13 Low-Commitment Ways to Play With Pattern

Pattern is everywhere. All you need to do is look around. But like a melting snowflake, pattern can be fleeting. Some of the most interesting applications I have found are temporary, and others are downright ephemeral.

The most obvious addition of temporary pattern happens around the holidays, when decorations come out of hiding and holiday cards fill our mantels and tables. They add a sense of joy to a room — even if it’s only for a few short weeks. But that excitement doesn’t have to be confined to the holiday season. I’ve assembled a collection of temporary patterns that will surely bring a smile to your face and maybe even inspire a few ideas of your own.

Sticky-notes stunner. These large chevron stripes were made with a steady hand and a whole lot of sticky notes!

Why it works: The low-tack note sheets add bold texture and color to this dining room wall. This is probably the most laborious suggestion here, but it’s also spectacularly dramatic. What a fabulous idea for a party or another special occasion.


Top it off. To change the mood of your dining area, try changing the tablecloth.

Why it works: This is so simple; anticipate spring with a bright tablecloth. For best effect, choose patterns in sunny yellow or bright green.


In your dreams. A chalkboard headboard makes a handy place to jot down dreams.

Why it works: It’s an easy DIY project: a brush, a can of chalkboard paint, and you’re set. If you’re not a midnight note-taker, consider drawing something new on your headboard whenever the mood strikes. Just be careful about propping up your pillows to read in bed.


Over the rainbow. Who needs a paper moon when you can have a paper rainbow?

Why it works: Painted cardstock is cheap, cheerful and very effective when used to create wall drama.


Words to live by. Make a bold, graphic statement with vinyl letters.

Why it works: It’s easy to rewrite your thoughts if you change your mind or your parents stop by for a visit. No worries — the decals can be easily removed without messing up the paint.


Roy G. Biv. Dewey Decimal System be damned! Release your inner decorator and organize your library by color. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a rainbow, just use the mnemonic “Roy G. Biv” (for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet).

Why it works: Color-blocked bookshelves are an exciting, no-added-cost way to personalize a library.


Bathroom drama. Decals are a very popular way of adding temporary pattern to a wall.

Why it works: It’s much easier and faster than painting a mural. In the case of this all-white powder room, it was a great way of adding needed interest.


Temporary gallery. Use low-tack painter’s tape to frame a collection of prints and drawings on a staircase.

Why it works: This ad hoc installation can be changed on a whim without too much effort. Art can be “reframed” quite easily using a variety of decorative tapes.


Garden of love. Walls upholstered with trellised ribbon are a romantic’s ultimate scrapbook.

Why it works: Love notes and cards can be tucked under the ribbon as mementos of an affair. And they are just as easily removed if the relationship hits the skids.


Holiday spirit. Decorative tape can be used to create a mod Christmas tree — one that doesn’t drop its needles.

Why it works: A tape tree is a bold holiday graphic in red. Check out the assortment of patterned tapes available and use them to create a “predecorated” tree.


Dapper draping. These white sofas in Palm Springs, California, got a dash of Central Asian purple with vintage vegetable-dyed suzani throws.

Why it works: Any blanket, sheet or remnant of fabric with a dynamic pattern can yield a similar temporary effect.


Exhibitionist. Framed with molding and painted white, this ordinary corkboard became sophisticated paneling.

Why it works: It offers an ever-changing display space for the child artist in residence.


Blooming walls. Three-dimensional floral tacks are arranged in a loose bouquet.

Why it works: The flowers add great texture to the painted panel on the wall. This same idea could be done using colorful silk flowers.

More: 17 Gorgeous Ways to Work In a Patterned Area Rug

URL: 13 Low-Commitment Ways to Play With Pattern http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23056.html