Colours, prints and textures add much more than just visual interest to otherwise dull spaces. Welcome to the world of pattern drenching! A widely popular décor trend, which is in demand after colour drenching, this involves playing with scale, texture and colour in more ways than one.

Jade by The Arch Studio
| Photo Credit:
Inclined Studio

“Pattern drenching is a bold interior design trend that embraces an immersive use of prints, patterns and textures across multiple surfaces in a space. This trend allows homeowners to infuse personality, depth, and drama into their interiors, while maintaining a curated, intentional aesthetic. It involves layering wallpaper, upholstery, soft furnishings, and rugs to create a seamless, harmonious look that celebrates maximalism without appearing chaotic or cluttered,” says Siddhina Sakla, founder, The Arch Studio.

Ivory House by The Arch Studio
| Photo Credit:
Inclined Studio

Narrative-based format

Deeply rooted in the concept of personality-driven interior design, pattern drenching means blending maximalism and the love for prints and textures. Think patterned wallpapers, textured rugs, vibrant murals, printed cushions and so on, that infuse warmth and dynamism and give the space a unique character.

The Jindal Residence by Amina Bhatia
| Photo Credit:
Avesh Gaur

“Pattern drenching is all about confidence — it is the idea of completely immersing a space in patterns, allowing them to flow seamlessly across walls, upholstery, and décor. Unlike the traditional approach, where patterns are used as accents, this technique creates a layered and visually rich experience. What draws me to it is the way patterns tell a story. They hold heritage, craftsmanship and emotion within them. When you step into a space that has been thoughtfully pattern-drenched, it doesn’t just look beautiful — it evokes something deeper. It’s immersive, expressive, and, when done well, incredibly sophisticated,” says Amina Bhatia, interior designer.

The Jindal Residence by Amina Bhatia
| Photo Credit:
Avesh Gaur

She further adds that patterns are incredibly powerful tools as they can define a space, evoke emotions, and create a niche identity. The magic lies in how you use them. After all, a home should feel like a reflection of the people who live in it. “Pattern drenching is not just about aesthetics; it is about storytelling. And when done with care, it can turn any space into an experience, a memory, a piece of art,” adds Bhatia.

The Jindal Residence by Amina Bhatia
| Photo Credit:
Avesh Gaur

‘Start with the foyer’

There are several ways to layer your home in prints and patterns. “Start with the foyer; a vibrant wallpaper can create an inviting entrance. Alternatively, a bold runner or patterned upholstered bench can add an artistic touch, making your entryway both functional and visually striking,” say Komal Mittal and Ninada Kashyap, founders, Alkove-Design. Fabric panelling with a subtle contrast on the ceiling, a geometric runner, a sculptural console in rich materials and even stone inlay flooring are other ideas for the entrance.

Indian Austere by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
Pulkit Sehgal

“Transform your living room into a captivating space by using a single pattern across wallpaper, curtains, and upholstery. To add depth, introduce subtle variations of the same pattern in cushions or a rug. Balance the boldness with neutral furniture and metallic accents for an elegant finish,” adds Sakla.

Casa Tao by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
YK.InteriorPhotography

Try a mix of patterns across textiles, like on upholstery, drapes and cushions, while keeping some elements neutral. The key is to layer different scales of patterns so they do not compete but rather enhance each other. “Even in the dining area, where people gather and interact, patterns can be introduced in a more understated way, perhaps through upholstered dining chairs, ceramics, or woven table runners,” adds Bhatia.

A Dwelling of Memories by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
Shamanth Patil

For the bedroom, subtlety is the key. Layering printed bedding covers, striking curtains, or an accent wall with wallpaper adds just enough pattern to enrich the room, while maintaining a calm yet visually appealing atmosphere, add Mittal and Kashyap. Further, you can have a textured headboard extending to the ceiling or opt for tone-on-tone wallpaper. A handcrafted rug and dual-layer drapes with contrasting prints are yet other ideas. When it comes to the powder room, you can choose decorative tiles complemented by fixtures that strike the right balance between visual interest and functionality.

Navrathan by Source Architecture
| Photo Credit:
Nayan Soni

“Tiled murals, fluted or patterned stone base with a statement sink coupled with sculptural lights and a backlit mirror for depth is a great way to create a stylish space in the powder room,” says Sneha Ostawal, principal designer, Source Architecture. Floral shower curtains and towels can further enhance the effect.

Casa Tao by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
YK.InteriorPhotography

Play of lights

The key to pattern drenching is to stick to a cohesive colour palette to ensure visual harmony. Mixing patterns with varying scales is essential; pairing bold, large prints with finer, intricate designs creates depth without overwhelming the space. It is also important to use neutral or solid-coloured elements to break the intensity and provide balance. Lighting also plays an important role — different patterns shine differently under lighting, so you need to consider how the look changes throughout the day under both natural and artificial light, add Mittal and Kashyap.

Tapestry of Nostalgia by Alkove-Design
| Photo Credit:
Ishita Sitwala

Layer patterns mindfully by introducing them gradually. Start with one dominant pattern you love and build around it. “If you are drawn to a beautiful block-printed fabric, for example, pull colours and smaller motifs from it and repeat them in different areas of the room. Mix textures; embroideries, woven materials, and painted surfaces can add depth without visual overload,” adds Bhatia.

Playing with geometry is also effective; mixing organic patterns with structured geometrics creates a harmonious rhythm and balance in the space. “Introduce solid coloured furniture, play with different materials and balance organic and geometric patterns. Avoid too many intricate patterns in small spaces,” says interior stylist Mita Mehta.

Bedroom arrangement by Mita Mehta
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

If you are a fan of muted maximalism use toned-down versions of vibrant prints to make the look more adaptable to different aesthetics.

Serenity Ridge by The Arch Studio
| Photo Credit:
Maulik Patel

“Stick to a monochromatic scheme for a chic and sophisticated approach to pattern drenching. Further introduce solid-coloured trims, borders, or panelling to break the intensity of the patterns,” says Sakla.

The Bengaluru-based freelance writer is passionate about all things design, travel, food, art and culture.

Lladró’s 25th anniversary in India coincides with the opening of their ninth boutique in the country.This new space is at New Delhi’s The Chanakya, known to house other luxury brands such as Hermès, Tiffany & Co. and Ravissant. And as with other Lladró addresses around the world, this too is a phantasmagorical world of porcelain, where innovation and imagination have catapulted a 12th century material to brave new heights.

Meet the icons

At this Mediterranean-style 600 sq. ft. boutique designed by Puerto Rican architect Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez, meet Haute École, a glistening white purebred horse with sinewy muscles rearing forth under an exquisite Seasons chandelier with dozens of blue and white elements in porcelain and crystal. On a wall display are multiple versions of The Guest — a whimsical character by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon — now a beloved icon of modern porcelain. While entry-level fragrance candles start at ₹6,000, a Lladró handcrafted object can cost crores of rupees.

Ever since three brothers in the Spanish village of Almàssera began their uncharted journey in 1953 to reimagine handcrafted porcelain, Lladró has captivated audiences worldwide. Creative director Nieves Contreras says, “The creation of a Lladró piece is a highly artisanal and time-intensive process. Anywhere from five to over 100 moulds may be required depending on the complexity of the piece.” While single-firing has replaced triple, and their palette is expansive with 4,000 shades, the real “porcelain revolution” has been about forging new paths to stay relevant, says Rushil Kapoor, marketing and PR manager at Lladró India.

Firefly lamps.
| Photo Credit:
Lladró 

The magic of India

Lladró’s organised entry into India as a joint venture, Spa Lifestyle Pvt Ltd., paved the way for good fortunes. India is Lladró’s third largest market. In its 70th year, its second-largest store globally was launched on MG Road in New Delhi.

2025 is also the 25th anniversary of the Spirit of India, fashioned after Hindu traditions. Ana Rodríguez Nogueiras, global CEO of Lladró, says, “Each creation aims to become a meaningful link between Spanish artistry and India’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.” The fan following for their intricate figurines — Ram, Sita, Hanuman, the Mudras, Sai Baba and Goddess Lakshmi — is spread across the Indian diaspora in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore.

In India, Lladró loyalty goes back many generations. Take entrepreneur and art collector Pinky Reddy for instance, an avowed patron who bought a Lord Balaji figurine and had been to the Valencia factory when she was just 13. With the genial Lord Ganesha in many poses equally popular amongst westerners, Lladró’s Indian footprint is firmly established. “Revenue from India contributes to 13% of Lladró’s global revenue, of which 38% comes from Spirit of India,” says Nikhil Lamba, CEO Lladró India.

Soul Rider by Valencian artist Dulk.
| Photo Credit:
Lladró 

An eye on sustainability

Sustainability requires not just innovative adaptation for the times, but also future foresight, along with a deep concern for the planet’s ecosystems. Lladró embodies all three. The three elements of porcelain have remained constant — kaolinite, quartz and feldspar — and so has Lladró’s ideal: to make collectables of lasting emotive significance. While classics are still a staple, designer-led aesthetics have captured the market. Lamba says, “Earlier, patrons bought classic glazed sculptures with florals and subtle colours. Now, they prefer contemporary and playful designs in bold, striking colours.”

Contreras, who has purposefully steered global trends, says, “Achieving perfection in porcelain is always a demanding task, no matter the size or type of piece. One of the main challenges is its unpredictability — it behaves almost like a living material.” Lladró’s creative collaborations such as Ephemeral Treasures, with renowned Valencian artist Dulk’s portrayal of fantastical animals, raises awareness about the beauty of nature, acting as a reminder of the planet’s fragility.

Let there be light

In 2013, Lladró expanded into lighting. The Chanakya boutique is showcasing a wide range, including chandeliers, table and floor lamps, pendants, and wireless lamps. You can find the classic Ivy & Seed chandelier in white, as well as the 2022 NYC x Design Awards winner in the chandelier category — the Seasons Chandelier (Winter) in cool blue hues. The portable wireless Firefly Lamp is the proven star of the show, lending its glow to tablescapes, verandas, desk tops, and gifting. Contreras says, “You can now customise your lamp at the Firefly Bar in the new boutique, putting together elements of your choice and colour.” And you can take it home in a month, after it’s made in the City of Porcelain in Tavernes Blanques, Lladró’s only production factory in the world.

The writer is a brand strategist with a background in design from SAIC and NID.

Published – June 20, 2025 06:00 pm IST

Art is no longer a highbrow indulgence reserved for influential collectors or something that is tucked away in stark galleries. Today’s design enthusiasts are rewriting that narrative, embracing art as an expressive part of their homes and often doing it themselves. Curating art at home is a nuanced exercise, capitalising on ideal heights, strong framing, and the quiet power of composition. We ask popular designers, collectors, and stylists to craft a definitive guide, turning bare walls into vignettes that reflect your story and sensibility.

Jaiveer Johal, art collector and entrepreneur in Chennai

Jaiveer Johal
| Photo Credit:
Talib Chitalwala

A celebrated name in the Indian art fraternity, Jaiveer Johal’s personal collection is guided by the Navarasa — the nine essential emotions that underpin Indian classical art. Through the Avtar Foundation for the Arts (AFTA), Johal brings modern and contemporary art to Chennai, and Chennai to the world. Recent artists who have captured his attention include Lakshmi Madhavan, Baaraan Ijlal, and G. Gurunathan.

“My aesthetic has always leaned towards art that defies genre — it must tug at my heartstrings. Be prepared to live with the work you hang. Art at home should be meditative,” says the entrepreneur. His trusted advice on composition? Blend 2D and 3D works to create depth, where modern and traditional elements coexist.

Jaiveer Johal’s monolithic dining area.
| Photo Credit:
Talib Chitalwala

An easy mistake Johal cautions first-timers against? Treating homes like hotels. “Art isn’t acquired overnight. Display must be intentional, and a home should evolve around its art,” he avers. The art collector encourages collecting art through a personal lens — pieces found on travels, in flea markets, or tied to memory. “Look for works that bring your walls to life and tell a story. It does not have to be expensive to be worthwhile,” he shares. In Chennai, Johal swears by professional framing and art treatment. “Museum glass helps preserve the art’s demeanour. Acid-free mounting is critical even in the backing selected. Bring out pieces every six to eight months and inspect their backs for fungal growth,” he advises. Another rule of thumb? “Art displayed in homes is not meant to emulate a gallery. Something that always works for me is bottom lighting for subtle impact and including table lamps for an immersive ambience.”

Pro tip

Invest in museum glass and bottom lighting: “Museum glass helps preserve the art’s demeanour. Acid-free mounting is critical even in the backing selected,” says Johal.

Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith, interior stylists in Chennai

Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith
| Photo Credit:
Phosart Studio

Living by the adage of ‘better halves,’ interior stylists Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith are the creative forces behind immaculately styled residences in the country. Their approach towards curating art is heartfelt. “Art should evoke something personal — a sense of belonging, memory, or roots. It helps to remember that no choice is burdened by permanence,” shares Harith.

The duo ensures art is installed at typically 50 to 60 inches from the floor. “Art hung too high feels disconnected from the space,” notes Naif. “When placed in context with furniture, ensure a clearing of six to 10 inches between the bottom of the art and the top of the furniture. An easy way to gauge size is to let art span two-thirds the furniture’s width,” she illustrates.

A living space by VM Design Works. 
| Photo Credit:
Phosart Studio

The team sees the gallery wall as a ‘personality puzzle’. They start with a bigger piece at the centre of the wall and work outwards. Their pro tip: create and edit your layout on the floor, freeze the composition, then execute. Strategically placed spotlights or floor lamps can elevate the presence of displayed art. The works of artists Sachin Samson, Nida Jahain, and Anjali Ponni Rajkumar have intrigued the two recently.

“We love peppering wall-scapes with photographs, pressed flowers, and heirloom objects. Allow two to three inches of gap between frames,” Naif adds. Framing, Harith notes, is an unsung hero, especially in coastal cities. “UV-protective glass, acid-free mounting, and sealed backing are our go-to checks. They prevent yellowing, warping, and fading.” More miniature artworks shine in styled clusters, especially when arranged in odd numbers. Pair them with vases, candles, books, or curios.

Pro trip

Mind the inches. Ensure art is installed at typically 50 inches to 60 inches from the floor, says Naif.

Vinithra Amarnathan, principal designer at Weespaces in Bengaluru

Vinithra Amarnathan
| Photo Credit:
Kuber Shah

The signature of a Weespaces project has always embodied the balance between modern nuances and personalised details. “Art has always been an integral part of my design process, almost subconsciously,” says designer Vinithra Amarnathan. “Over the past eight years, this instinct has shaped every home’s story and become central to our team’s ethos.” For the novice, she recommends a trusted approach: A common thread in art, as a form of storytelling, always works. “The style, colour palette, or framing choices can be made consistent,” she highlights, and recommends a size between half and two-thirds of the furniture’s width for oversized art paired with furniture. In moody spaces, single or grouped miniature prints can create a striking focal point with an interplay of scale. In Bengaluru’s drier conditions, the designer uses anti-glare glass for artwork exposed to sunlight. She recommends pre-treatment for textured installations (mixed media, plaster, fabric) to ensure durability and to control potential moisture buildup.

 A Laxman Aelay piece at The Eclectic Mix and Match Home.
| Photo Credit:
Nayan Soni

“Typically, the artwork’s centre, about five feet from the floor, is ideal. Frame choice, mount colour, and thickness are crucial to realising the vision. When working with multiple pieces, I create an imaginary perimeter to compose each piece within,” she explains. Some of Amarnathan’s recent curatorial projects feature works of artists Harisha Chennangod, Richa Kashelkar, and Deborah Velasquez. She loves introducing art in unconventional spaces. “Dining consoles, kitchen shelves, powder baths — the idea is to unexpectedly layer everyday spaces with art to instantly elevate them,” she explains. She often highlights pieces with picture lights in intimate nooks and adjustable track lights in communal areas.

Pro tip

Amarnathan recommends a size between half and two-thirds of the furniture’s width for oversized art paired with furniture

The writer is an architect and design specialist.

Published – June 20, 2025 06:30 pm IST