Do you love patterns? Well you are in luck, the newest trend to hit the interior design industry is plaid.
It may sound strange when you say it out loud because it’s a pattern that is common in fashion.
In fact, there are many popular TV designer’s and contractors known for wearing plaid including Joanna Gaines, Johnathan Scott, Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler.
So, in many ways its a great fit for the industry because as we know fashion constantly influences interior design.
The important question is, how do we incorporate such a prominent fashion pattern into interior design?
Sections
- The History
- Curtains
- Accent Chairs
- Rugs
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Wallpaper
- Bedroom
The History
First, let’s start with the name, so there are some inconsistencies with what terminology to define the pattern.
There are three main terms used in the design industry, which are Plaid, Tartan and Gingham.
After further research, it’s clear that the pattern is Gingham which is pronounced “ginggang”. Credits: Estout
Below is a detailed description of the differences between the patterns.
Let’s explore the difference
Gingham
Gingham which means “ with space between, hence striped” the word was introduced to the English language by both Dutch and French traders.
The stipes are made up of “fine to medium yarns”. Gingham gets its stripes through “carded or combed yarns”. Credits: Estout
Plaid or Tartan
So apparently, we have been getting the name all wrong Plaid is actually referred to as Tartan.
The notable checkered pattern is created using vibrant colours of threads woven at right angle.
The pattern originated from Scotland, with that in mind, the Scottish Gaelic Celtic word for blanket is “Plaid or Plaide” which refers to a rectangular garment made from tartan. Credits: Estout
During the 1500s, there was a great deal of industrialization occurring which allowed British and American companies to adopt Tartan pattern and fabric. Credits: Bustle
This led to mass replication of Tartan material in America, as a result the name was modified to be recognized as plaid. Credits: Estout
We have selected several inspirational images of different rooms that have incorporated plaid into furniture, decor and accessories.
Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy.
Albert Einstein
Curtains
Plaid can be considered a busy pattern and the challenge with a repetitive pattern is making sure it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Curtains are a simple way to introduce this pattern into a room.
Begin by examining your colour palette, for instance, in the below image beige is the dominant colour.
Therefore, a beige curtain with subtle pastel tone in plaid is perfect for the room.
Where to buy: Retailers and Vendors
After plaid shirt days and nights when you made me your own, now you mail back my things and I walk home alone.
Taylor Swift – All too Well
Accent Chairs
We recommend starting with one plaid chair and then decide later on if your room can withstand two plaid chairs.
A large room has enough space as well as different materials, decor and accessories that will merge well with two plaid chairs compared to a small cozy room.
Plaid Rugs
In the last couple of years, we’ve seen geometric pattern dominate the design industry. Plaid uses simple lines to create geometric shapes. Some rug designers creatively introduce colours in the lines and shapes.
Where to buy plaid rug
Bathroom Tile
Go bold or go home! Technology has improved so much that there are gingham style tile. The inspirational images will show creative ways to use them.
The first two bathroom inspirational images are sleek masculine bathrooms, with the exception of the second image which blends some feminine tone such as the baby blue vanity and the gold fixtures.
While the third image mixes black and natural wood tone to create a cozy and spa-like bathroom.
Where to Buy
Bathroom Inspirational
Kitchen
For some, the kitchen is the heart of the home so adding a bit of pattern can add character to the room.
Working with the colour scheme is crucial, in the below image the designer incorporated blue and white with the bar stools which are colours that dominate the kitchen colour scheme.
Wallpaper
If you ever wanted to reveal your love for gingham pattern, wallpaper is the way to go.
These inspirational images show different ways of applying gingham pattern wallpaper in your home.
It is clear that having a mix of wall molding and the checkered wallpaper creates a cozy and transitional feel.
Bedroom Inspiration
Honestly, not everyone is confident enough to introduce plaid into their home.
Some people are interested in using small accent pieces of the pattern.
In a bedroom, throw pillows and blankets are small tangible accessories that can be changed.
Where to Buy
Guess what? Plaid headboard exist and they come in different colours and style.
The inspirational images illustrate clever ways to introduce a plaid headboard into your bedroom.
Where to buy: Retailer
Do you think this is a pattern that will stand the test of time? What is your favourite part of plaid in interior design?
It’s about time plaid makes a comeback, I love it!
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Yes, I agree. It adds so much character to a room
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