Johnny Galecki's bedroom demonstrates one of the most daring pattern combinations I've ever seen – it reminds me of a historic English manor

When it came to clashing patterns, I needed convincing – but Galecki's space has made the minimalist in me recant

Johnny Galecki
(Image credit: Vera Anderson/WireImage via GettyImages)

As much as I love a full bookcase and overflowing houseplants, I am, at heart, a minimalist. You can imagine, then, that anything involving dusty vintage hues and clashing patterns is not my dream decorating style – and it wasn't until I saw Johnny Galecki's guest bedroom. It's an example of the most daring yet well-balanced spaces I've ever seen (and as a celebrity style editor, I see a lot).

Designed by the revered design duo Pierce & Ward, Galecki's home is a whimsical celebration of all things gothic – a unique aesthetic that arguably comes into play the most in this bedroom. Gothic palettes are often synonymous with darker hues (to which there are some in the patterns); however, the clashing vintage patterns introduce a new way of playing with gothic interior design.

This style is increasingly associated with rich, quietly moody aesthetics – and historical luxury is at its core. When asked to think about a gothic-style space, I picture an ornate, richly patterned historic manor in the English countryside – some of which are in the hills in northern England where I grew up. These historic spaces have the same ambiance as Galecki's guest bedroom – and the secret is in the patterns.

In the actor's space, designers Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward used Hamilton Weston’s French Stripe as a wall covering, while Mulberry Home’s Flying Ducks covers the ceiling. In case this wasn't already enough pattern, they introduced an ornate area rug from Nashville's Nasir's Rugs – exhibiting a rich pink and black border that taps further into the gothic theme. There's also a patterned triangular bedhead (again, in a dark hue) and floral cushions on the bed.

Combining stripes, flowers, and botanical prints on the behead, floor, walls, and ceiling is a brave design move, but it's one that, despite its audaciousness, works in harmony. Martin Waller, the founder of the global design brand Andrew Martin, agrees. 'More is always more. Layer texture and pattern to create excitement in a home. More rugs, more art, more objects,' he says.

As I mentioned, I am a minimalist at heart, but Galecki's maximalist bedroom convinced me that layered patterns can still bring calmness to a modern home. If you want to follow his example without overindulging in colors or prints, designer Matthew Williamson recommends starting with a rug. 'One of the best places to start when bringing color and pattern into the home is with a floor covering, setting the tone and anchoring the rest of the space,' he says.

Bedroom with floral wallpaper, green velvet bed and red patterned rug

(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia)

'A beautiful rug can give you a palette or a sounding board for the rest of the room. You could pick out specific colors from the weave and take them onto the walls, into the soft furnishings, and even up onto the ceiling for a dramatic look,' Williamson says. 'You could also experiment with pattern, pairing a leopard print rug with a striking floral wallpaper or sofa.' For a Galecki-inspired starting point, I love this dusty pink rug, available via Wayfair below.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.