When I run my interior design workshops, there’s a moment that always makes me smile. Someone looks at a bold wallpaper or a richly patterned fabric and says, “I love it… but I could never pull that off at home.”
That hesitation is something I hear all the time – the quiet fear of getting it wrong, of mixing too many patterns, or of a space feeling “too much.” Yet pattern, when chosen with care, can completely transform a room. It brings warmth, depth, and character – something every home, boutique hotel, or short-stay rental property can benefit from.
Why pattern matters
For me, pattern is about personality. It’s how we express who we are – playful, calm, nostalgic, or daring. Just like colour, the patterns we choose say something about us. In my workshops, we explore how to find that connection, how a print can evoke a memory, reflect a place we love, or simply make us smile every time we walk into the room.
For property owners and hoteliers, this is particularly powerful. Guests remember spaces that feel unique. A well-chosen wallpaper or fabric can create instant atmosphere, whether that’s the calm of a restful guest room or the vibrancy of a social lounge. Pattern gives an even, compact accommodation personality, and personality is what keeps guests coming back.
A love affair with pattern — and House of Hackney
One brand that embodies this philosophy beautifully is House of Hackney. Their work celebrates pattern in its most evocative form: deeply layered, meaningful, and unapologetically decorative. Every design feels like a modern heirloom. What I love most is how they blend British heritage with contemporary artistry, creating interiors that feel both luxurious and full of life.
Some of my current favourites include the Blackthorn Rug in Petrol, which instantly adds depth and warmth to an entrance or lounge area; the Bloomsbury Velvet Saber Love Seat, a sculptural statement piece perfect for boutique hotel reception spaces; and the Persephone Jacquard Curtains in Tourmaline, ideal for creating rich layers and soft acoustics in guest rooms. I also adore the Artist’s Stripe Wallpaper in Euphorbia Alabaster, a fresh take on a timeless stripe that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors.
These pieces are wonderful examples of how pattern can anchor a design scheme while still leaving room for personality. They tell a story, one that evolves as art, furniture, and everyday life are layered in.
My own wallpaper journey
I’ve also had the pleasure of designing three bespoke wallpapers for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) as part of their shop refurbishments. Each design was inspired by the charity’s values and the local character of their stores. I’ll include one of them here so you can see how storytelling through pattern can transform a space, and if you’d like to see the others, you’ll just have to visit their shops across Scotland.
Practical tips for using patterns with confidence
The trick to mixing patterns successfully is balance. You can combine large-scale florals with smaller geometrics, or pair bold wallpaper with more subtle fabrics. Repetition of colour tones keeps it harmonious, for example, linking a background hue from the wallpaper with a cushion, curtain, or rug. Layer textures too: velvet, linen, and wood help the space feel grounded and comfortable, never overwhelming.
If you’re nervous about using patterns, start in transitional spaces like hallways, cloakrooms, or stairwells. These are rooms you don’t spend much time in, so they’re ideal for experimenting. A patterned wallpaper in a hallway can make even the simplest space feel memorable and welcoming. Once you experience how uplifting that feels, you’ll gain the confidence to use pattern in living rooms, bedrooms, or hospitality spaces.
I often advise my clients, whether designing a townhouse in Edinburgh, a coastal short-stay, or a Highland guest lodge, to start small. A patterned lampshade, an upholstered chair, or a single feature wall can completely shift the mood of a room. Confidence grows with each layer, and before long, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a space that truly reflects you.
A final thought
If you’re planning a renovation, hotel update, or short-stay property refresh, and want to add character through colour and pattern, I’d love to help. My Interior Design Masterclasses in Edinburgh and online also explore how to mix prints and textures with confidence, no prior design experience needed.
And if you’re ready to dive straight in, take a look at House of Hackney’s collection is a true celebration of storytelling through design.
