Pattern Drenching Is a Must-Try Trend With Enduring Appeal
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An expert mix of patterns is a hallmark of some of the best interiors. Playing with scale, texture, and color in often unexpected ways, the right combination of prints can result in a stunning space. These days, however, designers are foregoing the pattern play, and instead opting for a one-and-done approach. Pattern drenching, one of this year's biggest interior design trend, is making monochromatic waves in homes nationwide.
“I generally feel like if it's a pattern you LOVE, then go big or go home,” says interior designer Wendy Labrum. “Pattern-drenching can work with larger or smaller-scale prints depending on the scale of the space. I lean towards cleaner patterns without too many color varieties within the pattern which helps keep it from being overwhelming.”
Applying one print all over a room—on the walls, window treatments, and even upholstery—is the maximalist version of color drenching. Of course, an all-over check or botanical motif may at first seem overwhelming, but interior designer Heather Peterson says to trust your design gut. “It's counter-intuitive, but the more you have of a pattern the less busy it will feel; that small, square sample that feels intense and scary will calm down when you apply it to all four walls.”
Unless you have the ability to create accurate mock-ups or 3D renderings, pattern drenching is difficult to visualize until you dive in. If you’re eager to learn more about the trend or just need some guidance as to where to begin, read on for everything you need to know.
What is Pattern Drenching?
Pattern drenching is simply the decision to use one singular, often striking print on everything in a room—as wallpaper along the walls (and sometimes ceiling!), on the window treatment textiles, on furniture upholstery, and even bedding. Pattern drenching creates a monochromatic look, similar to color drenching, but with a print rather than a solid color.
Is Pattern Drenching Trending?
Yes! 2025 is seeing the rise in personality-driven interior design and more maximalist styles, and this includes pattern drenching. Of course, it’s not for everyone, no trend is, but pattern drenching is a low-effort way to make a major impact. Labrum agrees but says it works best when there is a level of emotional attachment. “It's also important for the pattern to represent something the client loves, from color to motif, so they feel some connection to the textile,” she says. “It will add so much warmth and cohesiveness to a generally awkward and under-utilized space.”
Where to Use Pattern Drenching
According to Peterson, pattern drenching is best used in rooms with minimal architectural details. “There are exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking I would use pattern drenching in a room with simple architecture to give it a personality boost, or in a space with some odd architecture that you want to disguise,” she says. “A great example of this would be an attic space with odd ceiling angles and mismatched millwork.”
Pattern drenching works best in intimate spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices where there are minimal furniture pieces to consider. Larger rooms like living spaces or dining rooms can be difficult because of the amount of other decor you need to think about, like tables, sofas, artwork, and electronics. “Spaces without a lot of natural light are a great place to utilize pattern drenching to bring life into the room,” says Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. “I also typically avoid rooms that have a lot of visual breaks, like the kitchen, since that can disrupt the natural flow of the pattern and wallpaper, making it less ideal for pattern drenching.”
Consider the rest of the furniture
One common mistake Rees often sees when people attempt pattern drenching is forgetting to consider how the rest of the furniture and decor will interact with the wallpaper design. This trend is such a statement that the rest of the room’s furnishings needs to be carefully considered. Use harmonious colors, simple silhouettes, and subtle textures to help the print really shine.
How to Pick the Right Pattern
If you are using a single pattern to drench all or most elements in your room, scale will be an important factor, says Peterson. “If the pattern has a medium to large scale, make sure that it will time out nicely on elements like Roman shades and smaller upholstered pieces, like a chair. If you are running a pattern onto a ceiling, I would advise sticking with a non-directional pattern so it never feels upside down.”
Consider medium-scale patterns with a tonal or subdued color palette for pattern drenching as this will prevent the space from being overwhelmed visually. “If a print is too small, it can have a dizzying effect when used everywhere in the room, and on the other hand, larger prints run the risk of being too in your face and usually don’t flow as well,” explains Rees. “In terms of color, prints with darker colors will make a bigger design impact in the space versus those with very light colors and lots of blank whitespace.”
“If you're wary, try a two-color stripe or plaid,” says Labrum. “Limited color combinations keep it feeling cleaner and less overwhelming.” Geometric prints work very well for pattern drenching, as do monochromatic or tonal botanicals.
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