7 creative ways to add pattern to a kitchen for a more layered and character space

Kitchen design has evolved a lot recently, perhaps more than any other room in the home. For many of us, what used to be a largely practical space, is now the heart of the home, where precious free time is spent with loved ones, preparing and sharing meals. In light of this shift, we no longer want this key space to be sterile – reminiscent of industrial kitchens, defined by cold shiny surfaces.

Instead, we want to enrich our cooking spaces with character and coziness, so they feel like an extension of the rest of our home. One of the best ways to do this is through decorating with pattern, and with the input of a panel of interior experts, here we explore some of the ways you can enhance your kitchen with motifs and marking.

1. Try a terrazzo

Large-format terrazzo tiles bring big pattern energy that can shake things up. ‘The terrazzo flooring here adds drama and an element of chaos to the space, in response to the calm and assured walnut kitchen and muted paint tones,’ agrees Guy Derwent, director at Guy Derwent Architects.

Although the pattern is loud and the colorful marble pieces are randomly shaped, there’s an element of orderliness in the play. ‘The terrazzo marble pieces may be random, but they are always evenly spaced, which means the repeating color and materials form a more controlled, repetitive pattern overall,’ he explains.

2. Introduce a patterned slab

Going big with one strongly patterned surface is a daring move but if you do it with confidence, the results can be incredible. ‘Don’t shy away from going bold with your kitchen slabs,’ enthuses Lauren Cherkas, president of Artistic Tile.

She continues, 'A statement marble like Panda White is perfectly at home on your kitchen worktop and splashback – do both for double the impact.’ This unique marble has a pure white background and broad waves of contrasting black stripes that are ideal for a modern monochrome scheme. ‘Let it be the star of your design by keeping the lighting and cabinetry simple,’ recommends Lauren.

3. Create a chequerboard effect

Kitchen tiles offer a versatile way to introduce patterns to a room while providing a durable, wipe-clean surface. Those featuring geometric, floral, or Morocco-inspired patterns, are great for making a striking statement. You can also create patterns using plain tiles installed in more unusual ways, such as herringbone or striped arrangements.

‘Simple, classic chequerboard layouts like this one add a timeless charm while providing a modern and sophisticated look. For maximum impact, consider using contrasting cabinetry colors or intricate motifs as a splashback or on an accent wall,’ recommends Carly Allison, head of product design at Fired Earth.

4. Incorporate patterned accessories

Using accessories like vintage plates, art, and rugs is a wonderful way to introduce pattern and shape, as this kitchen made by Guild Anderson proves. Vintage plates add a touch of nostalgia and charm, creating visual interest on walls or open shelves. Art pieces can infuse personality and color, transforming the kitchen into a welcoming gallery, while rugs add warmth, comfort, and patterns that tie the room together.

‘This owner had a treasure trove of collectibles. Her skill lay in putting pieces together in a way that looks neither cluttered or overdone, just incredibly homely and heartfelt,’ adds Nick Anderson, director of Guild Anderson.

5. Embrace upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture is a popular route for introducing that all-important pattern hit in kitchens. Upholstered bar stools, dining chairs, and even a cozy banquette can help soften the room’s aesthetic and balance the acoustics. ‘Practicality is key in kitchen designs and upholstery especially has to be hard-wearing,’ says Nicole Salvesen, co-founder of Salvesen Graham.

When selecting fabrics for kitchen use, durability and stain resistance are crucial. Opt for performance fabrics designed to withstand spills and frequent cleaning, such as those with built-in stain protection or treated with stain-resistant coatings. Materials like faux leather or tightly woven fabrics are excellent choices.

6. Opt for a patterned wood

Give classic timber a decorative touch with interesting grain patterns and 3D texture. Here, modern slatted marquetry-style paneling brings the tall storage to life, while cleverly concealing a large fridge, double-door breakfast store cupboard, and a hidden door to the pantry.

More texture can be found on the reeded panel on the island, which echoes the delicately fluted splashback. ‘Patinated zinc, silver leaf églomisé glass, and various marbles beautifully complement the wood, adding definition to the shapes and form of the cabinets, with the patinated brass handles serving as jewelry,’ explains Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio.

7. Decorate with wallpaper

Wallpaper in the kitchen is a winning way to flood the space in pattern, not least because the design options are virtually endless. For this country home, Sims Hilditch chose a bucolic rural scene, opting for shelves instead of wall cabinets to allow the pattern plenty of room to breathe.

‘Balancing the scale of the pattern with the kitchen size is crucial; smaller kitchens benefit from smaller-scale designs to avoid overwhelming the space, while larger kitchens can handle more dramatic, expansive patterns,’ says Gemma Holsgrove, studio director of Sims Hilditch. ‘Here, we took the wallpaper up to the ceiling to draw the eye up and enhance the sense of height.’

Similarly to color, pattern is something that has mood-boosting power, speaking to the innately aesthetic part of our beings. It elevates a space and is a crucial building block in creating a rich and layered scheme filled with personality and energy.

Carefully consider what scales and style make sense for you, whether that's opting for a traditional-looking wallpaper, or introducing a strikingly marked slab of splashback stone, it's a sure way to help you create a kitchen that is worthy of the priceless memories it holds – eating and cooking with loved ones.