How To Pattern Drench Your Home – And The Benefits It Will Bring

“At Studio Vero, we see pattern drenching as part of a wider return to joy and self-expression in interiors,” says the studio’s co-founder Venetia Rudebeck. “People are ready to embrace decoration not just as backdrop but as theater. It’s a language that feels very true to us as a studio: celebratory, atmospheric and playful. Of course, the idea isn’t new. Marie Antoinette at the Petit Trianon was layering florals and toile centuries ago to create a world of fantasy and escape. That same impulse – to immerse yourself fully in a mood – is what makes the trend resonate today.”

“If going for the full drench then make sure it’s from head to toe,” says Charlie Tilbury, co-founder of Penrose Tilbury. “You’ve got to really love the patterns – they should make your heart skip a beat. We find the bolder the pattern choice, the better. Drenching doesn’t work with every pattern, but it’s the layering of different mediums, textures and forms that create the ideal end result. Like adding the softness of fabric against the hard lines of wallpaper and then a lovely flow of fabric to add some movement – you want to avoid it looking flat and all one piece.”

“Pattern drenching has the power to completely transform a room. It can feel immersive, as though you’ve stepped inside a story,” says Rudebeck. “With geometrics, it’s energizing, almost electric; with softer florals, it can be cocooning and safe.”

“Pattern drenching works particularly well in bedrooms and bathrooms where intimacy is key, and in very large rooms where it can bring the scale down and make things feel more human. That balance – between drama and comfort – is at the heart,” Rudebeck continues.

“Guest bedrooms are a perfect place to incorporate pattern drenching. Because no one sleeps in there for too long, you can be a little more creative with the design,” says Rose Hanson of Penrose Tilbury. “We also love pattern drenching a dressing room and powder room – it’s a chance to give these typically smaller spaces as much attention as larger rooms. They work well when the design is full of personality.” Her co-founder, Tilbury, concurs: “We recently designed a downstairs powder room drenched in pattern. We wanted to emulate this Art Deco opulence and so covered the walls with wallpaper from the brand Mrs. Alice and used the matching patterned fabric for a window blind. The antique mirror above the basin also helps reflect the pattern, adding further depth to the design.”

Claire Sá, director at De Rosee Sa, adds: “Contrary to what you might expect, pattern doesn’t make a small room feel smaller; instead it makes it more interesting, cozy and atmospheric. In rooms with less natural light, pattern helps draw the eye to other elements, so the space doesn’t feel flat.”

“A very minimal room can lock you into strict rules, but with pattern, you can layer and build. You can add a floral cushion to a striped sofa or swap out a throw and it still works, because there’s enough going on that nothing feels like a mistake,” Sá continues. “Pattern drenching brings warmth, atmosphere and a sense of playfulness. It also allows flexibility and longevity. Patterned, layered interiors tend to stand the test of time because they don’t rely on one perfect formula.”

“Pattern drenching is a way to inject character: it’s fun, a little rebellious, and it shows confidence. Start with something you truly love, maybe a wild wallpaper or a vintage rug, and build from there,” suggests González. “Balance all the pattern with a few solids or natural textures to give the eye somewhere to rest. And don’t overthink it, pattern drenching is meant to make you grin every time you walk into the room. If it makes you happy, you’re doing it right.”