Inspiration: Layered Patterns

We always stop by Lena Corwin's blog for print and pattern inspiration; last week, she posted a series of photos by Wai Lin Tse for Apartamento magazine, and we were in love. They are gorgeous examples of the artful, unapologetic layering of patterns. Click through to see for yourself...

Seems to us that part of why this layering of patterns works, and doesn't feel jarring or discordant, is that each pattern in itself is so uniquely charming. Each one draws the eye, but they are well-balanced, so that they don't seem to compete as much as co-exist.

See more of Wai Lin Tse's work for Apartamento here.

(Via Lena Corwin)

Comments (14)

I don't find anything artful about these mixes. These pictures remind me of cheap Communist-bloc hotel rooms. Don't get me wrong; I've stayed in cheap Communist-bloc hotel rooms, but I wouldn't choose to copy their decor at home.

posted by pvett on February 23rd 2009 at 2:12pm
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kinda youth hostel/homeless shelter/thrift store? I like youth hostels and thrift stores, but they're not really "effortlessly elegant", or any kind of aesthetic I would intentionally recreate.

posted by erica on February 23rd 2009 at 2:24pm
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Poor man's Kelly Wearstler.

posted by ShamWOW! on February 23rd 2009 at 2:59pm
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Oh yeah? Well I like it!

posted by Antonine on February 23rd 2009 at 3:13pm
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Don't get me wrong, I'm digging the photo with the desk chair and antler. I could def. get lost in that room. But otherwise, I'll leave the look. I'm not into any of these OR Kelly Wearstler.

posted by ShamWOW! on February 23rd 2009 at 3:16pm
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Not for me...

posted by SherryBinNH on February 23rd 2009 at 3:20pm
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Good job for getting a reaction out of us! But can't say that I have a positive one.

posted by zenfreezone on February 23rd 2009 at 3:53pm
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I really like mixed patterns. These seem a bit understated for my taste though I don't have a violent reaction to them either way.

posted by KWorld on February 23rd 2009 at 4:16pm
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i LOVE the shots with the black and white succulent-y wallpaper, I just dont think they're styled very well. if a bed is featured in a photo, it's got to look inviting and comfortable, otherwise it throws the entire image off...

and sure, patterns are being mixed here, but in no way does this remotely touch Kelly Wearstler.

does anyone know the maker of that succulent-y wallpaper or is it vintage?

posted by my little apartment on February 23rd 2009 at 4:28pm
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I think the Kelly Wearstler quip was a joke...

posted by ShamWOW! on February 23rd 2009 at 4:36pm
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garage sale in iowa chic?

not only is the rug wrinkled and the lamp shade on crooked the wallpaper is actually PEELING! ew

posted by RalphEMole on February 23rd 2009 at 6:28pm
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I'm sure these pattern combinations look better at night...

with the lights off.

posted by amed studio on February 23rd 2009 at 9:07pm
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pvett, yes, I was thinking Soviet Zone, too. Leipzig, about 1986.

If everybody gets 15 minutes of fame, maybe every room gets fifteen minutes of stylish good taste.

posted by fledgling on February 23rd 2009 at 9:42pm
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i love it

posted by treelovr on February 24th 2009 at 5:29am
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