IT'S A SOAK OF GENIUS

Adele Cardani explores the fine line of making a room sing – not shout – through the maximalist art of pattern drenching

- Adele Cardani

Stripes, gingham and chintz have been having a moment for some time now – proof that people are craving interiors that feel joyful and expressive.

But while patterned spaces are undeniably mood-boosting, combining multiple motifs in one room is no small feat. There’s a fine line between eclectic elegance and visual chaos - between a room that sings and one that simply shouts.

Enter pattern drenching: the bold, maximalist approach to interior design that embraces the layering of prints across every surface. Think florals with animal prints, and antique tapestries next to candy stripes, all united through a carefully considered palette. Though rooted in excess, pattern drenching - when done right - feels harmonised, not hectic.

We spoke with top interior designers and pattern specialists renowned for their vibrant aesthetics, uncovering how they balance boldness with cohesion. From practical tips to inspired visual cues and expert insights, we decode how to master the rule-breaking rhythm of pattern-rich interiors.

A masterclass in maximalism

A striking example of this fearless approach is Martin Brudnizki’s interiors for Hotel Le Grand Mazarin in Paris, where a whimsical Wes Anderson-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland atmosphere unfolds. Here, canopy beds draped in art de lys tapestries, whimsical paisley-and-lobster wallpaper tucked inside antique wardrobes, striped and chevron sofas, and oriental rugs all coexist in effortless, elegant harmony.