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Pattern: combination of motifs
 Pattern
is the combination of motifs like shapes, lines, colors, textures,
and relief used to form a composition. If each one of the motifs
is large enough to be seen readily, the composition is known
as pattern and may not be repetitive. If the motifs are too small
or emphasize relief and depth that can be felt, the composition
is known as a texture. |
Overview
A Pattern for Living
Patterns exist in nature
as well as man-made materials. The ability to look at a composition
and see it overall or move around it to explore detail is what
provides rich visual interest. An example of this would be looking
at a rocky cliff. From a distance its main colors, shapes and
depth can be seen. Moving close to it reveals veins, inconsistencies
in color, tonal changes, sharp or jagged relief, cracks, and
smaller areas of change.
During the Baroque era from 1600
- 1700 A.D., extensive ornamental pattern in tapestries, rugs,
wall hangings, upholstery, and flooring were used to create a
sense of grandeur and formality. It was a time of discovery about
detail and pattern in both science and living.
The effective use of pattern
is the metamorphosis of sterile unbroken expanses into live,
stimulating surrounds of detail. It can make a large space seem
smaller and more elaborate, establish a small collection of furniture
into its own environment helping break up space, or create a
painterly, cozy feeling for a small room.
Patterns help define shape and
space. They are mechanisms for comparative perspective. Depth
perception for objects without pattern is dependent on shading
while a pattern provides depth through shading and perspective.
The motif of a floral print appears smaller as it gets further
away from the viewer. A great example is the pattern on the edges of
a throw pillow wrapping around which make it appear to have more
dimension.
Combining Patterns
How is it that we don't often
see two different plaids worn together? Very similar size, color,
style, or tonal ranges of patterns being combined causes conflict,
lacks harmony and
just doesn't look good. Competing detail can prevent fluid eye
movement from one area of pattern to the next.
A single primary pattern can
be selected from which secondary patterns of different scale,
saturation, color or style visually support. This tends to keep
a room from overwhelming the viewer.
A contemporary effect can be
achieved by juxtaposing many strong secondary patterns together
without a primary pattern. This can create visual confusion and
does not follow traditional design.
By combining many subtle secondary
patterns, a room can maintain its openness yet look more dimensional.
Lingo (expressions
often used with pattern)
The following terms may help
to communicate the intent of the designer internally or to a
client.
Comparative perspective - the ability to discern and compare
depth differences via foreshortening.
Composition - the unity of various elements either actual
or implied that can be evaluated as a whole.
Foreshortening - patterns, lines and shapes becoming visibly
smaller while the furthest edges of an object appear to close
together toward a single vanishing point in the distance.
Motif - pronounced 'moe-teef'. A stylistic visual expression
or representation.
Relief - surfaces having depth, dimension or varying shallow
height.
Ideas
 Example1
- Bring a room to life with pattern. Click on the image to the
left to see how pattern and motif create cohesion. |
Fabric Pattern Examples - For draperies, upholstery,
etc.
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