THE ART OF INTERIOR DESIGN IN THE LATEST IN OUR SERIES, RENOWNED DESIGNER MATTHEW WILLIAMSON SHARES INSIGHTS ON DECORATING WITH PATTERN, LIGHTING AND VINTAGE PIECES
INTRODUCING IMPAC T WITH PAT TERN I’VE always been a maximalist, a
lover of ornamentation. I want to create things that make others feel happy. I’ve never been able to get my head around minimalism or flat colour. When I start a room
This bedroom for Belmond La Residencia in Deià, Mallorca, has a Spanish aesthetic supercharged with colour and pattern
design, I think about how I can make an empty space give joy. Wallpaper brings personality, energy and whimsy to a space. It can function as a focal point or as a backdrop. I prefer wrapping rooms as opposed to using a feature wall or papering a chimney breast. ■
To achieve a more accomplished look include more than one pattern in a space. Florals work well with stripes; using a floral sofa with a striped armchair is a knowing clash and works especially well when you mix a figurative floral with a graphic contrast.
FEATURE KERRYN HARPER-CUSS PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BELMOND LA RESIDENCIA
■
I like all the classic patterns – the florals, ikats, stripes and animal prints – but I bring in unexpected colour for a modern look. You might use Delft pottery or old chintz but combine it with colours and patterns that catch the eye, so the old rubs along with the new. ■
I would advise less confident decorators to keep the colour palette tight in a scheme for a calm overall result. Restrict yourself to half a dozen colours and try not to veer from them. → ■
WHERE I SHOP FOR PATTERN Some of my favourite sources for patterned fabrics and wallcoverings are Osborne & Little, Cole & Son, Lisa Fine Textiles, Carolina Irving Textiles and Pickett’s House in Deià, Mallorca. I also think rugs are a brilliant way to introduce pattern and I have just created a new range with Obeetee.
HOMESANDGARDENS.COM
65
