If you’re up-to-date in the interior design world, you may have noticed that the pendulum has swung back in favor of patterns lately. Sofas, wallpapers, rugs — nothing is off the table. But the thing about playing with patterns is that it’s actually much harder than it looks. For a foolproof strategy, meet a new trick we’re calling ‘pattern sprinkling.’

It’s not drenching a space in pattern; it’s not purposely clashing prints — it’s cleverly ‘sprinkling’ the same motif across a space, creating a more cohesive yet playful palette. “I absolutely love this approach,” says Marta Balazs, a London-based interior designer and founder of Embee Interiors. “It’s a sophisticated and intentional way to introduce visual interest without overwhelming a space, particularly for people who aren’t necessarily into maximalism. Subtle patterns bring a sense of rhythm and movement, making a room feel dynamic yet cohesive.”

And while patterns can imbue a space with personality, the interior design trend can also easily start to feel chaotic, rather than curated. So how does ‘pattern sprinkling’ work? We break down our new concept below.

As explained, pattern sprinkling is exactly what the name implies: sprinkling a repeated pattern or motif throughout a room. Unlike pattern drenching, this approach is much softer and more subtle. The key is ensuring you maintain a sense of balance. Don’t feel like you need to repeat the exact same pattern — but incorporate a common shape, color, or pattern in at least two-three different ways throughout the room.