7 patterns that designers love this year

There’s no need to commit to a single pattern for your home when you can experiment with many different eye-catching prints from room to room. Here, Southern designers share seven of their current favorite patterns, from moody abstracts to upbeat florals.

Block prints

Whitney Durham, the founder of Whitney Durham Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia, has noticed that block prints — which are traditionally made by hand using a stamping technique — are popping up everywhere lately. “They’re fresh and graphic while also giving an old-world feel,” she says. In particular, she’s seen block prints on upholstery, window treatments, tablecloths, napkins and more. In one living room, she incorporated floral Schumacher curtains inspired by a French block print.

Abstracts and mosaics

If you’re craving a fashion-forward look, join Mary Lambrakos in reaching for abstract patterns. “Imagine hexagons meandering through rooms in unconventional arrangements, or broken tiles assembled into cohesive but imperfect mosaics,” says the founder of Lambrakos Studio in Houston, Texas. “This approach reflects a broader trend that sees patterns as a collage of elements put together without the constraint of perfect alignment. These designs evoke a monolithic yet organically evolving aesthetic, where imperfection itself becomes the defining feature.”

Stephanie Gamble, founder of Stephanie Gamble Interiors in Towson, Maryland, has a soft spot for patterned tiles and mosaics. “I especially like soft, geometric marble patterns that can be used as kitchen backsplashes, flooring or in showers,” she says.

Controls

Plaid, especially this charcoal and ivory Thibaut pattern, is something Laura Hodges always appreciates. “It has a modern flair, but also works well with traditionally styled spaces,” says the Catonsville, Maryland-based founder of Laura Hodges Studio, who designed this cozy bedroom space for last year’s Southern Living Idea House.

Herringbone pattern

Divya Vaswani, founder of Divya Vaswani Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia, loves herringbone and its zigzag shape. “The pattern can help a smaller space look bigger,” she says. “From wallpaper to flooring to tile, herringbone is always a great choice for me.”

Points

Bring on the fun dots, says Paige Williams. “We love incorporating dots into our designs because they’re bold and playful and add a pop of color to any project,” comments the founder of Paige Williams Interior Design in Franklin, Tennessee. Hesitant to fully commit? You can use this pattern in your home very slowly, says the designer. “We know that designing with bolder patterns can be a big commitment, so we recommend using these prints in things like curtains and pillows so they can be swapped out as design needs and preferences change.”

Nature-inspired prints

Many designers like to draw inspiration from nature in their work, and Margie Kaercher is one of them. “Nature never goes out of style, and that includes patterns that represent the serene beauty of nature,” says the founder of Hearth and Honey Homes in Tampa, Florida. “Floral and botanical patterns have been popular for centuries and embody timeless charm and classic style. Respect your grandmother and her floral curtains – and mine!”

Tara Miller, founder of The Heartland Interior Design, is also a fan of patterns featuring fruits, flowers and leaves. “We all want our home to be a place of respite from the world, and sometimes a dainty floral wallpaper can help lighten the mood,” she says.

Black and white pattern

There are many different types of black and white patterns to choose from, and Mariella Cruzado is excited about the possibilities. “You can’t go wrong with a timeless black and white pattern,” says the founder of Splendor Styling in Washington, DC. “Any room looks more sophisticated with black and white elements.”

Checks, stripes and wool

Kara Childress likes to use “Ralph Lauren classics” in her designs. “Their checks, wools, stripes, tweeds and mountain-inspired patterns are my favorites, especially for our ranch and mountain projects,” says the founder of Kara Childress Interior Atelier in Houston. “I love using timeless patterns, whether it’s English checks, wool tartans or tribal motifs, to set the color palette for a home.”