengthwisewarpandanotherforthecrosswiseweft(seeWovenWallHanging),creatingendlessdesignpossibilities.Thisprojectiseasiesttodowithtwopeople.

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

FORTHEHAND-DYEDTWILLTAPE(OPTIONAL)

Twilltape

Potforscouring

Measuringcupsandspoons

Sodaash(ifusingfiber-reactivedye)

Synthrapol(pH-balancedsoap)

Dyeinyourchoiceofcolor(Iusedfiber-reactiveProChemicalMX628Black)

Smallrecyclableplasticcontainerformixingdye

Shallowplastictray(1"[2.5cm]deep)ordishforsoakinganddyeingtape

Salt(ifusingall-purposedye)

Vinegar(ifusingall-purposedye)

RitColorStayDyeFixative(ifusingall-purposedye)

Kitchentimer

Dryingrack

Iron

Apronoroldclothes

Rubbergloves

FORTHECHAIR

Chairwithoutaseat

Twilltapeorsomeothermaterialthatcanbewoven

Tacks

Hammer

1"(2.5cm)foam,cuttothesizeoftheinsideofseatarea.

PART1:MAKETHEDYEDTWILLTAPE(OPTIONAL)

STEP1:ScourtheTwillTapeSeethispage.

STEP2:DyetheTwillTapeSeethispageforgeneraldyeinginstructions.

Rollthefabricupintoanicecleanrollandthensoakinwater.Trytokeepthebundletogetherandniceandevensoitcansitinthedye.

Pourthedyeintoashallowtray,fillingitaboutaquartertohalfway.Placethetwilltapebundleinit.Allowittosoakforabout60minutes.

Rinsethetwilltape,thenunroll it,hang itonarack,andwaitfor ittodry.Youmaywantto ironthetwilltapeonceitisdry.

PART2:WEAVETHECHAIRSEAT

STEP1:WeavetheWarpFIGS.1–4

Tobegin,tackthetwilltapetotheundersideofthechairalongtheleft-handbackedge.Hammerthetacksintoplace;dependingonthewidthofyourtapeyoumayneedtousetwotacks.Pullthetwilltapeup,aroundtheback,andtowardthefrontoftheseat,thenwrapitoverandunderthefrontbarandtowardthebackoftheseat.Winditbackandforth,workingfromlefttoright.Pullthetapeastightlyasyoucan.Avoidoverlappingonerowwithanother,butalsoavoidgaps.

Whenyouareabouthalfwayfinishedwindingthewarp,insertthefoambetweenthetopandbottomlayersof twill tape. The foam allows for comfort when sitting and also helps join the two layers of twill tape tosupportyourweightwhenthechairisused.

Continuepullingthewarpbackandforth,pullingastightlyasyoucanacrossthefoam.Whenyou’vefinishedthelastrow,onthebottomofthechair,tackthetwilltapetothesiderailingontheundersideofthechairneartheback.Oncetacked,makeanyadjustmentstothepositionofthewarpsothateverythingliesflatandtherearenooverlapsorgaps.

STEP2:WeavetheWeftFIG.5

Next you will weave the other way—crosswise—creating a checkerboard pattern. Tack the twill tape asdescribedabovetotheundersideofthechairalongasiderail.Thenturnthechairupsidedownandbegin,ontheunderside, toweaveunderandoverthetwill-tapeframeworkyoucreatedpreviously.Whenyouget totheendofthefirstrow,bringthetapeovertothetopofthechairandcontinueonthatside.

Afteryou’vecompletedthefirstrowonthetopofthechair,thetapewillwraparoundtheside,gototheundersideofthechair,andcontinuetoweavetheweft.Thesizeofthetwilltapeandchairseatmightnotbeperfectlyproportional,soyoumaywanttofoldthetwilltapeinhalforweavearowthatdoesn’tgoallthewaytothebackfaceofthechair.

Tackthelooseendsontheundersideofthechairwhenfinished.

S P LATTER - PA INTED S I SAL RUGAclassicsisalorjuterugcangoinanyroom,workindoorsandout,andisagreatlayeringpiece.InspiredbytheruginSallyKingBenedict’sstudio,addingpainttothisneutralisagreatwaytogiveitpersonality.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

2or3colorsofwater-basedacrylicorlatexpaint

Plasticcontainerfordilutingpaint(optional)

Sisalrug

Spoonsandspraybottlesforsplatteringpaint

Bigpaintbrushes(Irecommenda4"[10cm]brush)

Stencils(optional)

Apronoroldclothes

STEP1:ChooseandPreparethePaintChoosepaintcolorsthatcomplementoneanotherandtheschemeforyourroom.Blackandwhiteareaclassiccombinationthatcan’tgowrong.Dilutethepaintifneeded;latexpaintisagoodconsistency,butacrylicpaintsaregenerallythickerandwillneedtobemixedwithwatertodilutethem.

STEP2:PaintandSplatterBeginbysplatteringthepaintontotherugbydippingaspoonintothepaintandflickingitacrossthesurface.Tryusingaspraybottle,too—justmixyourpaintwithwaterorusea liquidpaint like latexhousepaint.Usea largepaintbrushandpaint abstract marks onto the rug’s surface. If you’d prefer a more traditional pattern,considerusingstencils.

STEP3:Finish

Allowthepainttodryandenjoy!

POTATO-PR INT F LOOR CUSH IONS

Potatoprintingisoneofmyfavoritewaystoliterallymakeamark.Theresultsvary,butthey’reinteresting,andtheirregularitymakesthembeautiful.Testtheprintonapieceofscrapfabricwhileyougetthehangofit.Hereweuseaclassiccolorcombinationofnaturallinenandblacktocreateafabricyoucanuseforfloorcushions.

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

Naturallinenforcushion’sfront

Fabricofyourchoiceforcushion’sbackside

Iron

Scissors

24"(61cm)ruler

Newsprint,newspaper,orkraftpaper

Potatoes,anyshapeortypeyoulike

Serratedknife

Blackfabricpaint

Iron

Straightpins

Sewingmachineorhand-sewingneedle

Thread

Pillowinsert(seeKnowYourStuff[ing])

Apronoroldclothes

STEP1:PreparetheFabricIfyouwantyourpillowstobewashable,washanddrythefabricpriortocuttingtoallowforanyshrinkage.Ironthefabrics.Cutthefrontfabrictothesizeofthepillowsyouwanttomake,adding1"(2.5cm)forseamallowances.Cutthefabricfortheback; note that the size is different as the back is actually two pieces that create anenvelope closure. Essentially you are cutting two pieces that are each approximately 5"(12.5cm)smallerthanthefrontpieceoffabric,astheywillbefoldedandoverlapeachotherwhensewn.

STEP2:PrinttheFabricFig.1

Layoutthenewsprintandplacethefrontfabricontop,rightsideup.Cutapotato inhalfwiththeserratedknifeandcoverthecutsideinblackfabricpaint.Pressfirmlyontothefabricandliftup.Repeatthisacrosstheentirefabricasdesired.Setasideandallowthepainttodry.

STEP3:SewthePillowsFIGS.2,3

Ironbacka½"(13mm)seamallowanceatedge1andedge4.ThenfoldbackandironatfoldAandfoldBofbottomsedges.Topstitchallofthefoldsjusttosecurethem.Pinandsewtogetheredge2andedge3.Ironallstitchedlinessotheyareflat.Pinandsewtogetheredge5andedge6.Flipinsideoutandiron.

STEP4:Finish

Insertapillowformandenjoy!

EMBRO IDERED P LACEMATS

Therearelotsofgreatandinexpensiveplain-wovenplacematsouttherethatyoucancustomizewithabitofembroidery.Thewovenstructureoftheplacematprovidesabasicgridthat’seasytostitchon,butdrawingtheframeworkwillhelpyoustayontrack.YoucandoasimplelinearborderwithXshapesorzigzags,orcreateamoreintricatelayoutasshownhere.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Plain-wovenplacemats

Erasablefabricpenortailor’schalk

Embroideryneedle

Embroideryfloss

Scissors

STEP1:PrepfortheEmbroideryLightlydrawtheembroiderydesignofyourchoiceontotheplacematwithanerasablefabricpenorchalk.

STEP2:Embroider

Threadtheneedlewithadoubledlengthofembroiderythreadandknottheends.Pulltheneedleandthreadthroughtheplacematfromthewrongsidesothattheknotisnowagainsttheback.Inserttheneedlefromtherightsidetoformadiagonal line.Thenrepeatthisstep,butinthereversedirection,toformanX.Carryonuntilyou’vecompletedyourdesign.

FIG.1

STEP3:Finish

Knotthethreadwhenyourdesignisfinished.Snipanyexcessthread.

OVERDYED NAPK INS

OvertimeIseemtohaveendedupwithanoddassortmentofmismatchednapkinsanddishtowels,andmanyhavestainsonthem.Insteadofgettingridofthem,Igivethemnewlifebyoverdyeingthem.Iftheyhavepatterning,chooseacolorthatisdarkenoughtocoverit;thepatterningwillshowthroughsubtly,butthenewoverallcolorwillhelptieeverythingtogether.Youcanalsousethistechniqueforothermismatcheditemsinyourlife,suchaspillowcases,oldsocks,andT-shirts.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Oldnapkinsincottonorlinen

Potorwashingmachineforscouring

Measuringcupsandspoons

Sodaash(ifusingfiber-reactivedye)

Synthrapol(pH-balancedsoap)

Dyeinyourchoiceofcolor

Medium-tolarge-sizerecyclableplasticorglasscontainerformixingdye

Large,flatplasticorglasscontainers,similartodishpanorlargerpot,forsoakinganddyeingfabric

Salt(ifusingall-purposedye)

Vinegar(ifusingall-purposedye)

RitColorStayDyeFixative(ifusingall-purposedye)

Kitchentimer

Dryingrack

Apronoroldclothes

Rubbergloves

STEP1:ScourtheNapkinsSeethispage.

STEP2:DyetheNapkinsSeethispage.

SH I BOR I -DYED NAPK INS

Ilovetheideaofupdatingvintagelinenswithshiboriforamodernlook.Ihaveacollectionofoldlinens,butifyoudon’t,they’reaffordableandeasytofindoneBayandatfleamarkets.Iftheyhaveslightstains,nottoworry—thisisagreatwaytohidethem.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Vintagenapkinsincottonorlinen

Potorwashingmachineforscouring

Measuringcupsandspoons

Sodaash(ifusingfiber-reactivedye)

Synthrapol(pH-balancedsoap)

Dyeinyourchoiceofcolor

Medium-tolarge-sizeplasticorglasscontainerformixingdye

Rubberbands

Large,flatplasticorglasscontainer,similartodishpanor largerpot, forsoakinganddyeingnapkins

Salt(ifusingall-purposedye)

Vinegar(ifusingall-purposedye)

RitColorStayDyeFixative(ifusingall-purposedye)

Kitchentimer

Dryingrack

Apronoroldclothes

Rubbergloves

STEP1:ScourtheNapkinsSeethispage.

STEP2:FoldtheNapkinsFIGS.1–5

Therearevariouswaystodothisbutwewilluseasimplefoldandrubberbands.Feelfreetogetcreative!

Foldthefabric inhalf lengthwise,andagaintwicemoreoruntilyouhavethedesiredwidth.Thewidthofyourfabricwillchangethescaleofthepatternyouachieve.Ichoseaverysmallfoldbecausemynapkinsareprettysmall.Asmallerfoldwidthwillresultinasmaller-scalepattern.

Onceyouhavealongfoldedlengthoffabric,begintoaccordion-folditintoarectangularshapeuntilyourunoutoffabric.Besuretofoldevenly.

Onceyouhaveyourfoldedbundle,wrapitafewtimeswithrubberbandsaroundthecenterofthebundle.Thetightertherubberbands,thelessdyewillgetunderneath.

Repeatwithmorenapkins.

Put your folded fabric bundles in a bowl of water large enough to soak them all for approximately 10minutes.Thisstepallowsthedyetobeabsorbedevenly.

STEP3:DyetheNapkinsSeethispage.

S IMPLE REUPHOLSTERED S EAT ING

It’seasytofindpiecesinneedofalittleloveatayardsaleorfleamarket.Benchesandchairseatsareplacesyoucantacklewithoutanyexpertise.Updatethemwithfabricthatbettersuitsyourpersonality!

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

Benchorchair

Batting

Staplegunandstaples

Fabric

Scissors

STEP1:PreptheBenchforUpholsteringSeeinstructionsonthispage.

STEP2:AddtheBattingSeeinstructionsonthispage.

STEP3:StretchtheFabricSeeinstructionsonthispage.

STEP4:Finish

Seeinstructionsonthispage.

PA INTED - STR I P E REVERS I B LE THROW

Areversiblethrowisagreatpiecethatcanbeusedmanyways.Throwitontheendofabed,useitonapicnic,bringittothebeach,orcozyupwithitonthecouchwithagoodbook.Byusingdifferentfabricsoneachside,you’llbeabletoeasilychangethelook,too.

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

Plainwhitelinenforthethrow’sfront

Cottonorlinenfabricforthethrow’sbackside

Brownpackingtape,widthofyourchoosing(Iused2"[5cm])

Plasticdropclothornewspaper

Fabricpaintordye

Containerformixingthepaint

Widepaintbrush

Straightpins

Sewingmachine(optional)

Hand-sewingneedle

Thread

Scissors

Iron

Embroideryfloss

Apronoroldclothes

STEP1:TapeOffYourStripesLayyourfabriconadropclothornewspaper.Carefullyplacethetape,onthefrontofyourfabric,inthepositionanddirectionyouwantyourstripestogo.Press itdownonyourfabricandmakesure itattachessecurely.Theareasyoucoverwillbewhite,andtheareasshowingwillbepainted.

STEP2:PainttheStripesMixthepainttothecolorofyourchoosing,andthendilutewithwater.Fabricpaintcangiveaverystiffhandfeelifyoudon’tdiluteit,soerronthesideofmore water. Paint the stripes on the fabric with a wide brush, moving quickly to give aslightly irregular and painterly feeling. Don’t worry about bleeding—it’s part of thepainterlylook.

FIG.1

STEP3:WashtheFabricAfteryourfabrichasdried,removethetapeandrinseit.Washyourstripedfabric,aswellasthefabricyou’llbeusingfortheback,inthewashingmachine,toprevent any shrinkage later. Washing the fabric after applying paint also gives a softerhandfeelandremovesanyexcessresidue.

FIG.2

STEP4:PinthePanelsPositionthefabricprintedsidetoprintedside,sothattheoutsideisthewrongsideofthefabric.Pinallfouredges.

STEP5:SewthePanelsTogetherStitchallthewayaroundtheedgeswith½"(13cm)seamallowances,leavingapproximatelya10"(25.5cm)openingononeside.Cutawaytheseamallowanceatthecornersandturnthefabricinsideout.Thenlayitflatandpresswiththeiron.Closetheopeningwithhandstitching.

STEP 6: Stitch the Panels Pin along the lines where you intend to quilt. With a sewingmachineorbyhand,beginstitchingatthecenterofthethrowandworkyourwayout.Wechosediagonallinesasthatworkednicelywiththepatterning,butyoucoulddoagridorstripes. Ifyouarestitchingbyhand,youmaychoosetosimplytackthethrowinseveralplaces with a stitch or a knot to keep the layers together. If you choose this route, Irecommendusingathickerthreadlikeembroideryfloss.

FIG.3

STEP7:Finish

Washanddryyourthrowinthewashingmachineonemoretimeforasoftfinish.

WOVEN WALL HANG ING

Weavingsandotherwallhangingsareagreatalternativetoartworkandgiveacozyfeeltoanyroom.Hereyou’lllearnthebasicsofweavingonasmallhandloomaswellashowtomaketasselssoyoucancustomizeyourweavingfurther.I’veaskedSorayaShahofStudioFourNYCtolendherexpertise.Thebasictermsyouneedtoknowarewarpandweft.Yourwarpisthethreadthatmakesupthelengthofthefabric,andyourweftisthethreadthatweavescrosswisethroughthewarptocreatethefabric.

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

Yarnsinavarietyofcolorsandtextures

Smallframeloom

Shedsticksor1–1½"(2.5–3.8cm)stripsofcardboard

Tapestryneedle

Weavingcomborfork

Scissors

Dowel

STEP 1: Set Up the Loom Knot the yarn to the loom, and then wind it back and forthbetweenthegroovestosetupthewarp.Oncethat’sdone,slideashedstickbetweentheyarns,alternatingwhichareaboveorbelowit.

FIGS.1,2

STEP2:WeavetheWeftTaketheyarnofyourchoosingandthreaditthroughthetapestryneedle. Pull the yarn all the way through the needle or double it up, depending on thethickness you’d like to achieve. (Soraya made her yarns out of several different thinneryarnstocreateamarbledlook.)Youdon’tneedtohaveenoughthreadtocovertheentiresectionyouplantoweavewiththatcolor;youcanalwaysleavetheendlooseonthebackoftheweavingandbeginanewthread.Attheendyouwilltiealllooseendstogetheronthebackside.

Beginweavingtheneedleunderandoverthewarpthreads.Pulltheyarntaut,leavingafewinchesofatailthat you can thenweaveback in theoppositedirection.Push the yarndownwith theweaving comb.Thenweavetheyarn,goingbackintheoppositedirection,pushingitdownwiththecombeverytimeyoubringtheyarnacrossthewarp.

FIG.3

STEP3:AddtheTasselsYoucanaddtasselsthroughoutthelengthofyourweaving,orjustinonespot.Whenyougettoaplacewhereyou’dliketoaddtassels,cutabundleofyarntwicethelengthyouwantforthefinishedtassels.Forexample,for3"(7.5cm)tassels,cutabundle that is 6" (15cm) long. Depending on desired thickness and type of yarn you’reusing,I’drecommendusingaround6piecesofyarnforyourtassel.Loopthebundleofyarnaroundtwoofthewarpthreadsandpullfromthemiddleofyouryarn,betweentwowarpthreads, to create a loop. Take the ends of your yarn bundle and pull them through thecenterloop,creatingaknot.Slidedownthetasselsoitisnexttotherestofyourweaving.ContinueweavingtheweftfollowingtheinstructionsinStep2andaddingtasselswheredesired. Keep in mind while planning the spacing of your tassels that each one wrapsaroundtwowarpthreads.

FIGS.4,5

STEP4:Finish

Oncethetapestryisdone,cutthewarpoffoftheloom,leavingthethreadsaslongaspossibleatbothends.Turnthetapestryoverandtietogetheranylooseendsorweavethembackintothetapestrywiththeneedle.Ifindithelpfultoknoteachloosethreadtogetherwiththethreadnexttoit.

STEP 5: Hang the Tapestry Cut a decorative yarn of your choice into a length twice thewidth of your tapestry and tie a knot at one end. Thread the tapestry needle with yourthreadandknotoneend.Pullthethreadthroughthebackofyourtapestrysothattheknotis on the back side. Then stitch from back to front, but instead of pulling the stitchestaughtasyouwouldwhensewing,leaveloopsatthetopsothatyoucanslideinadowltohangitfrom.Youmayfindithelpfultostitchtheloopsaroundadowelifyouwantasnugfit.

PA INTED TERRA -COTTA POTS

Terra-cottapotsareclassic,inexpensive,andeasytofind.Updatethemwithabitofpaintforalookthatisperfectindoorsorout.Youcanalsochooseanycolor,butIpreferwhiteforanaboriginal-inspireddesign.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Terra-cottapots

Soap

Whiteacrylicpaint

Flat-andround-tippaintbrushes,plusonefortheshellac

Shellac

Apronoroldclothes

STEP1:PrepthePots

Wipepotsandcleananydirtoffsurfaceswithwarmwaterandsoap.Allowtodrycompletely.

STEP2:PaintthePotsPaintdots,dashes,andstripesontothepotsasdesired.Usethelong,skinnyendoftheflat-tippaintbrushforthedashesandtheround-tippaintbrushtocreatethedots.Allowthepainttodrycompletely.

FIG.1

STEP3:SealthePotsApplyclearshellacovertheentireoutsideofthepottosealthepaint.Allowtodrycompletelybeforepottingyourplants.

MARBLED WALL ART

Marbledpapersarequiteeasytomakeyourself.Herewe’reexperimentingwithsuminagashi,aJapanesetechnique.Literally,thetermmeans“floatingink.”YoucanframethesepapersasI’vedone,combiningseveralpagestomakealargerpiece,orevenjusthangthemupwithT-Pins.Itmaytakeyouafewtriestogetthehangofit,soyoucanalwaysuseacheaperpaperlikenewsprintthefirstfewtimes.

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

2smallcontainersfortheinkandwater

IndiaorJapanesesumiink

Photo-Flosolution

Traydeepenoughfor2–3"(5–7.5cm)ofwater(suchasaphototray,bakingtray,etc.)

Newsprint

Smallpaintbrushes

Absorbentmatte-finishpaper (rice,watercolor,printmaking,or evenplainnewsprintworkswell)

Apronoroldclothes

STEP1:PreparetheSuppliesInonesmallcontainer,pourapproximately2tablespoons(28ml)ofIndiainkand2dropsofPhoto-Flo;inasecondcontainer,pour2tablespoons(29.5ml)waterand2dropsofPhoto-Flo.

STEP 2: Prepare the Marble Bath Fill the tray with a few inches of water and skim thesurfacewithastripofnewsprinttoremoveanydust.Dipabrushintotheinkandtouchittothesurfaceofthewater.Iftheinkissinkingtothebottom,addanotherdroportwoofPhoto-Flo.Experimentwiththeamountonthebrushtoachievedifferenttonesofgray,butdon’tusesomuchthatit’sdripping.Thepaperyouusewillalsodeterminethedarknessofthecolors,basedonitsabsorbency.DipacleanbrushintothePhoto-Flowaterandtouchittothemiddleofwhereyou’veplacedtheink.Continuethisway,alternatingbetweentheinkandPhoto-Flosolutions.Youcancreatemanyconcentricrings,andtomanipulatethecirclesintoamorerippledpattern,youcangentlybloworfanthewater.

FIGS.1,2

STEP3:MarblethePaperSlowlylayasheetofpaperontothesurfaceofthewater,allowingittositforasecond,thenliftitoff.Theinkwillstayonthepaper.Immediatelybutgentlyrun the paper under cool water or carefully dip it in a pot of clean water to remove anyexcessink,andlayitflat,faceup,onnewsprinttodry.

Repeatbyaddingmoreinktothesamepattern(you’llneedmoreinkasyou’vejusttakenoffmostofit),orskimanyexcesscoloroffthetopofthewaterusingthenewsprintandbeginagain.

EMBRO IDERED -GEOMETR IC EDGEP I L LOWCASES

Pillowcasesareeasytocustomizewithabitofembroidery.Youcanbuybasicwhiteonesorevenembellishvintageonesthatalreadyhavesomedetailing.Here,embellishmentdesignerSarahLaskowlendsherexpertisetocreateasimplegeometricpattern.Ilovehowthehand-stitchingsoftensthegeometriclayout.Thisdesignisgenderneutralandcanlayerintoanybeddingscheme.Ifyou’reambitious,youcantrythistechniqueonyourtopsheet,too.

SK I L L L EVEL : Medium

SUPPLIES:

Pillowcasesinaplaincolororsimplepattern

Erasablefabricpenortailor’schalk

Ruler(optionaldependingondesign)

Embroideryhoop

Embroideryfloss

Embroideryneedle

Scissors

STEP1:Prep for theEmbroideryPlanyourembroideryby lightlydrawingadesignonthepillowcasewithanerasable fabricpenorchalk.Since thedesignwe’redoing isgridded,weusedarulertolayoutthesizeofeachbox.

STEP 2:Embroider theBoxesNow thatyou’vegotyour framework, you’re ready to start.Chooseasectionof thepillowcaseandput theembroideryhoopon it tokeep the fabrictautwhilestitching.Threadtheneedlewithadoubledlengthofthreadandtieaknotattheend.Beginstitchinghorizontallinesacrossthedesign.Filltheboxdrawnonthefabricwith about four horizontal lines of stitching, which should fill the height of the box andcreateasquare.

FIG.1

STEP3:EmbroidertheXsNowisthetimetogobackwithasecondcolorandfill intheXmotifs.Stitchonediagonallineandthencrossoveritwithanother.Continueuntilyou’vefinishedthedesign.Knotthethreadwhenfinishedandsnipanyexcessthread.

DIP -DYED EURO SHAMS

Dip-dyeinggivesasoftombrélookthatfeelsperfectforthebedroom.Youcanevenusethistechniqueonamuchlargerscalewithyoursheets,duvet,showercurtain,orcurtains,butIrecommendexperimentingfirstonasmallerscaleuntilyougetthehangofit.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

PlainwhitecottonEuroshams

Potorwashingmachineforscouring

Measuringcupsandspoons

Sodaash(ifusingfiber-reactivedye)

Synthrapol(pH-balancedsoap)

Dyeinyourchoiceofcolor

Medium-sizerecyclableplasticorglasscontainerformixingdye

Rubberbands

Large,deeppotforsoakinganddyeingshams

Salt(ifusingall-purposedye)

Vinegar(ifusingall-purposedye)

RitColorStayDyeFixative(ifusingall-purposedye)

Kitchentimer

Dryingrack

Iron

Apronoroldclothes

Rubbergloves

STEP1:ScourtheEuroShamsSeethispage.

STEP2:DyetheShams

Seethispageforgeneraldyeinginstructions.

Puttheshamsintothedyeonlypartwaytoachieveanombrélook.Tofitthemintothecontainer,foldtheshamsinhalfperpendiculartotheopeningonthebackofthepillowsoyouwillhavealonger,narrowershape.

Diptheshamsinsothatthedyecoversabouthalftheir length.Occasionallymovethemalittlebitfartherintothecontainertogetcoverageinthetopareaandkeepthepillowcaseswet.Movingthemhelpscreateamoreblurredline.Overthecourseofanhouryouwantlessandlessofthepillowcasestobeinthedyesoyougetmoresaturatedcoloratoneendofthepillowcases.Slowlymovethefabricsoutofthecontainer.

FIGS.1,2

UPHOLSTERED HEADBOARD

Aheadboardisagreatwaytoframeyourbedandchangetheappearanceoftheroom.Youcanfindaninexpensiveheadboardoptionandreupholsterittosuityourlook.HereI’veusedahand-dyedfabric,buttheupholsterystepsaresimple,andyoucanuseanyfabricyou’dlike.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Basic, inexpensiveheadboard(asanalternative,youcanbuywood,cover it in foam,andfollowthesamesteps)

Scissors

Battingorthinfoam,ifyouneedextrapadding

Fabric

Staplegunandstaples

STEP 1: Prep the Headboard Add batting or thin foam (optional, depending on theheadboardyouhave).Seeinstructionsonthispage.

STEP2:StretchtheFabricSeeinstructionsonthispage.

STEP3:Finish

Seeinstructionsonthispage.

S PECKLE - PA INTED LAMPSHADE

Customizingalampshadeisaneasywaytoaddpatterntoyourbedsidetable.Thissmallaccentmaybejustwhatyouneedifyouhavelimitedspace.Hereanorganicpatternispaintedontheshadetogiveitnewlife.Ifyou’reunsureaboutpaintingyourowndesign,youcanalwaysgoforastripe.Thepatternpossibilitiesareendless,sosketchoutafewideaspriortostarting.

SK I L L L EVEL : Easy

SUPPLIES:

Lampshade

Water-basedpaint,suchasgouacheoracrylic

Brushesforpaintingand/orstenciling

Stencils(optional)

Lampbase

Apronoroldclothes

STEP1:Paint

Just dive in. Have fun and paint freely, or stencil the design of your choosing. Here I used blue and blackgouache.Gouachegivesasofterlookthanacrylicbecauseithasamattefinish.Irecommendusingonlyalittlebitofwater.Simplywetyourbrushpriortodippingitinthepaint.Ifyourpaintfeelstoothick,justaddalittlemorewater until you get a consistency you like. First I put down larger spots of a soft blue, followedby asecondlayerofsmallerblackspots.

STEP2:Finish

Letthepaintdrycompletelybeforefittingtheshadeonyourlampbase.Lightupyourroom!

PROJECTRESOURCES

DYEINGFABRIC

Dyeing fabric is a great tool for customization, and while it may seemintimidatingatfirst, it’sactuallyquiteachievableonceyouunderstandthebasics.Choosingtherightdyedependsonthefabricyou’reworkingwith.Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, andwool requiredifferentdyes thanprotein fibers like silk, and synthetic fibers use yet another type. I workwithprocionfiber-reactivedyes,asthereisnobetterdyefornaturalfabrics,which ismypreferred fiber.Theycome inawiderangeofcolorsandarecolorfast as well as economical, safe, and easy to use. All-purposecommercialdyes,suchasRitDye,aremixturesofdifferentkindsofdyesandwill work on a range ofmaterials; they aremeant for dyeing fabricswithablendoffibers.Ifyou’redyeingjustonetypeoffiber,you’llseethebestresultschoosingadyespecifiedforit.

I’ve included dyeing instructions for both fiber-reactive dyes aswell asall-purpose dyes. I do highly recommend using the fiber-reactive dyes,especiallyforshiboristyles,asthepatternwillnotbleedovertimeandyouwillseebetterresultsoverall.

Regardlessofthetypeofdyeyouchoose,alwayswearrubberglovesandan apronorold clothes.Bothdyes are considerednontoxic, but they arestill chemicals, soyou shoulduse commonsense andavoid inhalation (asyou would with any fine powder). Please use separate containers ormeasuring utensils than those you use for cooking and eating. You canmeasureoutthewaterinameasuringcupyoualreadyhaveandmixthedyeinarecyclableplasticcontainer.Forfurthersafetyinstructions,pleasereadtheinformationthatcomeswithyourdyeofchoice.

SHOPPINGRESOURCES

AMAZON

www.amazon.com

DHARMATRADINGCO.

www.dharmatrading.com

PROCHEMICAL&DYE

www.prochemical.com

SCOURINGFABRIC

Priortodyeing,thoroughlyclean,orscour,yourfabricsothatthedyecantakehold. It shouldbe scouredwith soda ash,which is essentially a verystrongdetergent; in apinch, regulardetergentwillworkonmany fabrics,butitmaynotyieldthebestresults.Youcanscourfabriconthestovetoporinthewashingmachine,dependingontheamountoffabric.Ifscouringon the stovetop,place the fabric inapotwithwaterandapproximately1tablespoon(12g)ofsodaashplusafewdropsofSynthrapolsoap.Bringtoaboil,reducetheheat,andallowtosimmerforabout1hour.Carefullydrainand rinse the fabric thoroughly. Ifusing awashingmachine,put the sodaash in with the fabric and use the hottest water setting. Pour in about 1tablespoon(14ml)ofSynthrapolwhereliquiddetergentgoes.

DYE ING WITH PROC ION F I B ER -REACT IVE DYES

SUPPLIES

Fabric

Potorwashingmachineforscouring

Measuringcupsandspoons

Sodaash(forfiberreactive)

Synthrapol(pH-balancedsoap)

Synthrapol(pH-balancedsoap)

Dyeinyourchoiceofcolor

Varioussizesofrecyclableplasticorglasscontainersformixingdyes(chooseasizeappropriateforthescaleoftheproject)Containerforsoakinganddyeingfabric(chooseasizeappropriateforthescaleoftheproject)Salt(ifusingall-purposedye)

Vinegar(ifusingall-purposedye)

RitColorStayDyeFixative(ifusingall-purposedye)Apronoroldclothes

Rubbergloves

Largespoonforstirringdyebath

Smallspoonformixingdye

STEP1:Mix theDyeDependingon theamountof fabricyou’redyeingor thecoloryou’retrying to achieve, you may need to use more or less dye. About 1 tablespoon (7.5g) ofpowdereddyefor1pound(450g)offabricwillresultinamediumshade,butdifferentdyeshavedifferentstrengths,sobesuretoreadthelabels.It’seasiesttomixthedyeifyoufirstcreate a paste by adding a few drops of water to the powder in a recyclable plasticcontainer. Then slowly mix the paste with 1 cup (240ml) of water. Be sure it is mixedthoroughly,otherwiseyoumayendupwithspotsofvarioushues.

FIG.1

STEP 2: Prepare the Fabric Soak your scoured fabric in water; the temperature doesn’tmatter.Itwilldyemoreevenlyifthefabriciswetpriortobeingplacedinthedyebath.

STEP3:PreparetheDyeBathPourtheprepareddyeintoacontainerlargeenoughforthefabrictomovefreelyandwithenoughroomforittobestirredwithoutspilling.Addenough

room-temperaturewatertoyourprepareddyethatyourfabricwillbecoveredwhenplacedinthedyebath.Stirthedyebathandthenaddyourfabric.Therecommendedamountis2½gallonsperpound(9.5Lper450g)offabric;uselessifyourfabriciscoveredbythedyebath and you want a deeper color (and vice versa). For even results, stir the fabriccontinuously;ifyoupreferamoreirregularlook,leaveitbe.

FIG.2

STEP4:AddtheFixativeSodaashsetsthecolor;withoutit,thedyewillnotbepermanent.For1pound(450g)offabricandamedium-strengthcolor,use5tablespoons(60g)ofsodaash.Dissolveitin1cup(240ml)ofwarmwater.Afterthefabrichasbeeninthedyebathforapproximately10minutes,brieflyremovethefabricfromthedyebath,wearinggloves,and mix in the dissolved soda ash. Replace the fabric and stir occasionally. Afterapproximately60minutes,takeoutthefabric.

STEP5:RinseandWashtheFabricRinsethefabricundercoolwateruntil itrunsclear,orsoakitinapot,changingthewateruntilitrunsclear.Onthelastrinse,addadroportwoofSynthrapol.Washanddrythefabric inthemachineseparatelyat leastoncetoremoveanyexcessdyebeforemixingwithyourotherlaundry.

DYEINGWITHALL-PURPOSEDYES

STEP 1: Mix the Dye You can buy premixed liquid dye; otherwise you’ll need to mix thepowdered dye with water. Read the directions on the packaging for the recommendedamountofdyeperpound.

STEP 2: Prepare the Fabric Soak your scoured fabric in water; the temperature doesn’tmatter.Thefabricwilldyemoreevenlyifitiswetpriortobeingplacedinthedyebath.

STEP3:PreparetheDyeBathPourthedye intoacontainer largeenoughforthe fabrictomovefreelyandwithenoughroomfor it tobestirredwithoutspilling.Thenaddenoughhot water (140°F [60°C]) to cover the fabric. The recommended amount is 3 gallons perpound(11.4Lper450g)offabric;butuselessifyourfabriciscoveredinthedyebathandyouwantadeepercolor(andviceversa).Wait5minutesandthenaddthefollowingtothe

dyebath:FORCOTTONS:1cup(273g)ofsaltdissolvedin2cups(480ml)ofhotwaterFOR

SILK,WOOL,ORNYLON:1cup(240ml)ofwhitevinegarOncethedyebath ismixed,addthedampfabric.Forevenresults,stirthefabriccontinuously;ifyoupreferamoreirregularlook,leaveitbe.

STEP4:RinseandWash theFabricRinse the fabricundercoolwateruntil it runsclear. Irecommendlettingitsoakinapotandchangingthewateruntil itrunsclear.Onthelastrinse,addadroportwoofSynthrapol.Ialwayssuggestwashinganddryingthefabricinthemachineseparatelyatleastoncebeforemixingwithyourotherlaundrytoremoveanyexcessdye.

Please note that all-purpose dyes are often not as colorfast as fiber-reactivedyes,andbleedingmayoccur.Youmaywanttouseanadditionalfixative, such as Rit Color Stay Dye Fixative, if you choose to use all-purposedye.Pleasefollowinstructionsonthebottle.

UPHOLSTERING

Reupholsteringexistingpieces,familyhand-me-downs,orflea-marketfindsisagreatway toupdate themtoyourpersonal taste.Patterned fabriccaneasilytransformasimplebench,headboard,orchair.Lookforpiecesthathavesimpleconstructionwherethefabriccanbestapledtothereverseside.More complicated projects may require sewing or working with aprofessionalupholsterer.

SUPPLIES

Furnitureofyourchoice

Batting

Fiberfill(optional,dependingonproject)

Staplegunandstaples

Fabric

Scissors

STEP1:PreptheFurnitureforUpholsteringTakeapartyourfurniture(legs,chairseats,etc.)to the extent possible to make it easy to work with. Remove any cording, piping, orfinishingdetailsfromthefurniturethatmightcreateabumpwhencovered.

STEP2:AddtheBattingLaydownenoughbattingtocoverthefurniture.Stretchthebattingaroundto thebackandbegin tostaple it inplace.Thebench I reupholsteredhaddivotswhereitwasoriginallytufted,sowefilledthoseinwithfiberfillunderneaththebatting,asIwantedacleanerlook.Ifthepieceoffurniturerequiresmorepadding,considerathin½"(13cm)foaminsteadofbatting.Besuretokeepittightbyalternatingsides:stapleonesideand then move to the opposite side, pulling the foam tight in between each time youstaple.Keepthecornersneatandsmooth,foldingthemlikehospitalcornersonabed.

FIG.1

STEP3:StretchtheFabricFollowthesamedirectionsforthebatting,nowusingyourfabric,stretchingandalternatingsides.Ifyouhaveapatternwithalargerepeat,youmaywanttocenteritfirsttomakesureyou’rehappywiththeplacement.

FIG.2

STEP 4: Finish (optional) If you want a more finished look on the bottom or back of thefurniture,cutapieceoffabricbigenoughtocovertheunfinishedparts,foldundertherawedges,andstapleitneatlyovertheexposedarea.

LINENCARE

Now that you’ve spent so much time finding the right pieces for yourhome, you want them to last. That means taking care of them, andsometimesmakingtherightchoicecanbeconfusing.IaskedmyfriendsatMethod Home, a line of naturally derived, biodegradable, and nontoxichousehold cleaners, laundry, and soap products, for their top care tips.There’splentyofinformationouttherebesideswhat’slistedbelow,butit’sagoodplacetostart.

TRYCOLDWATERWHENDOINGYOURLAUNDRY.It’smoreenergyefficientandalsohelpspreservecolorslonger.Plus,manydetergentsarenowdesignedtoworkbetterincoldwater.Usewarmwaterforchildren’sclothes,towels,andbedding.Hotwaterisbestforkeepingwhiteswhite,buthightemperaturescanmakesomefabricsshrink,socheckthelabelstobesure.

USECONCENTRATEDLAUNDRYDETERGENT.It’slesswastefulandsaveswaterandmoney.

MINIMIZEWASTEWITHEASYDOSINGOPTIONS,likeapod,asmallcapful,orapumpof

detergent.Manylaundrycapsareoversize,soyouusemoredetergentthanyouneed.Smallercapfulsandpumpshelpyouavoidoverdosingbydispensingjustenoughforyourload.Betterforyourwallet—andforyourclothes,too.

WHENYOUWANTTOBRIGHTENYOURWHITES,optforanontoxic,non-chlorine,biodegradablebleach.Tryaperoxide-basedbleachasanalternative.Itcanevenbeusedtogentlypretreatstains.Manyperoxide-basedbleachesarecolorsafe,butpleasereadthelabels.

CONSIDERFABRICSOFTENERSTHATAREBIODEGRADABLEandderivedfromplant-basedingredients.Allfabricsoftenersleaveasuper-thin,slipperycoatingonfiberstokeepfabricsoftandsupple,buttraditionalfabricsoftenershavesomesurprisingingredientsinthem—likebeeffat!Overall,thecoatingcanmakefabriclessabsorbent,soyoumightnotwanttousefabricsoftenersonthingsliketowelsorworkoutclothes.

WHENEVERPOSSIBLE,LINE-DRYYOURCLOTHINGANDLINENS.Doingsonotonlywillhelpyouconserveenergy,butitwillalsodolessdamagetoyourlinens,andtheywilllastlonger.Plus,line-dryingfabricsinthesuncanhelpkeepmustyodorsatbay—andthesunisanaturalbleachingagent!

SHOPPINGRESOURCES

I’ve included a shopping resources guide to give youways to expand your search for the perfectpatterned pieces beyondwhere youmight normally look.Depending onwhat you’re looking for,considerthetimeofyearwhenshopping—you’llseemorepatternswithwhitegrounds insummerandcoloredgroundsinfall.Andseasonalitemsmeantforoutdoorsmaynotbeavailableyear-roundwhereyoulive.

Ifyou’re struggling to findexactlywhatyouwant,considercustomization.For itemsmadewithfabric, including pillows and furniture, find the fabric you love and follow our pillow sewinginstructionsorupholstering instructions. If theproject isbeyondyour skill set,workwith a localseamstress or upholsterer. If you can’t find the color combination you want, a fabric studio cancreatecustomoptionsforyou.Sometimesit’sworthittogetaspecialpiecethatwillbethestarofyourhome.

Thelistbelowisbynomeansexhaustive;itsimplyincludesmyfavorites.I’veleftoffmostofthebiggerbrands,asthey’reeasiertocomeby.I’vealsonotedthesourcesusedinthebook.

ABCCARPET&HOME

www.abchome.comAhallmarkofNewYorkCity,withsixfloorsofextravaganthomedécoritemsstyledinanenchantingenvironment.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

www.anthropologie.comAwhimsicallifestylestore.

ANYONATELIER

www.anyondesign.comEastCoastmeetsWestinthisfreshSanFranciscohomedécorshoprunbyinteriordesignerLindsayBrier.

AVO

www.avoavo.comGraphichand-paintedandhand-printedleatherrugsandmore.

BELLBOYNY

www.bellboynewyork.comAcontemporaryfurniturestudiobasedinBrooklyn,creatingfurniturethatissimpleandimaginative.MirrorincludedinEntryway.

BLACKROCKGALLERIES

www.blackrockgalleries.comThelargestestateliquidatorintheNY,CT,andNJareahostingin-personandonlineauctions.

BRIMFIELDANTIQUESHOW

www.brimfieldshow.comAlarge,well-knownfleamarketinBrimfield,MA.

BROOKLYNFLEA

www.brooklynflea.comANewYorkattractionfilledwithvintagefindsaswellasitemsmadebylocalartisans.

BURKELMAN

www.shopburkelman.comDistinctivemodernhomewaresonlineandinColdSpring,NY.

DistinctivemodernhomewaresonlineandinColdSpring,NY.

CALICOWALLPAPER

www.calicowallpaper.comBestknownfortheirlineofmarbledwallpaperanddesignsbasedinancienttraditions.Seetheirhomeandwallpapers,thispage.

CARAVANE

www.caravane.frOneofmyfavoritefurnitureshopsinParis,France.

CAROLINEZHURLEY

www.carolinezhurley.comGraphictextilesbyapainter.Napkinsshownonthispage.

CHAIRLOOM

www.chairloom.comAgreatresourceforreupholsteryofvintagefurnitureinPennsylvania.

COUNTERPANE

www.counterpanestudio.comModerntakesonquiltsandpillowsbyPaulineBoydhand-stitchedbylocalLosAngelesartisans.Quiltshownonthispage.

DARKROOM

www.darkroomlondon.comOneofmyfavoriteshopsinLondon.

DILLIHAAT

www.dillihaat.net.inAfavoritemarketinDelhi,India.

EBAY

www.ebay.comAnonlineauctionwhereyoucanfindalmostanything.

ELEPHANTCERAMICS

www.elephantceramics.comHandmadetexturalceramicsfromMainewithaninclinationtowardblue.

ELIZABETHRUSKIN

www.elizabethruskin.comHappypatternedpiecesmadeinMaine.Plattershownonthispage.

ERICATANOV

www.ericatanov.com

Uniquebohemiantreasures.

ESKAYEL

www.eskayel.comANewYork–baseddesignstudiowithanartisticandenvironmentallyresponsibleapproachtointeriorsurfacedesign.Pillowshownonthispage.

ETSY

www.etsy.comAnonlinemarketplacespecializinginhandmadeandvintageitemsandsupplies.

FELT+FAT

www.feltandfat.comAPhiladelphiaceramicistduocreatingtintedporcelaindinnerware.Platesshownonthispage.

FRITZPORTER

www.fritzporter.comAdesignemporiumthatoffershigh-quality,bespokepiecesinCharleston,SC.

GARDE

www.gardeshop.comModern,naturalhomeaccessoriesandgiftsfromScottiSitzinLosAngeles,CA.

HABLECONSTRUCTION

www.hableconstruction.comAsurfacedesigncompanywithafreshcontemporaryandcolorfulaestheticbysistersKatharineandSusan.

HARBINGER

www.harbingerla.comAdesigndestinationforfabrics,wallpaper,andbeautifulhomeaccessoriesinLosAngeles.

HAWKINSNY

www.hawkinsnewyork.comAlifestylebrandbasedinHudson,NY,thatpartnerswithindependentdesigners.

HDBUTTERCUP

www.hdbuttercup.comAneclectichomefurnishingsstore.MultiplelocationsinCA.

HELENLEVI

www.helenlevi.comABrooklyn-basedpotterandphotographer.Mugshownonthispage.

JEREMYAYERSPOTTERY

www.jeremyayerspottery.comSimple,graphic,andearthyceramicsmadeinVermont.Mugshownonthispage.

JOHNDERIANCOMPANY

www.johnderian.comBestknownforhisdecoupagepiecesandEastVillageshopfilledwithcuriositiesandfurniture.

JOHNROBSHAW

www.johnrobshaw.comIndianblock-printedhometextiles.

KCOLETTE

www.kcolette.comArtisangoodsinPortland,ME.

KISKA

www.kiskatextiles.comUniqueblock-printedtextilesfromIndia.Pillowcasesshownonthispage.

LAYLA

www.layla-bklyn.comAfavoriteshopinBoerumHill,Brooklyn.

LIBECO

www.libeco.comResponsiblyproduced,high-qualityBelgianlinenandhomegoods.

LIBERTYLONDON

www.liberty.co.ukAmust-visitinLondon.

LURUHOME

www.luruhome.comVintageandmoderntextilesexploringthevastscopeofChineseaestheticdesign.Textilesshownonthispage,thispage,thispage,thispage,andthispage.

MADELINEWEINRIB

www.madelineweinrib.comLuxuriousethnictextilesthataresophisticated,timeless,andmodern.Perhapsbestknownforherrugs.

MATTEO

www.matteohome.comSolidgarment-dyedbedding.Mygo-toforsheeting.Beddingshownonthispage.

Merci

www.merci-merci.com/en/Amust-visitinParis.

Amust-visitinParis.

MOCIUN

www.mociun.comAfavoriteinWilliamsburg,Brooklyn.

MOONISH

www.moonishco.comMagnetictiles,asseenonthispage.

NICKYRISING

www.nickyrising.comHigh-endinteriordesignshowroominWestHollywood,CA.

OVOCERAMICS

www.ovoceramics.comDelicateporcelainpieceswithsimple,elegantpatterning.

PORTOBELLOROADMARKET

www.portobelloroad.co.ukAnantiquemarketinLondon.

PROUDMARY

www.proudmary.orgEthicallysourcedmoderngoodsmadebyartisansaroundtheglobe.SeefounderHarperPoe’shomeonthispageandthispage.

RECREATIONCENTER

www.recreationcentershop.comPlayfulpatternedceramicsmadeinBrooklynbyJosephineHeilpern.Mugshownonthispage.

RUGEMPORIUM240ONEBAY

www.ebay.com/usr/rugemporium240AneBayshopwithbeautifulrugs.

SCARGOPOTTERY

www.scargopottery.comAmagicalpotterystudioinmyhometownofDennis,MA.Mugshownonthispage.

ST.FRANK

www.stfrank.comBestknownforbeautifullyframedtextiles.Pillowsshownonthispage.

STUDIOFOURNYC

www.studiofournyc.comANewYorkCitytextiledesignstudioandshowroomfilledwithfabricsandwallpapersfromauniqueassortmentofdesignersaswellascustomrugs.Rugsshownonthispage.

SUITEONESTUDIO

www.suiteonestudio.comAlineofceramicsfromLindseyEmeryknownfororganicshapes,femininecolorpalettes,andtexturaldetails.Ceramicsshownonthispage.

SUMMERHOUSE

www.summerhousestyle.comAfavoriteinRidgeland,MS.

THE-COMMONS

www.the-commons.usAmerican-madegoodsforthehomeinCharleston,SC.

THEPRIMARYESSENTIALS

www.theprimaryessentials.comAfavoriteinBoerumHill,Brooklyn.

TULUTEXTILES

www.tulutextiles.comColorfulanduniqueprintedtextilesfromTurkey.

WESTELM

www.westelm.comContemporaryfurnitureandhomegoods;companyownedbyWilliams-Sonoma.

WORKADAYHANDMADE

www.workadayhandmade.comABrooklynceramicistknownforuniquehand-paintedandhand-etchedpatterns.Ceramicsshownonthispage.

WORKOF

www.workof.comAnonlinemarketplaceforthebestinlocallyandindependentlymadefurnitureandaccessories.

WORLDMARKET

www.worldmarket.comAffordableanduniquehomegoods.

ZAK+FOX

www.zakandfox.comGloballyinspiredtextilesthatderivefromhistoryandmyth.Pillowshownonthispage.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writingthisbookhasbeenanexperiencethathaschallengedandinspiredme,andIcouldnothavedone it alone. Ihave grown through thisprocess and learned somuchbecauseof eachoneof thepeoplewhowasapartofit.Iamthankfultohaveworkedwithsuchagreatteam.

First, Imust thankmy agent, Kimberly Perel, who provided unwavering support and guidancethroughouttheentireprocess.Withouther,thisbookwouldn’texist.

Likewise,Ican’timaginethisprojectwithoutthetalentedphotographerandartistEmilyJohnston.Her thoughtfulnaturemadeour long shoots apleasure, andher eye for color and framing spacesresultedinthesebeautifulimages.

ThankyoutoNellieLaskowforhelpingmekeepthebusinessgoingthroughthecrazinessoftheshootingandwritingschedule.Herproblem-solvingsuperpowersandthoughtfuleyeonshootsarejustafewofthereasonssheisthebest.

ToCharlotteHallberg,forhersupportwiththewritingprocess—especiallyhelpingmegathermythoughts,brainstorm,andlaughwhenitwasfeelingdifficult.

TothewholeteamatClarksonPotter,whoworkedsohardtomakethisbookareality.Averyspecialthank-youtomyeditor,AmandaEnglander,whosawmyvisionforthisbookandbelievedinit.ThankyoutodesignerDanielleDeschenesforsuchabeautifullayoutandforbeingsuchacreativepartner.Thanks,too,toKimTyner,PatriciaShaw,KathyBrock,StephanieDavis,andSeanBoyles.

Thankyou tomy friends and familywho supported this endeavor, andespecially to thosewhohelpedmewith their expertise for projects: Sarah Laskow,my aunt Jean,my great-uncle Ed, andSorayaShah.

Thankyoutomyparents.TheyalwayshaveencouragedmypassionforartandbelievedIcoulddoanything.Lastly,thankyoutomyhusband,Steve,foryourconstantsupport,love,andbeliefinme—itmeanseverything.

CONTRIBUTORS

HOMES

Thehomesthatfillthisbooktrulyinspireme,andsodothepeoplewhocreatedthem.Gettingoutofmybubbleandvisitingtheirhomeshasbeenanexcitingexperiencethathasshapedmyviewpointasadesignerandopenedmeuptonewideas.Ahugethank-youtoeveryonewhoopenedtheirdoorstohelpmemakethisbook.

MICHELLEARMAS

Atlanta,GAwww.michellearmas.com

SALLYKINGBENEDICT

Atlanta,GAwww.sallybenedict.com

WENDYWURTZBURGERBENTLEYANDCHRISBENTLEY

Philadelphia,PAwww.westelm.com/shop/collaborations/roar-rabbit/

HUYBUI

Brooklyn,NYwww.plantincity.com

ANDREACACCUROANDNELSONDIAZ

Haverstraw,NYwww.casahudsonny.com

LINDSEYCARTER

Charleston,SCwww.troubadourclothing.com

NICKANDRACHELCOPE

Brooklyn,NYwww.calicowallpaper.com

KIKIDENNIS

NewYork,NYwww.dberke.com/people/kiki-dennis

KATEDOUGHERTY

Charleston,SCwww.katedeez.com

CHASSITYEVANS

Charleston,SCwww.looklingerlove.com

HASKELLHARRIS

Charleston,SCwww.gardenandgun.com/blog/haskell-harris

ANGIEHRANOWSKY

Charleston,SCwww.angiehranowsky.com

OLIVIARAEJAMES

Charleston,SCwww.oliviaraejames.com

EMILYJOHNSTON

NewYork,NYwww.emily-johnston.com

JENNYKEENANINTERIORS

Charleston,SCwww.jennykeenaninteriordesign.com

KATELOUDOUNSHAND

Brooklyn,NY

www.kateloudounshand.com

BRIANPAQUETTEINTERIORS

Seattle,WAwww.brianpaquetteinteriors.com

WAYNEPATEANDREBECCATAYLOR

Brooklyn,NYwww.waynepate.comwww.rebeccataylor.com

STEPHANIEPESAKOFF

Brooklyn,NYwww.illustrationdivision.comwww.stampa.us.com

HARPERPOE

Charleston,SCwww.proudmary.org

RENÉESHORTELL

Philadelphia,PAwww.anonastudio.com

SWAYSTUDIO

SanFrancisco,CAwww.sway-studio.com

PRODUCTS

Manyproductswereneededtocreatethisbook,andIamespeciallythankfultothosewholoanedusbeautiful,handcrafted items for thephoto shoots:AnonaStudio,BellboyNY,CarolineZHurley,Counterpane, Elizabeth Ruskin, Eskayel, Felt + Fat, Heather Taylor Home, Helen Levi, JeremyAyers Pottery, Kufri Life Fabrics, Layla, Luru Home, Matteo, Ovo Ceramics, Proud Mary,Recreation Center, Scargo Pottery, St. Frank, Studio Four NYC, Suite One Studio, The Sill,WorkadayHandmade,Zak+Fox.

INDEX

(Pagereferencesinitalicsrefertoillustrations.)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XY Z

abstractpatterningconcepts,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,7.1architectureofroom,3.1,3.2,5.1,8.1Armas,Michelle,5.1,7.1,10.1,4.1armchairs:inbedroom,10.1,10.2ineat-inkitchen,7.1,7.2inhallway,8.1,8.2,8.3pillowsizeforinreadingnook,8.1,8.2traditional,mixingtextileswith,6.1,6.2

artstudios,8.1,8.2,8.3,8.4artwork,3.1,6.1,6.2displayedinopenshelving,7.1,7.2framedburlapbags,7.1,7.2laserprintouts,6.1,6.2marbledwallart(project),11.1,11.2movingaround,6.1,10.1transient,hangingwithtape,7.1,7.2,10.1,10.2,10.3seealsopaintings

bathroomsaccessoriesin,9.1,9.2bringingnatureinto,9.1,9.2,9.3flooringin,9.1,9.2186,9.3,9.4,9.5191,9.6plantsin,9.1,9i.1,9.1powderrooms,9i.1,9.1rugsin,9.1,9.2,9.3textilesin,9.1,9.2,9.3,9.4,9.5transitiontoadjacentspacesfrom,9.1,9.2

batikprints,4.1,4.2,6.1,6.2bedding,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4,10.5boldandlivable,10.1,10.2breakingupsetsandmixingpatterns,6.1,6.2

calmandcool,10.1,10.2cottoncountsfordip-dyedEuroshams(project),11.1,11.2embroidered-geometricedgepillowcases(project),11.1,11.2gender-neutral,10.1,10.2,10.3mixofoldandnew,10.1,10.2white,10.1,10.2seealsoquilts

bedroomsbalancingotherpeople'sneedsin,10.1220boldandcozy,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4calm,10.1,10.2,10.3forchildren,10.1,10.2,10.3dressersanddressingareasin,10.1,10.2,10.3forguests,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4nightstandsin,10.1,10.2aspartsofwhole,10.1,10.2,10.3

bedskirtsBenedict,SallyKing,5.1,6.1,7.1,8.1,10.1,4.1Bentley,WendyWurtzburgerandChris,6.1,7.1,8.1,10.1,4.1black,intablesettings,7.1,7.2black-and-whitepalettes,4.1,4.2,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4blinds,6.1,6.2,7.1,7.2blue-and-whitetablesettings,7.1,7.2blues:blush,tomatoredand,2.1,2i.1conversationamongpatternsin,6.1,6.2cozyvibewith,ineat-inkitchen,7.1,7.2,7.3infloralremix,4.1,4.2marblepatternonwall,9i.1,9.1neutralscombinedwith,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,10.1,10.2

blush,paletteoftomatored,bluesand,2.1,2.2books,aspatterns,8.1,8.2Boyle,Erinbreakfastbars,7.1,7.2,7.3breakfastnooks,7.1,7.2brunchbuffet,settingtablefor,7.1,7.2Bui,Huy,7.1,10.1,4.1burlapbags,framed,7.1,7.2Caccuro,AndreaCalicoWallpapercalmingeffectsinbedroom,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4inentryway,5.1,5.2warmcolorsand,6.1,6.2

Carter,Lindsey,5.1,8.1,10.1,4.1chairs:changingfabriconseatsofwithdip-dyedwovenseat(project),11.1,11.2,11.3multipurpose,movingfromoneplacetoplaceseealsoarmchairs;diningchairs

child-friendlylivingrooms,6.1,6.2children’sbedrooms,10.1,10.2,10.3closets,inbedroom,10.1,10.2color(s)accent,2.1,2.2balancing,2.1,2.2basicscomplementary,2.1,2.2,2.3cool,2.1,2.2meaningsof,allovertheworldneutrals,2.1,2.2,2.3pairingsof,2.1,2.2primary,2.1,2.2secondary,2.1,2.2tertiary,2.1,2.2valueof(scalefromlighttodark),2.1,2.2warm,2.1,2.2

colorpaletteaddingintensityin,2.1,2.2,2.3,2.4blush,tomatored,andblues,2.1,2.2introducedinentryway,5.1,5.2limitingnumberofcolorsinmutedpurple,chocolate,andpeachaccents,2.1,2.2,2.3neutralsand,2.1,2.2withpopofyellow,2.1,2.2proportionin,2.1,2.2richgreenswithjewel-toneaccents,2.1,2.2inspacesthatconnect

colorwheel,2.1,2.2comfort,creating,5.1,5.2complementarycolors,2.1,2.2,2.3coolcolors,2.1,2.2coolneutrals,2.1,2.2,2.3,2.4coordinateprints,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4Cope,NickandRachel,6.1,7.1,4.1cottoncountscreativespaces,8.1,8.2,8.3,8.4artstudios,8.1,8.2,8.3,8.4homeoffices,8.1,8.2,8.3,8.4

inspirationboardsin,8.1,8.2curtainrods,playfulembellishmentshungon,6.1,6.2,6.3cushioninsertsdarkwalls,5.1,5.2paintingson,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,7.1,7.2,7.3

decoupage-patternedglasstrays(project),11.1,11.2denimtextures,wovengeometricsusedwith,4.1,4.2Dennis,Kiki,7.1,9.1,4.1diamondmotifs,5.1,5.2digitalrecordkeeping,1.1,2.1diningchairs:abstractpatternsformedbylegsof,7.1,7.2seatcushionson,7.1,7.2

diningspacesbreakfastbars,7.1,7.2,7.3breakfastnooks,7.1,7.2bringingnatureindoorsin,7.1,7.2,7.3,7.4defining,inlargerspace,6.1,6.2,6.3,7.1,7.2displayingpersonalhistoryin,7.1,7.2dramaticwallcolorsorcoveringsin,7.1,7.2,7.3,7.4eat-inkitchens,7.1,7.2outdoor,7.1,7.2,8.1,8.2paintingsin,7.1,7.2,7.3referencestofoodhistoryin,7.1,7.2

diningtables:layeringtextileson,7.1,7.2,7.3vintagedooras,7.1,7.2seealsotableclothsandlinens;tablesettings

dip-dyedEuroshams(project),11.1,11.2ditsyprints,4.1,4.2dotsandpolkadots,4.1,4.2,4.3,6.1,6.2Dougherty,Kate,9.1,10.1,4.1dressersanddressingareas,10.1,10.2,10.3duality,spacedefinedby,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4dyeingfabricwithall-purposedyes,1.1,1.2withprocionfiber-reactivedyes,1.1,1.2scouringfabricpriorto

embroidered-geometricedgepillowcases(project),11.1,11.2embroideredplacemats(project),11.1,11.2embroideredtextures,4.1,4.2entrywayscalmgreetingin,5.1,5.2colorasstartingpointin,5.1,5.2creatingcomfortin,5.1,5.2

definingflowin,5.1,5.2dooropeningrightintoseatingareaand,5.1,5.2popofpersonalityin,5.1,5.2storagein,5.1,5.2transitiontorestofhousefrom,5.1,5.2welcomingwithpatternin

Evans,Chassity,5.1,9.1,4.1Flemming,Caitlinfloorcushionspotato-print(project),11.1,11.2

flooring:forbathrooms,9.1,9.2,9.3,9.4,9.5,9.6foreat-inkitchens,7.1,7.2,7.3seealsorugs

florals,4.1,4.2,4.3abstract,stripeswith,4.1,4.2eclecticmixwith,4.1,4.2Indian,4.1,4.2texturedwoven,4.1,4.2

flow,defining,5.1,5.2foils,dualpatternsand,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4frontdoors,5.1,5.2geometrics,4.1,4.2indiningspaces,tocomplementtablelinens,7.1,7.2embroidered-geometricedgepillowcases(project),11.1,11.2pairingfree-flowingelementswith,4.1,4.2tyingelementstogetherwith,5.1,5.2,10.1,10.2woven,denimtexturesusedwith,4.1,4.2

gingham,10.1,10.2greens:asgender-neutralcolorinchildrens'bedroom,10.1,10.2paletteof,withjewel-toneaccents,2.1,2.2

guestbedrooms,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4hallway,retreatspacein,8.1,8.2,8.3hammocks,8.1,8.2headboards:coveringwithblanketorthrow,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4upholstered,10.1,10.2,10.3upholstering(project),11.1,11.2

high-contrastelements,5.1,5.2Hmongtextiles,4.1,4.2Hranowsky,Angie,5.1,9.1,4.1ikatfabrics,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4,6.1,6.2,6.3Indianflorals,4.1,4.2indoor/outdoorfabric

inspirationboards,8.1,8.2intentionalityinterests,displaying,6.1,6.2James,OliviaRae,6.1,4.1Johnston,Emily,8.1,4.1kanthaquilts,6.1,6.2,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4Keenan,Jenny,5.1,6.1,8.1,10.1,10.2,4.1kitchens:breakfastbarin,7.1,7.2,7.3eat-in,7.1,7.2personalizedtouchesin,7.1,7.2

ladders,displayingandstoringitemson,5.1,5.2,9.1lamps,embellishing,6.1,6.2lampshade,speckle-painted(project),11.1,11.2large-scalepatterns,4.1,4.2,5.1,7.1laserprintouts,6.1,6.2launderingtipslayeringelements,6.1,10.1,10.2inbathroomonbed,10.1,10.2ondiningtable,7.1,7.2,7.3rugs,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6

leopardprints,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6Lesotho,blanketfrom,6.1,6.2libraries,8.1,8.2,8.3linen(fiber)linens,caringforlivingroomsartworkin,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6,6.7,6.8balancingyourstoryin,6.1,6.2buildingmoodin,6.1,6.2creatingfoundationin,6.1,6.2,6.3definingseatingareawithinlargerspace,6.1,6.2,6.3,7.1,7.2dialoguebetweenpiecesin,6.1,6.2dualityexpressedin,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4interestsdisplayedin,6.1,6.2kid-friendly,6.1,6.2livingyourstoryin,6.1,6.2rugbasicsforsparkingconversationin,6.1,6.2,6.3unifyingspacethroughrepetition,6.1,6.2seealsosofas

Loudoun-Shand,Kate,6.1,10.1,10.2,4.1marbleandmarbleizedpatterns:onbathroomwalls,9i.1,9.1

dual,onwallpaper,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4ontextiles,6.1,6.2wallart(project),11.1,11.2

marbletiles,inbathroom,9.1,9.2mirrors,9.1,9i.1Missoni,5.1,5.2mixingstyles,6.1,6.2mood,creating,6.1,6.2moodboards,1.1,1.2,1.3Moroccanrugs,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4mugs,7.1,7.2,7.3napkins:overdyed(project),11.1,11.2shibori-dyed(project),11.1,11.2seealsotableclothsandlinens

naturaltextures,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4nature,bringingindoors,7.1,7.2,7.3,9.1,9.2,9.3negativespaceofchairlegs,7.1,7.2

nestingtablesneutrals,2.1,2.2,2.3adding“pop”colorto,2.1,2.2bluescombinedwith,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,10.1,10.2forcalmgreetinginentryway,5.1,5.2dark,6.1,6.2,10.1furniturein,asbackdrop,6.1,6.2mixingpatternswith,6.1,6.2rugsand,6.1,6.2tablesettingsand,7.1,7.2textureandsubtletonalinterestwith,6.1,6.2

nightstands,10.1,10.2no-printprints,4.1,4.2notebooksandsketchbooks:buildingapaletteandfindingyourstoryand,1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4

objects:curatedgroupof,inentryway,5.1,5.2displayedonopenshelving,7.1,7.2,8.1,8.2placementof,aspattern,4.1,7.1repetitionof

oddnumbers,groupingitemsin,4.1,6.1officespaces,8.1,8.2,8.3,8.4inhomelibrary,8.1,8.2seealsocreativespaces

Olah,Karin

openfloorplans,definingseparateareasin,6.1,6.2,6.3,7.1,7.2openshelvingindiningarea,7.1,7.2,7.3,7.4inreadingnook,8.1,8.2

outdoordiningspaces,7.1,7.2,8.1,8.2overdyednapkins(project),11.1,11.2painted-stripereversiblethrow(project),11.1,11.2paintedterra-cottapots(project),11.1,11.2paintings,5.1,5.2ondarkwalls,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,7.1,7.2,7.3

pairedpatternspalette,seecolorpalettePaquette,Brian,6.1,6.2,8.1,10.1,4.1Pate,Wayne,6.1,7.1,8.1,4.1patternsbalancingpaletteofbuildingcollectionofobjectplacementas,4.1,7.1pairedrepetitionofobjectsandscaleandproportionof,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4,4.5solidsortexturesvs.swatchesandsamplesof,4.1,4.2two-coloredprints,2.1,2.2

photos,displayingpicnics,foldingfurnitureandtextilesforPierrepont,Consuelopillowcasesembroidered-geometricedge(project),11.1,11.2

pillows:ondiningchairs,7.1,7.2insertsforoddvs.evennumberofoversizesizeof,forchairsizesandproportionsofonsofa,6.1,6.2

Pinterest,trackingideasonplacemats,embroidered(project),11.1,11.2plants,6.1,7.1,7.2,8.1inbathroom,9.1,9.2,9.3paintedterra-cottapotsfor(project),11.1,11.2

playfultouches,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4Poe,Harper,6.1,7.1,4.1pom-poms,hangingfromcurtainrodorlamp,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4

“pop”color,2.1,2.2porches:aseverydayretreats,8.1,8.2atfrontdoor,5.1,5.2

potato-printfloorcushions(project),11.1,11.2powderrooms,9i.1,9.1primarycolors,2.1,2.2procionfiber-reactivedyes,1.1,1.2projectschairwithdip-dyedwovenseat,11.1,11.2,11.3decoupage-patternedglasstrays,11.1,11.2dip-dyedEuroshams,11.1,11.2dyeingfabricembroidered-geometricedgepillowcases,11.1,11.2embroideredplacemats,11.1,11.2marbledwallart,11.1,11.2overdyednapkins,11.1,11.2painted-stripereversiblethrow,11.1,11.2paintedterra-cottapots,11.1,11.2potato-printfloorcushions,11.1,11.2reupholsteredseating,simpleshibori-dyednapkins,11.1,11.2speckle-paintedlampshade,11.1,11.2splatter-paintedsisalrugupholsteredheadboard,11.1,11.2upholsteringwovenwallhanging,11.1,11.2

proportion:colorpaletteand,2.1,2.2patternsand,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4useofterm

purple,muted,paletteofchocolateand,withpeachaccents,2.1,2.2,2.3quilts:antiquepatchwork,10.1,10.2coveringsofabackwith,6.1,6.2kantha,6.1,6.2,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4red-and-white,10.1,10.2

quiltsquares,striped,withabstractflorals,4.1,4.2rattanseating,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2readingnooks,8.1,8.2,8.3red-and-whitequilts,10.1,10.2reds:asaccentswithneutrals,10.1,10.2,10.3tomato,paletteofblush,bluesand,2.1,2.2

repetition,3.1,5.1,5.2,5.3

cohesivespacecreatedby,6.1,6.2,6.3research,onlineimageresourcesandretreat,spacesfor,8.1,8.2reupholsteredseating,simple(project)rugsinbathrooms,9.1,9.2,9.3inbedrooms,10.1,10.2colorandscaleincoveringsofacushionwith,6.1,6.2creatingseparateareaswithinonespacewith,6.1,6.2,6.3inentryway,5.1,5.2,5.3,5.4,5.5,5.6foldedtosizeofrunner,5.1,5.2layering,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5Moroccan,5.1,5.2,6.1,6.2,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4neutral,6.1,6.2pathwaysformedby,5.1,5.2pickingrightsizepracticalconsiderationsandsisal,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4splatter-paintedsisal(project)

scale,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4,4.5,4.6scouringfabric,dyeingandsecondarycolors,2.1,2.2shamsdip-dyedEuro(project),11.1,11.2

shibori,4.1,4.2,7.1,7.2,10.1,10.2fiber-reactivedyesfornapkins(project),11.1,11.2

shoppingresourcesShortell,Renée,9.1,4.1shutters,wooden,9.1,9.2sisalrugs,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4splatter-painted(project)

sketchbooks,seenotebooksandsketchbookssofaspillowson,6.1,6.2throwson,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6,6.7

solidshigh-qualitytextured,splurgingon

Spalding,Katiespeckle-paintedlampshade(project),11.1,11.2splatter-paintedsisalrug(project)splurging,onone-of-a-kindprintsstatementpiecesstorage:

forartsuppliesinentryway,5.1,5.2fortoys

story,findingdigitalrecordsanddreamsforfutureandeditingprocessandexplorationofsurroundingsandmoodboardsand,1.1,1.2,1.3notebooksorsketchbooksand,1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4observationalskillsandpersonalhistoryandtrackingonlinesourcesand

stripes,3.1,4.1,4.2,4.3abstractfloralsusedwith,4.1,4.2asdirectionalmap,6.1,6.2,8.1,10.1,10.2suminagashitechnique,11.1,11.2swatchesandsamples,4.1,4.2SwayStudio,7.1,10.1,4.1tableclothsandlinens,7.1,7.2,7.3layering,7.1,7.2,7.3inmulticoloredpalette,7.1,7.2overdyednapkins(project),11.1,11.2shibori-dyednapkins(project),11.1,11.2

tablesettings,7.1,7.2,7.3,7.4,7.5forbrunchbuffet,7.1,7.2foreverydaydinner,7.1,7.2forfall(orother)feast,7.1,7.2mugs,7.1,7.2,7.3solidsvs.patternsinvintagechina,7.1,7.2,7.3,7.4

Taylor,Rebecca,6.1,7.1,4.1terra-cottapots,painted(project),11.1,11.2tertiarycolors,2.1,2.2texture(s)architectureofroomandcreatingembroidered,4.1,4.2natural,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4patternvs.

throws:painted-stripereversible(project),11.1,11.2onsofas,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4,6.5,6.6,6.7

tie-dyedfabric,5.1,5.2tileflooring,5.1,5.2

forbathrooms,9.1,9.2,9.3,9.4,9.5,9.6foreat-inkitchen,7.1,7.2,7.3

tiles,wooden,modularsystemof,7.1,7.2toiles,large-scaletowels,9.1,9.2Towill,Ben,9.1,10.1trackingwhatyoulovedigitalrecordsandphysicalrecordsand,1.1,1.2,1.3

travelmementos,6.1,6.2,6.3,7.1,7.2,7.3trays,decoupage-patternedglass(project),11.1,11.2Turkeyreddye,10.1,10.2two-coloredprints,2.1,2.2upholsteringheadboard(project),11.1,11.2

values,color,2.1,2.2vintageitems:china,7.1,7.2,7.3,7.4fabrics

wallhanging,woven(project),11.1,11.2wallpaper:birch-tree,8.1,8.2marbleized,dualpatternsof,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4spaceunifiedwith,7.1,7.2transitionstoadjacentspacesand,5.1,5.2,9.1,9.2

wall-to-wallcarpet,layeringaccentrugsoverwarmcolors,2.1,2.2neutrals,2.1,2.2

whiteupholsteredfurniture,6.1,6.2,6.3,6.4windowtreatmentsblinds,6.1,6.2,7.1,7.2oldsheetusedascurtainwoodenshutters,9.1,9.2

wovenpatterns,4.1,4.2wovenwallhanging(project),11.1,11.2wrought-ironbedframes,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4yellows,10.1,10.2abstractshapeswith,6.1,6.2palettewithpopof,2.1,2.2

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XY Z

What’snextonyourreadinglist?

Discoveryournextgreatread!

Getpersonalizedbookpicksandup-to-datenewsaboutthisauthor.

Signupnow.