10 experts tips on layering print, pattern and colour for home interiors

The duo loves any colour from the free-spirited teal family, while organic prints and chevron and houndstooth pattern have their heart. According to them most people fear colour because they are afraid of making the wrong choices and ending up with a colour and pattern overload. Some people living in cities also fear colour because the urban fabric already creates sensory overload and so when they come home they want to feel comfortable and be at ease. “With the right proportions and hues of colour within a space, it is possible to experience calmness. The right prints at the right scales can also add to the warmth of a space,” says Jasem. In the video on this page they show us how they incorporated their style in a home they designed in Pune. You can take a full tour of that home here.

Adding patterns, prints and colours can be a challenge for some but with the understanding of a few basic principles, one can confidently break the rules or not and create spaces with bold elements. Jasem and Huzefa give us their tips and ideas that anyone can use:

Using one bold element
If you want to hero one bold pattern it is best to anchor your living room furniture with a bold geometric rug or flooring. Then layer the space with a sunshine yellow or another solid coloured self-textured couch and monochromatic cushions.
 

Combining two bold patterns
Picture a contemporary cubist style pattern for the flooring which is then layered with a hand-knotted geometric rug with larger forms.
 

Playing it safe
If you have a fairly neutral space and would like to play it safe, all elements within the space can be solids and made using natural materials. For example, a solid Shahabad floor layered with a Bali stone tiled tabletop. The patterns can be subtle and the natural variation within the material helps elevate the patterns and feel of the space.
 

Mix pattern and texture
You can try something like this for your bathroom – Clad the bathroom walls in a hexagonal tile which forms a pattern in itself and has a subtle marble-like texture to it. The contrasting elements could be the floor and the basin which are clad and made in a more solid but leather texture stone or tile.

Creating patterns with a play of light
If there is an opportunity to have screens and grills, then one can choreograph an interesting play of light and shadow within the space to create patterns.
 

Be aware of scale and size
A mistake that people often make is that they are not conscious or aware of the space size, lighting within the space, and the best placement of elements and objects. Two elements that may look great individually may not necessarily work well together. Layering with knowledge of scale, lighting and visual texture is essential.
 

Once you gain the confidence you will easily be able to layer multiple prints and patterns in varying colours and achieve a happy free-spirited space.