Is pattern-phobia a thing? For what seems like years, many workplace designers have avoided the use of pattern, instead retreating to the safety of minimal finishes. Now, however, we are beginning to experience a shift. Interior designers are exploring pattern more and discovering new and exciting ways to use it.
In other blogs in this 'Patterned Interiors' series, we explore the transformational power of pattern, examine how they can influence our emotions and learn about how pattern can be used to enhance workplace design. In this blog, with a focus on flooring, we delve deeper into this decorative world to discover how the power of pattern can be used to create statement interiors.
1. Take on Transitioning
Since Milliken first introduced the concept of colour and pattern transitions in modular carpet design classics such as Dissident 2.0 and Laylines, the idea of the floorscape subtly shifting from one shade or design to the next has been fully embraced.
Interior designers love the opportunity to use ‘transition tiles’ to dispense with hard lines. Positioned cleverly, they can be used to gently define zones, subtly navigate spaces or to simply make a design statement. They open up a host of creative opportunities for the floorscape.
These almost imperceptible colour shifts are possible thanks to Milliken’s unique Millitron® digital design technology for carpet. As such a popular patterning concept, Milliken has included a Transitions range in its very latest carpet tile collection Pattern Play.
Coastline - Landscape Transitions at Bluefloat and Wireframe Expressions at Tripol
2. Be Bold with Colour Blocking
Optimising the full flexibility of modular floor coverings in a completely different way, you can use individual tiles to create a large-scale pattern across an entire floorplate. Selecting your own carefully curated colour palette, the floorscape gives you a canvas and the creative freedom to play with space.
Pattern Play
Colour Compositions at Ecija (left) and Pattern Play (right)
3. Maximise with Motifs
As interiors become bolder and more playful, we are seeing a resurgence in the use of larger scale designs and graphic style print motifs. The New London Fabulous Movement’s backlash to ‘dull’ minimalism is testament to this need to create more dramatic, memorable spaces.
In the spirit of experimentation and customisation, Milliken’s new Pattern Play Collection is a celebration of modern, modular pattern. With a vast choice of co-ordinating colours, textures and shapes, designers can create the floor in a freer, more flexible and intuitive way. As spaces change, these designs can be adapted and changed as required. This is particularly easy with tiles featuring Milliken’s TractionBack® adhesive free installation system which allows the quick, easy uplift of tiles.
Pattern Play - Motifs - Mixed (left) The Arch (centre) and Scallop (right)
4. Naturalistic inspired patterns
At a time when well-being has become a primary driver in workplace design, the benefits of biophilic design has never been more important. While the use of natural materials and copious planting are more obvious design choices, the use of pattern inspired by nature in interior finishes like flooring can also help achieve this same design intention.
Down to Earth Collection (left) and Painted Garden Collection (right)
The evolution of wood and stone look luxury vinyl tiles, with incredibly realistic digital designs and intricate textural details, now makes these natural-looking finishes much more affordable. These products’ impressive performance benefits also make them a smart, practical choice for commercial interiors.
As the trend for minimalism gives way to more dynamic, dramatic and colourful spaces for us to work, rest and play in, the floorscape offers a multitude of opportunities to create inspirational and highly functional patterned interior environments.
