Written on April 20, 2010 by Jaima Brown

Bold is Beautiful

Step out and be bold! Go for the gusto and take the simple approach to decorating. Start with using one bold pattern in a room to make a design statement.

It’s easy. Just pick a pattern you like, such as a floral, stripe, damask, or any bold motif image to decorate your wall of choice. It just makes your living space so much more fun to be in! When you use a bold pattern in a room decor, it draws your eye to it and automatically creates a focal point. Just like the Designers Guild large floral above, it totally creates a unique atmosphere in the room. The latest trend in wallpaper in Europe is to wallpaper one wall! Yes…….that’s right, wallpaper one wall and paint the other three. Bedrooms are especially popular for this style of decorating as you can see below. The black and white Anna French wallpaper is the backdrop to this mod bedroom, with the other walls just painted white, the main feature becomes the bed and is the focal point of the room.

You probably think this is bold decorating, but hold on, everyone has a different perception of what bold means. Bold means different things to different people and so when one is more conservative but wants to reflect a bold statement, usually neutral patterns and colors are intergrated with one grand pattern and color. The drama in this neutral room is created by the large cobalt blue damask pattern on the walls.

It’s very personal how we perceive patterns in general. If you feel you need more and want a bright and bold graphic look, then patterns like this Merimekko Print is one of the looks to go after. This would be a great paper in a powder room, hall stairwell or even a teenagers room.

Bold isn’t limited to just wallpapers. Make a statement with large bold patterns on pillows, bedding, upholstery and fabrics. If your not sure where to start to do this, here are some guide lines to help you bring a bold look into your home.

1. Select a large scale, one color wallpaper pattern and hang it on one one wall only. This creates the feature wall in your room. If you pick an aqua and white pattern like below, white can be the color for the wood trim and book shelves. Keeping one color consistent in the interior makes a cleaner, simpler design statement.

2. Select a tone on tone pattern. Keep it simple is our motto! It’s so easy to create a fabulous atmosphere when less is more! The gold tonal floral print looks softer as tones of one color are visually softer to the eye which then softens the graphic motif image and leads towards making a more textural statement to the decor.

3. Choosing traditional patterns offered in simple one color stories updates a traditional room and makes it more transitional for today’s lifestyle. The Persia Paisley print is a great example of a classic paisley design but comes off in a more graphic approach as it is only a two color pattern visually making it simpler and bolder.

4. Surround a small room with a big pattern. Nothing says ” hello” more than big prints in small rooms; powder rooms are perfect for these kind of prints.