Enter the world of pattern drenching

Colours, prints and textures add much more than just visual interest to otherwise dull spaces. Welcome to the world of pattern drenching! A widely popular décor trend, which is in demand after colour drenching, this involves playing with scale, texture and colour in more ways than one.

“Pattern drenching is a bold interior design trend that embraces an immersive use of prints, patterns and textures across multiple surfaces in a space. This trend allows homeowners to infuse personality, depth, and drama into their interiors, while maintaining a curated, intentional aesthetic. It involves layering wallpaper, upholstery, soft furnishings, and rugs to create a seamless, harmonious look that celebrates maximalism without appearing chaotic or cluttered,” says Siddhina Sakla, founder, The Arch Studio.

Ivory House by The Arch Studio
| Photo Credit:
Inclined Studio

Narrative-based format

Deeply rooted in the concept of personality-driven interior design, pattern drenching means blending maximalism and the love for prints and textures. Think patterned wallpapers, textured rugs, vibrant murals, printed cushions and so on, that infuse warmth and dynamism and give the space a unique character.

The Jindal Residence by Amina Bhatia
| Photo Credit:
Avesh Gaur

“Pattern drenching is all about confidence — it is the idea of completely immersing a space in patterns, allowing them to flow seamlessly across walls, upholstery, and décor. Unlike the traditional approach, where patterns are used as accents, this technique creates a layered and visually rich experience. What draws me to it is the way patterns tell a story. They hold heritage, craftsmanship and emotion within them. When you step into a space that has been thoughtfully pattern-drenched, it doesn’t just look beautiful — it evokes something deeper. It’s immersive, expressive, and, when done well, incredibly sophisticated,” says Amina Bhatia, interior designer.

The Jindal Residence by Amina Bhatia
| Photo Credit:
Avesh Gaur

She further adds that patterns are incredibly powerful tools as they can define a space, evoke emotions, and create a niche identity. The magic lies in how you use them. After all, a home should feel like a reflection of the people who live in it. “Pattern drenching is not just about aesthetics; it is about storytelling. And when done with care, it can turn any space into an experience, a memory, a piece of art,” adds Bhatia.

The Jindal Residence by Amina Bhatia
| Photo Credit:
Avesh Gaur

‘Start with the foyer’

There are several ways to layer your home in prints and patterns. “Start with the foyer; a vibrant wallpaper can create an inviting entrance. Alternatively, a bold runner or patterned upholstered bench can add an artistic touch, making your entryway both functional and visually striking,” say Komal Mittal and Ninada Kashyap, founders, Alkove-Design. Fabric panelling with a subtle contrast on the ceiling, a geometric runner, a sculptural console in rich materials and even stone inlay flooring are other ideas for the entrance.

Indian Austere by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
Pulkit Sehgal

“Transform your living room into a captivating space by using a single pattern across wallpaper, curtains, and upholstery. To add depth, introduce subtle variations of the same pattern in cushions or a rug. Balance the boldness with neutral furniture and metallic accents for an elegant finish,” adds Sakla.

Casa Tao by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
YK.InteriorPhotography

Try a mix of patterns across textiles, like on upholstery, drapes and cushions, while keeping some elements neutral. The key is to layer different scales of patterns so they do not compete but rather enhance each other. “Even in the dining area, where people gather and interact, patterns can be introduced in a more understated way, perhaps through upholstered dining chairs, ceramics, or woven table runners,” adds Bhatia.

A Dwelling of Memories by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
Shamanth Patil

For the bedroom, subtlety is the key. Layering printed bedding covers, striking curtains, or an accent wall with wallpaper adds just enough pattern to enrich the room, while maintaining a calm yet visually appealing atmosphere, add Mittal and Kashyap. Further, you can have a textured headboard extending to the ceiling or opt for tone-on-tone wallpaper. A handcrafted rug and dual-layer drapes with contrasting prints are yet other ideas. When it comes to the powder room, you can choose decorative tiles complemented by fixtures that strike the right balance between visual interest and functionality.

Navrathan by Source Architecture
| Photo Credit:
Nayan Soni

“Tiled murals, fluted or patterned stone base with a statement sink coupled with sculptural lights and a backlit mirror for depth is a great way to create a stylish space in the powder room,” says Sneha Ostawal, principal designer, Source Architecture. Floral shower curtains and towels can further enhance the effect.

Casa Tao by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
YK.InteriorPhotography

Play of lights

The key to pattern drenching is to stick to a cohesive colour palette to ensure visual harmony. Mixing patterns with varying scales is essential; pairing bold, large prints with finer, intricate designs creates depth without overwhelming the space. It is also important to use neutral or solid-coloured elements to break the intensity and provide balance. Lighting also plays an important role — different patterns shine differently under lighting, so you need to consider how the look changes throughout the day under both natural and artificial light, add Mittal and Kashyap.

Tapestry of Nostalgia by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
Ishita Sitwala

Layer patterns mindfully by introducing them gradually. Start with one dominant pattern you love and build around it. “If you are drawn to a beautiful block-printed fabric, for example, pull colours and smaller motifs from it and repeat them in different areas of the room. Mix textures; embroideries, woven materials, and painted surfaces can add depth without visual overload,” adds Bhatia.

Playing with geometry is also effective; mixing organic patterns with structured geometrics creates a harmonious rhythm and balance in the space. “Introduce solid coloured furniture, play with different materials and balance organic and geometric patterns. Avoid too many intricate patterns in small spaces,” says interior stylist Mita Mehta.

Bedroom arrangement by Mita Mehta
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

If you are a fan of muted maximalism use toned-down versions of vibrant prints to make the look more adaptable to different aesthetics.

Serenity Ridge by The Arch Studio
| Photo Credit:
Maulik Patel

“Stick to a monochromatic scheme for a chic and sophisticated approach to pattern drenching. Further introduce solid-coloured trims, borders, or panelling to break the intensity of the patterns,” says Sakla.

The Bengaluru-based freelance writer is passionate about all things design, travel, food, art and culture.