Get the balance right in your decorating schemes by using a combination of pattern and plain for an interesting, but not overpowering result. Pattern can include shaded textures as well as more obvious multi-coloured designs. In this month’s installment of Ultimate Combinations, we take a closer look at how easy it can be to offset patterns with plains to devastating effect…
Crisp Contrast
We love the crisp, defined contrast and the Ultimate Combination of traditionally-styled patterned floor tiles with bold paintwork. In this case, the doors, joinery, stairs and paneling are all a fabulous shade of deep grey (we would suggest a similar shade is Gargoyle by Zoffany). The floor here is our Mr Jones Grey Pattern Wall & Floor Tiles. Underfloor heating can be a good idea in a hallway, look at our UFH range for some useful solutions.
Let the Pattern do the Talking
A patterned floor is a very strong style statement and can also provide the basis for a variety of colour schemes and ideas. Here, our Harrogate Pattern Porcelain tiles bring classic elegance to this living-dining room, allowing the plain walls to act as a subdued background to the furnishings. Each tile is 333mm x 333mm and features a cool colour combination of blue and grey on an off-white background.
Plain + Plain + Pattern
Plain grey, plain white plus patterned tiles is a winning and Ultimate Combination here. For the plain grey cabinet, try Bathroom Mountain’s Vanity Units Floorstanding Bermuda collection, the plain dove grey single-ended roll top tub is the Abingdon 1700mm model, also from the Bathroom Mountain collection, bath screens and fittings are also available, naturally! The plain white tiles are our Linear White Gloss, each measuring 300mm x 100mm and available in a matt finish as well. For dramatic patterned floor tiles, try similar ones from our ranges, such as Brighton Blue, Hanoi, Lancaster or Harrogate, as mentioned above!
Patterned Paper
Intensely coloured and patterned wallpaper is a good look when paired with plainer elements within a decorating scheme. This is the eye-catching Katie Victoria Brown Fleurs Exotiques No 1 wallpaper, from Charlton Island, teamed with plain panelling and plain bedlinen. Go for a natural element with simple, wood-look floor tiles, such as our Hardwood Nature Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles.
Patterned Linens
What a fabulous way of combining patterns and plains – these are from the new Transylvanian Roots Table Linens collection from MindTheGap. A joyful mix of pattern, colours and texture breathes life into a scheme. Keep those busy schemes grounded and balanced with a plain floor, such as our Baltimore White Wall & Floor Tiles, in porcelain, designed to replicate white rustic timber planks.
Patterned Fabrics
Hit memory lane with a browse through the delightful patterns just revived and launched in the Archive by Sanderson Design collection of fabrics, curtains, wallpapers and blinds. They’re a maximalist’s dream, with exotic colour combinations and intricate patterns for all occasions. Mix Golden Lily for the sofa with plain armchairs and a neutral floor to great effect. Try our Nordic Wood Dark Brown Wall & Floor Tiles for a nicely contrasting floor.
Small Scale Contrasts
A spacious shower enclosure is a much-appreciated element of the bathroom, and the décor needs to be equally pleasing. Try combining small-scale patterns, such as mosaics, with bold, plain tiles, such as Metro Teal, with added impact from a herring-bone installation format. This enclosure has a London 6mm Pivot Shower Door 1000mm – available in other widths, too, from Bathroom Mountain.
Blue & White Combinations
Pale blue is a perfect bathroom choice, it’s cool and relaxing, and always works when paired with white and pale neutrals. Our Mr Jones Blue Pattern Wall & Floor Tiles create an ultimate combination with Linear White Matt Wall Tiles, seen here with darker grout lines for a nice crisp contrast. Take a look at the avaialble grout colour options and try Medium Grey for a similar effect.
Plains & Squares
A patterned tile choice can make a great deal of impact and can be restricted to just one wall. Here the concept works brilliantly as the dramatic pattern can be seen clearly but is broken up by the mirrors and the plain perfection of the countertop and the floating drawer unit. These are our Swing Decor Blue Tiles in all their Art Deco style glory, with plain matching tiles available too, in Ice, Beige and Grey.
A Subtle Pattern
Grey Goals! This bathroom is an understated study in grey, with a complimentary touch of pattern in the shape of our Riverstone White tiles. Measuring 400mm x 100mm these tiles have a very delicate pattern, designed to look like natural limestone. Take a look at Bathroom Mountain’s collection of Trent Matt Black shower and tap fittings to fix that minimalist, stylish look.
Happy Halloween
We couldn’t pass by Halloween, which is nearly upon us, without giving you some spooky suggestions. We rather like this Smokey Misted Forest Wall Mural Wallpaper from Wallsauce, it’s rather low-key (and removable!).
Been inspired to combine patterns and plains in your next interior redesign project? If so then don’t forget to send us your pictures of the end result – share your pics with us over on Twitter tagging @TileMountainUK or on Instagram!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.