Thoughts on patterns

I once read about a designer who starts the design process in the closet of her clients, to get a feel for the styles and colors that the client gravitates to and feels comfortable in.  I wonder what a designer would think if he or she were to peer into my closet?  It is clear that I like solids in beautiful colors; in the winter there is a lot of green, gray, purple, blue, and camel (along with standard neutrals), in the spring/summer lighter shades of the same colors can be found. I am not afraid to try unusual hues – but as a redhead, I am very particular about the colors that I wear.  I also like things fairly tailored, although a beautiful style will sway me to be a bit more unstructured in certain clothing choices.  There are very few patterns in my clothing; if I buy something with a pattern, it has to really strike me either in color or design.

There are many similarities between my closet style and the style that I gravitate to in my home. My current home has very little pattern, although some can be found here and there. My favorite decor colors are blues and greens, anchored with neutrals, and the occasional burst of unusual hues.  Perhaps the best reflection of the style that I like can be found in my virtual home posts, such as the one I created at the beginning of 2010 (click here for post).  Looking more closely at the pictures, a few patterns make an appearance, but most of the fabrics are solid and soft colors.  If there are patterns, they tend to be subtle and fairly tone on tone (as seen in the curtains of this room by Gerrie Bremermann – this is one of my all time favorite rooms).

The designer that I am working with is known for her soft palette, beautiful fabrics, and fairly neutral color scheme.  One thing that has surprised me is the amount of pattern that is making its way into the design for the new house.  The foundational fabrics for the major upholstery pieces are solid and neutral, and the backdrop of the walls are neutral, but in just about every room there is an interesting pattern incorporated into the schematic.

Some of the patterned fabrics that we are using are from Galbraith & Paul.  Their designs are like little works of art; on the front page of their website, they describe their wares as “designed with an artist’s eye, made with a craftsman’s hands”. (Source)

I love the pictures that Galbraith & Paul have on their website – it is an inside peek into their intricate design and production process.  The fabrics are designed by Liz Galbraith, and are described as “combining the bold graphics of Marimekko, the painterly qualities of The Bloomsbury Group, and the hand printed textures of William Morris textiles, Galbraith & Paul fabrics convey a subtle and elegant spirit all their own”.

As seen in these pictures, all of their patterns are hand block printed.  Because artistic and hand created nature of the process, customization of pattern and ground colors is possible. (Source)

This vignette from the Galbraith & Paul gallery shows the fabric from the production pictures (perhaps a different colorway?) in a room scene. (Source)

The Crosby Street Hotel in London uses Galbraith & Paul fabrics in some of their rooms. (Source)

This is my favorite look of pattern in a room – tone on tone, closely matching the colors of the walls. (Source)

A cheerful Galbraith & Paul fabric brings a lot of interest to this room. (Source)

Galbraith & Paul’s Tulip pattern is one of my favorites. It was the leading candidate for the master bedroom, but in the end we decided to use a Kerry Joyce fabric.  I am still hoping to use this fabric somewhere else in the house, though! (Source)

A charming Galbraith & Paul fabric on the pillows and chair.  To me, this is a great way to incorporate pattern into a room.  The feel is largely soothing and serene because of the colors, the rug, and the sofa, but the pattern brings in a more youthful energy.  The photo credit noted Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles – anyone know the designer?

My husband is looking forward to having a little more pattern and color in our house, and I love the patterns that we have chosen so far.  One of the reasons I hired such a seasoned designer is because I hoped that she would push me into a new direction, and I like the direction that she has chosen.  Who knows, maybe a little more pattern will even find its way into my closet!

Do you like to use patterns in your decor, and if so, where do you like to use pattern?  I am also curious if your closet reflects your style in decor.

For more information on Galbraith & Paul, please visit their website: http://www.galbraithandpaul.com. 

Brand new paintings by Kendall Boggs in the Quatrefoil Design store – come check them out! 

http://www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com/artist/kendall-boggs

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