Layering colors, textures and styles are essential in creating warmth in any home, but we also love layering graphic patterns. We use this concept in almost all of our work, as well in the retail space of our flagship store, Haus Interior on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan. Here are a few foolproof tips on how to incorporate graphic elements into your interior:
• PATTERN. In designing our store, we brought in a decorative painter to incorporate graphics in the overall design. We came up with two patterns—one on the walls and another on the floor. They were dissimilar enough to create tension but we used the same color palette to allow the eye move quickly from one to another. I am always inspired by the work of David Hicks, who was so brilliant in his ability to layer patterns and dissolve objects in space. His use of patterns on both vertical and horizontal surfaces can really create a custom look with an editorial feel.
• GO BOLD. Jonathan Adler does a lovely modern take on graphics by working with scale and color, down to the very detail of a pillow. For a bold look, think about using the same pattern in different sizes—a medium size version as wallpaper, larger version as sofa upholstery and maybe a tiny version of the pattern on the border of a rug.
• LAYERING. Layering a few different patterns is a great way to create an interesting graphic element in your décor; this is particularly effective when used in a vignette. Use different geometric patterns—Greek key is a classic one—but with colors that are complimentary, like orange and grey, or use a few different shades of one color.
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Nina Freudenberger attended Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts and a Bachelors of Architecture. She moved to New York City to accept a position at the prestigious interior design firm, Kondylis Design. After four years working as a senior designer Freudenberger ventured out on her own and founded Haus Interior, an interior design firm specializing in the decoration of private residences, model homes and commercial spaces. In June of 2009, she opened the flagship home accessories boutique for Haus Interior in Nolita, New York City. In addition, Freudenberger was recently honored by Trad Home as one of the top 20 "New Traditional" designers and will be featured in its debut issue this month.
