adding a striped rug or a patterned throw pillow to a room is one thing—but some homeowners are taking things further with pattern drenching. Instead of limiting prints to just a few accents, pattern drenching uses them across multiple surfaces, including the walls, furniture, ceilings, and curtains. The result can be bold and cozy, but is there a point where it becomes too much? We asked interior designers what they think and how to try the trend successfully.
What is pattern drenching?
Pattern drenching’s predecessor, color drenching, encourages using a single hue to cover multiple surfaces of a home. Pattern drenching can follow a similar approach, but it usually involves outfitting a space with multiple patterns at once.
"This trend is riding the wave of design comebacks — from Victorian drama to '80s flair — and it’s not afraid to make some noise. At its core, pattern drenching is about having fun and taking risks," says Miranda Cullen, a Denver-based interior designer and founder of Inside Stories.
Designers emphasize the difference between pattern drenching and simply incorporating patterns through small details or accessories: "Imagine a bedroom where the walls are covered with patterned wallpaper beside a bed dressed in bold stripes and layered with vibrant florals, complemented by patterned lampshades on the nightstands — a fun mix of patterns throughout the entire space," says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.
Is pattern drenching worth a try?
Homeowners are embracing vibrant colors and bold patterns now more than ever, and designers are all for it. However, some spaces are better for experimenting than others, especially if you're new to the trend.
Bedroom
Pattern drenching is all about creating a space enveloped in patterns. What better place to start than somewhere that already feels snug?
"When you walk into a room that's fully enveloped in layers of rich, vibrant patterns, it feels like you're stepping into a cozy cocoon. And the space feels dynamic and alive, yet still soothing," says Jay.
Bathroom
The bathroom is often considered the safest place to experiment, regardless of the design trend.
"These small-but-mighty spaces are made for big design moments! Think bold wallpaper, patterned ceilings, statement tiles — you name it. Because powder rooms are smaller and more contained, they’re the perfect spot to test out daring trends without the full commitment of a living room or bedroom," says Cullen.
Tight Spaces
Similar to small bathrooms, designer Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design suggests starting with any closed-off space.
"A great place to explore pattern drenching would be tight spaces — powder baths, nooks, a small office. You can pack a punch by layering an upholstered piece of furniture in front of a wall covering and bring in a third pattern with an accent pillow," says Cox.
Advice from the pros
If you've never experimented with multiple patterns, there are a few key tips to keep in mind when trying the trend.
- Start with the most graphic pattern: "The easiest way to achieve the pattern-drenched look is to start with your boldest, most multicolored pattern as the anchor. From there, pull in complementary patterns, paying close attention to scale and type," says Diane Rath of The Rath Project.
- Stick to a color palette: "If you’re diving into pattern mixing, our biggest tip is to stick to a similar color palette — it’ll help everything feel cohesive, even if your patterns are having a party," says Cullen.
- Mix motifs and scale: "If you have a large floral print on the walls, avoid using a similarly-sized pattern on the sofa. Instead, try pairing florals with geometric designs. And pair larger prints with smaller ones. This approach helps prevent the space from feeling too overloaded with patterns," says Jay.
- Exercise self-discipline: "Successful pattern play means putting on the brakes when you reach that point of harmony, even (or especially) when you want it all," says designer Corey Damen Jenkins.
- Look at the bigger picture: "Remember to step back and assess the space as a whole to keep things feeling elevated rather than overstimulating," says Cox.
While it is possible to go overboard, designers say to trust your gut. "I like to think of it like getting dressed: if you’d feel confident wearing five patterns in an outfit, chances are you’ll feel just as at home surrounded by them in your space," says Rath.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
