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IdeasBack to the future: Patterns then and now
History repeats itself. So do common trends in fashion, colors and design. The same is true for patterns. Remember those beautifully dreadful floral and plaid patterns from your childhood? Oh, they’re coming back all right. But (luckily) not in quite the same way as before.
Patterns of the last five, six and even seven decades have become popular today but with a modern twist. The reason? It’s like a remake of a favorite song — if you enjoyed it then, you might just love it again.
Floral patterns of the 1940s, cheerful paisleys of the 1960s and bold geometrics of the 1980s are just a few of the patterns coming back in full force. And, believe it or not, it’s possible to incorporate these into your décor without those horrible flashbacks.
Herringbone (aka Chevron)
What’s cool about patterns changing through the decades is not just how they’ve transformed in scale and color — some even change name! Herringbone, or chevron to today’s designers (and fashionistas), is a geometric, V-shaped pattern that gained popularity in the 1950s. Whereas traditional herringbone patterns found in wool or twill fabrics have a broken zigzag, today’s chevron is a continuous bi-colored (or sometimes multi-colored) zigzag.
How to use it: Incorporate chevron patterns into walls with wallpaper or paint — painters’ tape is great for hand-painting colored stripes on a wall. If you prefer a smaller dose, use a chevron lamp shade or decorative vase, or try adding chevron-patterned wrapping paper to dress up bookcase cubbies.
Not your grandma’s floral
Floral patterns have gotten a bad rap. Today’s florals don’t have to make you cringe. Unlike the intricate pink, maroon and pastel floral prints of the ’90s, and the retro rust, gold and olive green patterns of the ’70s, graphic, bold floral patterns can now be found in rich color palettes, like purples, yellows and reds. Also gaining popularity are more delicate, artsy and feminine slants on this pattern.
How to use it: Add a floral-patterned, upholstered accent chair in a bright color palette, or mix in contemporary-style furniture with floral patterns. To avoid an over-the-top feminine vibe, try a more botanical, fauna-filled floral pattern. But, as we remember from trips to grandma’s house, there is such a thing as too much floral. Use it as a statement pattern in the room, not as the overall theme.
Paisley
Centuries old, the teardrop-shaped paisley pattern is one of the oldest patterns in the book. Similar in shape to the yin and yang, the design dates back to the early 1500s. From the first paisley-print sheets introduced by Ralph Lauren in the ’80s to the bright paisley patterns in today’s décor, paisley-patterns are detailed and sophisticated.
How to use it: Paisley can be found in just about anything, from upholstered chairs to throws and wallpapers. For fine, small-scale paisley prints, go easy on this intricate pattern with a throw or accent pillow. Or try a large paisley patterned area rug.
Moroccan infusion
If you’re looking for a pattern that’s both sophisticated and exotic, give geometric Moroccan designs a whirl. This worldly pattern, similar in style to quatrefoil, originated from Moorish architecture of mosques and palaces (way back in 929 A.D.!). In contemporary culture, international and house-hunting reality TV shows have made this motif even more popular.
How to use it: This pattern is big in textiles, so go for drapery, bedding or pillows sporting a Moroccan motif. For a larger project, like a kitchen or bathroom renovation, mix in some Moroccan-patterned tiles.
Houndstooth
Likely not a pattern you’ve considered around your home, but probably one you’ve tried out in your wardrobe, houndstooth originated in woven wool cloths. The alternating black-and-white checked pattern is common in apparel like suits and coats and has made its transition into home décor in recent years.
How to use it: This busy pattern can overwhelm quickly, so break it up by using it in smaller doses, such as an accent chair or ottoman. If using houndstooth in bigger doses, like a sofa or area rug, make sure to incorporate plenty of solid colors elsewhere in the room.
Plaid
Are you thinking flannel shirt or Scottish kilt? Either way, you’re actually pretty close. Here in the U.S., we call it plaid, but in many other countries, it’s called tartan. This pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical stripes in at least two colors comes in many shapes and forms, including gingham (think picnic), check (checkers, anyone?) and madras, which was popular in the 1960s.
How to use it: Brightly colored plaid can give off a masculine, rustic vibe best for bedding. Use muted or neutral plaid patterns in drapery or wallpaper as part of an accent wall.
Think some of these patterns are best left in the past?
Just remember how those bright neon colors from the ’80s or the ’60s mod made their triumphant return in 2013. Makes you wonder — what decade will we look to next for inspiration?
Patterns of the last five, six and even seven decades have become popular today but with a modern twist. The reason? It’s like a remake of a favorite song — if you enjoyed it then, you might just love it again.
Floral patterns of the 1940s, cheerful paisleys of the 1960s and bold geometrics of the 1980s are just a few of the patterns coming back in full force. And, believe it or not, it’s possible to incorporate these into your décor without those horrible flashbacks.
Herringbone (aka Chevron)
What’s cool about patterns changing through the decades is not just how they’ve transformed in scale and color — some even change name! Herringbone, or chevron to today’s designers (and fashionistas), is a geometric, V-shaped pattern that gained popularity in the 1950s. Whereas traditional herringbone patterns found in wool or twill fabrics have a broken zigzag, today’s chevron is a continuous bi-colored (or sometimes multi-colored) zigzag.
How to use it: Incorporate chevron patterns into walls with wallpaper or paint — painters’ tape is great for hand-painting colored stripes on a wall. If you prefer a smaller dose, use a chevron lamp shade or decorative vase, or try adding chevron-patterned wrapping paper to dress up bookcase cubbies.
Not your grandma’s floral
Floral patterns have gotten a bad rap. Today’s florals don’t have to make you cringe. Unlike the intricate pink, maroon and pastel floral prints of the ’90s, and the retro rust, gold and olive green patterns of the ’70s, graphic, bold floral patterns can now be found in rich color palettes, like purples, yellows and reds. Also gaining popularity are more delicate, artsy and feminine slants on this pattern.
How to use it: Add a floral-patterned, upholstered accent chair in a bright color palette, or mix in contemporary-style furniture with floral patterns. To avoid an over-the-top feminine vibe, try a more botanical, fauna-filled floral pattern. But, as we remember from trips to grandma’s house, there is such a thing as too much floral. Use it as a statement pattern in the room, not as the overall theme.
Paisley
Centuries old, the teardrop-shaped paisley pattern is one of the oldest patterns in the book. Similar in shape to the yin and yang, the design dates back to the early 1500s. From the first paisley-print sheets introduced by Ralph Lauren in the ’80s to the bright paisley patterns in today’s décor, paisley-patterns are detailed and sophisticated.
How to use it: Paisley can be found in just about anything, from upholstered chairs to throws and wallpapers. For fine, small-scale paisley prints, go easy on this intricate pattern with a throw or accent pillow. Or try a large paisley patterned area rug.
Moroccan infusion
If you’re looking for a pattern that’s both sophisticated and exotic, give geometric Moroccan designs a whirl. This worldly pattern, similar in style to quatrefoil, originated from Moorish architecture of mosques and palaces (way back in 929 A.D.!). In contemporary culture, international and house-hunting reality TV shows have made this motif even more popular.
How to use it: This pattern is big in textiles, so go for drapery, bedding or pillows sporting a Moroccan motif. For a larger project, like a kitchen or bathroom renovation, mix in some Moroccan-patterned tiles.
Houndstooth
Likely not a pattern you’ve considered around your home, but probably one you’ve tried out in your wardrobe, houndstooth originated in woven wool cloths. The alternating black-and-white checked pattern is common in apparel like suits and coats and has made its transition into home décor in recent years.
How to use it: This busy pattern can overwhelm quickly, so break it up by using it in smaller doses, such as an accent chair or ottoman. If using houndstooth in bigger doses, like a sofa or area rug, make sure to incorporate plenty of solid colors elsewhere in the room.
Plaid
Are you thinking flannel shirt or Scottish kilt? Either way, you’re actually pretty close. Here in the U.S., we call it plaid, but in many other countries, it’s called tartan. This pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical stripes in at least two colors comes in many shapes and forms, including gingham (think picnic), check (checkers, anyone?) and madras, which was popular in the 1960s.
How to use it: Brightly colored plaid can give off a masculine, rustic vibe best for bedding. Use muted or neutral plaid patterns in drapery or wallpaper as part of an accent wall.
Think some of these patterns are best left in the past?
Just remember how those bright neon colors from the ’80s or the ’60s mod made their triumphant return in 2013. Makes you wonder — what decade will we look to next for inspiration?
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