13 Hot Pattern Trends for Fall

From animal prints and globally-inspired textiles to delicate botanicals, here's how to use this season's chicest motifs at home.

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August 07, 2015

By: Liz Gray

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Photo By: janis nicolay

Photo By: Elk Studios LLC

Photo By: Design House 2013

The New Florals

"I'm seeing more and more florals inspired by historic botanical books, especially in cotton prints and wallpapers," says interior designer Lori Dennis. "It's like chintz in a new way." This isn't Grandma's floral wallpaper: Think large-scale patterns, vibrant blooms and big, bold hues.

Natural Inspiration

It's not just florals that are making a comeback: Plant-based motifs, like these block-printed ferns, are cropping up everywhere from bedding to wallpaper to throw pillows. Designer Jennifer Jones uses this slate wallpaper to add character and whimsy to this master bedroom without going too bold.

From: Jennifer Jones

Try a Tribal Print

Tribal prints continue to gain popularity as more and more people crave one-of-kind-items and a connection to the people who make them. Buying handmade textiles not only continues local traditions, but it also brings colors inspired by the artisans' surroundings into your home, like rich reds, blues and yellows, says interior designer Sandra Espinet. "If you add a hand-hewn pillow to a neutral room, boom, you have an amazing space," she says. Or, make a bigger statement with a handwoven tribal rug.

From: Design Development

Add Indian Style With Paisley

Add new bohemian style with an Indian classic: teardrop-shaped paisley in warm, spicy shades. Add a throw, pillow or dress up the walls in floor-to-ceiling wallpaper. This oversized paisley pattern features fall's signature hues, making it the perfect accompaniment to this quilted bed.

Continually Chic: Greek Key

Greek key prints feature a continuous line that folds back onto itself, creating a repeating geometric shape. This eye-popping pattern can be found on Egyptian tombs, as well as archaic Peruvian weavings, but the trendy motif will look equally good in small or large doses in your home. Try a more subtle version for big spaces like walls or headboards, or try a bolder one for pillows or wall art.

From: Amy Elbaum

Bring On the Prep

This summer's bright, modern twists on classic preppy patterns are still hot. Bring the trend into the cooler months by using a lattice print alongside some of the season's hottest shades: black, white, inky indigo and gold.

From: Massucco Warner Interior Design

More Plaid, Please

Warm up and stay on top of the preppy pattern trend by adding a soft plaid or tartan to your home. Play up the prep factor like interior designer Tobi Fairley did by mixing a masculine plaid with a monogram and bold stripes.

From: Tobi Fairley

Houndstooth

Originally used for woven wool cloth in the Scottish lowlands, this menswear classic is making its way into home furnishings. Black-and-white houndstooth is traditional, but try a version that pairs a bright hue with white to really make this bold pattern pop in your home.

From: Tobi Fairley

Go Bold With a Quatrefoil Print

A Celtic symbol for good luck, this clover-like symbol can be seen everywhere from the windows of Gothic cathedrals to the canvases of Renaissance art. Now it's everywhere in interior design, too — the repeating symbol is plentiful in fabrics, wallpaper, metal objects and more. Use the eye-catching pattern for bedding or pillows, or try it as a bold art piece like designer Tobi Fairley did here.

From: Tobi Fairley

Bring On the Faux Bois

Patterns that imitate the look of wood, known by the French term faux bois, are playful, current and right on trend with the resurgence of natural motifs. To make faux bois pieces look especially "now," use them alongside tongue-in-cheek rustic accessories, says design forecaster Stacy Garcia. Since the color of wood is fairly neutral, faux bois wallpaper adds a surprisingly subtle texture to a room.

Wild About Animal Prints

"I think that we will be seeing a lot of animal print for the fall, such as golds and rich browns in cheetah prints and tiger stripes," says interior designer Erinn Valencich. This plush tiger-print throw adds warmth for chilly nights and a swath of the season's wildest trend.

Animal Accents

"Animal prints can be chic if they are subtle and minimal. Use them sparingly! A few accent pillows or a throw are enough for any room," says interior designer Jeff Andrews. Here, cheetah pillows are almost neutral against mustard yellow, gold and rich brown.

One at a Time

"Don't mix the animal prints together. Pick one and go with it," says Jeff. This zebra-upholstered chair makes a bold impact when dropped into this calm, neutral space.

From: Chango and Co.

13 Hot Pattern Trends for Fall

Related To:

Shop This Look

The New Florals

Natural Inspiration

Try a Tribal Print

Add Indian Style With Paisley

Continually Chic: Greek Key

Bring On the Prep

More Plaid, Please

Houndstooth

Go Bold With a Quatrefoil Print

Bring On the Faux Bois

Wild About Animal Prints

Animal Accents

One at a Time

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