Pattern Drenching Is The New Modern Twist On Vintage - Here's How To Make It Look Intentional

There's a good chance you have heard of the color drenching trend, but how about the burgeoning concept of pattern drenching?  The concepts are similar with the goal of saturating your space, but whereas color drenching leads to a uniform, calming, and soothing effect, pattern drenching leans more towards creating an invigorating, fun and unique space. Though the nomenclature of pattern drenching may be relatively new, the practice is far from it. In fact, it is inspired by similar vintage trends, and even though the past decade has been devoted to more minimalistic trends, it seems that people are starting to crave colorful and carefree energy in a big way. 

Pattern drenching is achieved by using one print the same way you would color drench — meaning covering your walls, ceilings, and possibly even bringing it into parts of your furniture. But this trend isn't limited to sticking to a single pattern. In fact for a more modern take, you might want to opt for a collection of patterns that result in a more eclectic vibe. The best part of this trend is that it's a lot of fun. Without any hard set rules, it can be a great way to experiment with color, texture, and pattern in your home — all while exploring your unique sense of style. 

If you want to try pattern drenching in your home, the key is to start with a pattern that you love. Since it is going to be the most prominent part of the room, you want to make sure the pattern is something you will continue to enjoy being surrounded by. While the easiest way to add patterns to your room is by using wallpaper, you can also opt for a stencil or hand painted options. The key is choosing patterns that coordinate rather than match. Also, using complementary colors or choosing patterns that incorporate one or more of the same color can help the space feel intentional, rather than thrown together.

If you would rather tie your selected pattern(s) into your furniture rather than printed wallpaper, you might want to consider another vintage trend that is making a comeback — upholstery walls. This uses fabric rather than wallpaper as your wall covering, so you can use the same material for both for a more retro look. Just make sure that you can get ahold of enough fabric to complete your project so you don't end up running out part way through. If you do use wallpaper or upholstery, make sure you know the easy trick that hides wallpaper seams for a flawless design. 

One of the best perks of pattern drenching is that it is excellent at camouflaging awkward areas. If you have domed, peaked, or just oddly shaped ceilings, this trend could be a great way to make your space feel more harmonious. Pattern drenching can also make a room feel more cohesive by tying seemingly unrelated areas together visually — without needing to do any serious reconstruction. This can also work well when creating a focal point – highlighting a small area – like a bay window or breakfast nook, by bringing attention to its charm rather than its eccentricity. 

One area you may want to be cautious with is the bedroom. While being surrounded by your favorite pattern can be fun, it's not as soothing as sticking to a more neutral, or at least solid, color palette. If you are someone that already has trouble winding down at the end of the day, it could be best to keep things simple. That said, not everyone will have the same reaction to patterns, so if you find that immersing yourself in a pattern you love gets your creative juices going, don't be afraid to jump into the trend head first. If you are worried about doing too much, make sure there are some areas of solid color in your home to calm and ground the space.