Lately dots have been making a major comeback! I love their playful spirit and they are perfect for layering with other patterns, and look especially lovely paired with florals, stripes or angular geometrics. But we have all seen dots look a bit juvenile, fussy or dated . . . here a few designer tips for how to give dots a grown up boost!  

{1} Go neutral - a subdued, sophisticated color palette helps keep dots looking modern. Grays, tans, browns, creams, indigos, and blacks all work - but be sure avoid pale pink!

{2} Play with Scale & Shape - oversized dots (like below) or free form or imperfect dots bring a fresh look.

{3} Mix up Your Patterns - we know dots look great with other patterns so be sure to incorporate a mix to create an updated feel!

Iconic Patterns: Hinson's Splatter Paper

I love a burst of pattern but of course can worry that certain ones might get tiring or start to look dated. That is why I especially adore iconic prints which stand the test of time - and this playful splatter painted wall paper by Hinson is such a classic! It was used by decorating great Billy Baldwin in a Nantucket home the 1960's and it looks just as fresh and appealing today. So versatile - it looks equally great in a bath, an entry, and a bedroom. I love the organic, handmade feel and the lovely range of blues. Also it would be such a fun paper to have in a oversized frame!

So modern and chic with the glossy red shades and brass accents 

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Nautical and earthy when paired with rich neutrals and layered with subtle stripes and plaids

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Lovely and sophisticated! The indigo tones look great with a shot of hot pink as well! 

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Which look is your favorite? 

Designer Tip: My Rules of Pattern

I am often drawn to interiors that blend and layer patterns. Even if subtle, like a texture or tone on tone design, I love the depth, variety and visual interest of patterns! But I find that, for many people, working with pattern can seem difficult and overwhelming.

For me, the simple key to layering patterns is contrast. Patterns must either have:

contrast in scale 
- AND/OR-

contrast in movement 

(for instance a geometric + an organic pattern - a floral with a stripe is the most classic example!)

Here are some lovely examples of the rules at work. . . 

A perfect example of how a small scale geometric goes wonderfully with a larger scale organic floral! 

Ok, this is the master class! I know it looks a bit like chaos and the look might not be for everyone but I love its energy! And the rules of pattern are still working here too - very small scaled prints contrast with larger ones {like the bold rug} and geometrics {like the red lampshade and wall fabric} help reign in all of those ethnic prints! 

Also, a reminder that pattern does not have to mean a bold, over the top animal print or crazy chintz - soft patterns can often be the prettiest! 

So what do you think, are you up to layering pattern?

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Chiang Mai Dragon Uncovered

F. Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon is one of the most loved {and certainly most blogged about!} patterns in design lately! It's a best seller for the fabric house and comes as either a wall covering or a linen printed fabric. Since its such a design world favorite, I was especially excited for my recent trip to Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand, and wondered if I would find more textiles similar to Schumacher's design or see what inspired it? 


Well, Chiang Mai was absolutely beautiful and it certainly has a rich tradition of textile design and handmade crafts, but nothing which reminded me of this pattern. Originally derived from a lively 1920's Art Deco era block print, I think Chiang Mai Dragon is really a classic example of a Western interpretation of the East! But to be honest, even if its not authentically Thai at all, I still adore it!  It is so decorative, complex and ornamental but yet you feel like you could never get sick of it!

So glam - actress Kristen Bell on her Chiang Mai upholstered ottoman! Featured in InStyle.

Pair of pillow from Plum Cushion, available via Etsy - I covet these! 

Terrific lampshade in the Mocha color way with blue velvet trim! By Spruce Home in Austin, Texas {via Etsy}

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The adorable girls' room of the very talented Jenny of Little Green Notebook!

As wall covering! {via}

Designer Barrie Benson's home - I love it with the orange banquette! {via Domino}

In China Blue

In the Lacquer red color way

What do you think it is about Chiang Mai Dragon that is so appealing and timeless?

xo Allison

Spicer + Bank