Pick A Pattern Or Two
For a fresh take on a perennial homeware trend, harness pattern’s bold charms with the contemporary new John Lewis x Sanderson collection
Florals, stripes, dots, dashes, tesselations, fractals… While the selection of shapes shift and the trends themselves transform, pattern has been a mainstay of interior design for centuries. It only takes a look at the famed Sanderson archives to see that; founded in 1860, the brand has long combined its timeless British sensibility and hand-drawn patterns to create an array of bold fabrics and wallpapers, matching the moods of the changing times. With a history that runs parallel to John Lewis, which began life as a draper’s shop in 1864, a collaboration between these two stalwarts of the textile scene was surely overdue.
And so, we introduce the new John Lewis x Sanderson collaboration: a contemporary homeware range with more than 200 pieces, spanning bedding, tableware, specially designed sofas, lighting and so much more. Packed with pattern, the collection draws upon both brands’ rich archives and love of design to create fresh pieces and new colourways that are traditional in their handwriting, but distinctly different in their finish.
“As part of the creative process we invited John Lewis into our archive, and soon discovered that Pamir Garden was well-loved across both teams. It became the basis of this collection,” says a Sanderson spokesperson. “Featuring floral sprigs, stylised trees, tigers and antelopes, Pamir Garden is a fantastical design that reflects the 1970s fashion for exotic patterns and global cultures.”
This core organic design is offset by the scalloped-edge Pinetum Stripe, which – among other things – takes a fresh spin on the Regency-style sofa to the next level. “This is not your standard striped sofa. We changed the direction of the stripe between the frame and cushion for dimensional quality, and it works really well to set the design apart. It feels formal yet liveable: quintessentially British.”
So, how do you combine these boldly patterned pieces in your own home? Sanderson’s Senior Stylist, Emma Coles, offers some five easy steps for getting it right.
1. “Pattern on pattern can feel like a daunting design prospect, but the key is striking a good balance – it can work to fantastic effect.
2. “First, it’s important to select a cohesive colour palette. A pattern’s style and scale can vary, but sticking to a unified colour scheme helps pull everything together beautifully. Don’t select patterns that are too similar, as they’ll fight with each other; instead, select a variety of patterns and scales that complement each other and create a layered scheme.
3. “At Sanderson, we love to pair florals with geometric patterns or stripes, combining complementary elements into one room/scheme. Once you’ve selected your pattern, don’t be afraid to use it in multiple places for a continuous decorating story. For example, use the same design on a headboard and wallpaper to pull the room together.
4. “When adding pattern, start with the big pieces, such as wallpaper and a sofa, then plan medium-sized pieces like chairs and rugs, before moving onto layering cushions, throws, and lighting. This really helps to build a scheme, down to the smallest detail.
5. “Sanderson and John Lewis have worked together to make creating a maximalist feel in your home easy; you have all the elements to select from that have been designed to sit together. Use the inspirational imagery created by Sanderson and John Lewis as a starting point to help build your confidence, then add and select your own personal elements and favourites from the collection.”
The John Lewis x Sanderson collection is available in-store and online from 20 March
