The use of solids on the sofa and the black lampshades grounds the scheme giving the eye a place to rest

In my opinion, the best interiors (like good dinner conversations) are multi dimensional, with facets and layers to stimulate and excite. There is a wonderful dinner party scene in the romantic comedy About A Boywhen leading actress Rachel Weisz is seated next to an achingly handsome Hugh Grant and she realises that he has absolutely nothing interesting to say. I believe that no amount of good looks can make up for a lack of character in an individual. This is how I feel when I walk into a room without depth to its design in spite of whatever architectural finesse it may possess. 

A Common Mistake
Throughout the course of my career, I often see many instances of clients, who have just purchased a swanky home from a developer, filling their new home with a suite of designer furniture and being surprised that their rooms have no character. Successful design is so much more than assembling a collection of beautiful pieces. A skillful designer is like a conductor of an orchestra, guiding the instruments to work together; to complement, not compete.

Point About Pattern
Each element enhances the next to create a beautiful concerto. Colour, light, shape, texture, scale and pattern are our instruments but nothing adds depth like pattern and when we combine patterns successfully, it can raise the design to the level of a symphony.

Notice how the shot of green on the throw cushions (pictured left) echoes the exterior views, drawing the outside in and visually enlarging the space. But, it is the mix of pattern that elevates the design, bringing depth to the room that remains calm and contemporary.

Lay It On
Many people get intimidated when it comes to layering patterns. But combining patterns doesn’t have to be hard. Patterns don’t have to match. I repeat, patterns do not have to match. Like all elements of decorating, they simply have to complement. The easiest way to mix patterns is with colour. Feel free to mix florals, ikats, or modern motifs as long as they share a common colour palette. Learn to trust your eye. You’ll instinctively know if something looks good to you. Trust your own sense of style. After all, it’s your house, so it is your opinion that counts most.

In this Sentosa home, we have combined patterns of varying scales to create a room that is fresh and full of vitality. The key here, is keeping a consistent colour tone and a clean, crisp background. 

Building Confidence
Confident use of pattern, in skilled hands, can add life and interest to a room in a way that plains can never do. A simple addition of geometric print to the back of the chairs adds an extra layer which enhances the rich colours and textures in the room to yield a feeling of luxury.

When mixing patterns, it’s important to consider size and scale. The best looking rooms will have a mix. For example, try using a large pattern on large areas such as rugs or walls; medium scale patterns on furniture; and small patterns on small items such as throw pillows. These rules aren’t set in stone, use your judgment based on the room, the pattern, and the place you want to use it. 

Baby Steps
I begin my schemes, by collecting all the patterns together in a tray and then mix, add and edit the elements until I find the perfect combination. So have fun and stay true to what you like best and when you do, chances are it will all come together. Of course, don’t be disheartened if that fails because there’s nothing that can’t be fixed by calling in a professional.

Nikki Hunt

Having spent the last 11 years specialising in interior design, the founding partner of Design Intervention continues to be deeply passionate about all things related to creativity and design. The interior designer's work has been featured in the International Design Review – a compilation of works from the top 100 interior designers from around the globe, for two consecutive years. To date, Hunt is the only Singapore-based designer to garner this achievement.