Remember in the ’80s, how fashion-forward it was to upholster furniture in the same pattern as the wallpaper? And sometimes carry the pattern onto the drapes, too?
Well, everything old is new again…again.
I am an ’80s survivor, so you’d think I’d have trouble with this particular “new again.” Au contraire, mon frere! Today’s matchy-matchiness is a far cry from the chintz explosions of yesteryear.
Today’s matchy-matchiness exhibits restraint.
Which doesn’t mean the patterns themselves can’t be bold…
…but it does mean that you should limit the matching elements to two.
Matching furniture + walls = fine.
Matching wallcovering + drapes = fine.
Matching headboard + wallcovering + lampshades = really not fine. I think this headboard against the wallpaper is pretty terrific, but the lampshades are twee. Unnecessary. Perilously reminiscent of the ’80s.
Let’s file this last one under, “strong intent.” How fabulous is this pattern? Large-scale crazy birds, an amazing level of detail, the use of black for edginess…the pattern looks like a giant illustration. And the fact that the designer shows it on the walls AND on a chair is super bold. I love it. (A propos of nothing, please note the black painted baseboard. Great move. I wish it were larger, but you can’t have everything.)
What say you, Gentle Readers? Would you be bold enough to try this in your own home? In which room? It’s a commitment, for sure, but it’s a pretty edgy look. Again.
Bossy color | Annie Elliott interior design is a full-service design firm in Washington, D.C. We create outrageously beautiful homes for fascinating people.