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Writer's pictureNickolas Gurtler

colour & pattern

Colour and pattern are two of the most powerful design elements, I think, because we are trained to look for them in our daily lives through our clothing, graphics we encounter and generally in the world around us. A colour can change the mood of a space without much application, and pattern can add personality and energy in the same way. However, for all their benefits, they can be tricky to apply effectively in an interior.



Different designers work with pattern and colour differently, but I’ve outlined my personal theory on how to apply both in your home appropriately.


exercise restraint


My general rule of thumb is to limit the number of different colours you use - no more than two hues and usually one neutral. I like to mix different tones of one colour for a more sophisticated result as it’s not as visually busy.


start with neutrals


Leave your colour and pattern to the end. Begin with your larger pieces in neutrals before you think about wall treatments, rugs, cushions and accessories.


don’t buy a coloured or patterned sofa


Unless it’s timeless! I’ve seen a deluge of ‘millennial pink’ sofas lately - it’s a trend that will be over before long. Quality sofas are expensive and as trends and styles change, you don’t want to be purchasing them too regularly. Because they are often the largest piece in a room, it can easily overwhelm and dominate the space which can make it hard to create a unified palette.


apply colour and pattern with soft furnishings, art & accessories


Cushions are easy and affordable to change regularly with the seasons or on a whim. The average lifespan of a rug is about five years so you don’t need to think about longevity when making a commitment. If you purchase only artwork that speaks to you, there will always be a home for it somewhere, even if you change things up in the room it was initially purchased for.


blacks, whites & metallics


Don’t be afraid to mix these into your interior. Black is something people tend to be afraid of, but it is very flexible and can be used to great effect. Metals actually work beautifully when mixed, but if you’re not confident to mix colours, select one colour and try to use that consistently.


mix organic & geometric patterns


The contrast between the organic and geometric adds different layers and visual interest. All of one type can look a little generic.


don’t forget texture


Timber, marble, tiling and other materials bring their own hues and patterns. In smaller spaces like bathrooms and kitchens this often sufficient. If you’re looking to add visual interest remember that changing architectural elements is often expensive and sometimes difficult so opt for timeless colours.


don’t be afraid of the dark


Australian’s have some of the brightest homes in the world, yet we are often terrified of darker colours and elements. Darker colours can make a room feel cosy or sexy depending on your selection so are often perfect for bedrooms, screening rooms and even dining rooms.


you won't get it right the first time


It takes experimentation and time, adding and removing different elements to make a room feel right. If you’re like me, and want to plan ahead you can put together visual boards to help you discover different colour and pattern combinations. Our studio usually does this digitally so that we can play around with the volume of pattern against others and experiment with how different colours will work together.


xoxo nickolas




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