12 Jun Liven Up Your Home with Patterned Painting

If you’re looking for ways to express your creativity beyond selecting funky colours for your walls, then patterned painting is for you. By infusing your walls with dots, stripes and other delightful designs, you can bring your home to life in a myriad of creative ways.

Patterned painting is a hot trend now in the world of contemporary interior design. Patterns tell a story in a room. They influence mood and create focal points (as well as talking points).

If you’re curious about giving patterned painting a go, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to help you approach the task with a solid, methodical plan and perfect preparation.

Preparing the space

As with anything painting related, preparation is everything. Start by clearing the room as much as possible, and by moving heavy furnishings to the centre of the room and covering them with heavy drop cloths. Next, tape off the trims, ceilings, windows and adjoining walls.

Then give the walls a clean. After that, apply a coat of primer that will ensure an even base and make your colours pop. Primer also helps with the longevity of the paint job.

Designing your pattern

Here is where your artistic flair comes into its own, as you mark out your designs on the blank wall. It’s important to be precise, so the use of a level and measuring tape is vital. If you’re creating complex patterns, use a stencil, which are particularly useful for creating repeated motifs, such as polka dots or floral patterns. Stencils can be bought or custom-made.

Another clever way of creating your outlines is to project the desired image onto the wall and then mark them off.

For this stage, be patient and don’t worry about mistakes. These can be easily erased and redone, stress-free.

Start with a test

Once you’re ready to start, test a small inconspicuous area to see how the colours and patterns look under the lighting conditions of your room. Testing also gives you a chance to practice your technique before committing to the job on a larger scale.

Think about painting techniques

Different techniques and brushes will be used to create specific patterns. You’ll need a small artist’s brush and a steady hand for stripes and fine lines. Dots may require stencils and circular brushing motions. If you’re not sure, you can easily test on a small area, as mentioned above.

Consistency is key

Use the same brand and batch of paint throughout the project to avoid colour discrepancies. Also ensure that the paint is mixed well so that it produces the ideal viscosity and finish.

Be patient

Treat the project as a labour of love. Rushing it could lead to errors which will be difficult to fix once the paint has dried. Allow ample time for measuring, taping and prepping your pattern. Paint methodically and give each coat time to dry before the next application. The more care you take, the better the outcome.

Look after your artwork

Now that your work is on display for all to admire, be sure to give it a regular dusting and gentle cleaning with a damp cloth. If you know you’re painting on a high-traffic wall, make sure to use a washable paint finish for easier cleaning.

What are the benefits of patterned painting?

Now that we’ve explored the ‘hows’ of patterned painting, let’s look deeper into the ‘whys’.

When we think about the benefits this style of painting brings, adding a visual interest is foremost. Patterns draw the eye and can be a centrepiece in a room. This visual interest can turn a wall into a work of art and make a room more inviting.

The use of patterns can also enhance room size and space by subtly altering the perception of a room’s dimensions. For example, horizontal patterns can make a room appear wider, while verticals can make the ceiling feel higher. Shades of colour can create a sense of depth and cosiness, depending on your skills.

This style of painting also personalises your living space in a way that reflects your tastes and your personality, while truly representing who you are.

From a more practical perspective, patterns can purposefully conceal wall imperfections such as cracks and uneven surfaces.

Ideas and inspirations

Patterned painting is about exploring shapes and lines to create something striking. Here are some ideas of patterns you can explore.

If you’re looking for a timeless choice, stripes are the most adaptable option for any décor style. They can be bold or subtle, wide or narrow, vertical, slanted or horizontal. You can work within the stripes to create colour contrasts as stark or nuanced as you wish, giving you plenty of freedom to play.

For energy and fun, polka dots are the way to go. Whether dainty and delicate or large and bold, the choice is yours. They also allow you to introduce a variety of colours and you can play with the spacing to create unique pattern flows.

If you’re after a bit of dynamism with a modern edge, zigzags and mountain patterns can truly energise a space. The sharp edges of zigzags are very contemporary, while mountain patterns can create a sense of tranquillity.

You can also combine patterns to create a more complex, personalised vibe. The key to success here is to keep the colour scheme cohesive and within the boundaries of your theme, so that they complement rather than clash. Pairing bold geometric patterns with subtle ones is also a good way of creating a sophisticated contrast.

Contact Pelham Painters for patterned painting

Whether you’d like support during your creative patterned painting journey or prefer the pros to get the job done for you, hassle free, you’re welcome to get in touch with Pelham Painters here in Hobart.