232 Interiors Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. An interior designer can easily change the appear- ance of patterns through color and size. For instance, changes in the pattern color can cause some parts of the pattern to advance while others appear to move to the background. Change the size of the pattern and it will look like a different design. The size and dimensions of patterns is critical. Bold and large patterns can overwhelm an object or delicate piece of furniture. Use them sparingly and only for drama or impact. Likewise, small patterns, when viewed from a distance, become textures. Therefore, they are a good choice for an office chair or family-room sofa to hide wear-and-tear. Patterns evoke a human response in both commercial and residential interiors, some of which are unpredict- able. People perceive patterns differently depending on their demographic profile (for instance, their gender or the region in which they live) and personal or cultural experi- ences. The beauty of a pattern may also be perceived differently depending on personal taste, Figure 8-21. Documentation exists tracing certain popular patterns to specific decades in U.S. history. Therefore, if you are completing a historical renovation or restoration, you need to be aware of the patterns communicating a particular time and place. For example, in the 1940s large, natural-floral patterns were used in fabrics, while in the 1960s metallic-vinyl fabrics and pop-art prints were common in fashion and interiors. When using patterns in interiors, understand they can ■ make people more aware of a surface and enhance visual interest of an object ■ convey a specific mood or theme (childlike, cheerful, or homey) ■ communicate a period of time or style (country or traditional) ■ give variety to a space (too many patterns used in same space, however, can give chaotic feel) ■ camouflage awkward corners or disguise a boundary ■ hide architectural defects through distraction (hiding cracked wall plaster with patterned wallpaper) ■ make an object look larger or smaller ■ add visual interest to a space if the room’s patterns are not all the same size (same-size patterns fight for attention and conflict) ■ add order to a space and interest to planes that are otherwise ignored, such as a ceiling Placement of patterns in interiors can hinder or help the design. Patterns can overwhelm the architectural details of a space. Chaotic carpet patterns can become tripping hazards depending on the age of the client or user of the space. Patterns can also cause conflict in a room if styles are not compatible. For instance, country mini-prints often conflict with contemporary patterns. Patterns need breathing space. If they are too close together in the same room, their impact, beauty, or drama is lost. Using Pattern Motifs Geometric patterns include stripes, checks, plaids, chevrons, or polka dots. Surface materials, such as fabric or carpet are common uses for these patterns. Naturalistic patterns use designs in nature such as botanical images (leaves and flowers) or motifs of humans or animals. These patterns can be stylized— such as in paisley—or representational—as with scenes of people. Abstract patterns utilize unique motifs that have no recognizable shapes or images. They can be whimsi- cal, sophisticated, or casual. Figure 8-20 Patterns can create interest in the built environment. Use them with care. Liudmila Gridina/Shutterstock.com svkv/Shutterstock.com New Line/Shutterstock.com paranormal/Shutterstock.com Anna Davidyuk/Shutterstock.com KhrobostovA/Shutterstock.com Polina Katritch/Shutterstock.com Betacam-SP/Shutterstock.com Lukas Radavicius/Shutterstock.com