Revisit Patchwork for a New Take on an Old Favourite
Quilting is cool again but not as you know it – contemporary patchwork is popping up everywhere from rugs and furniture to floors and walls
Patchwork came about as a way to reuse loved or leftover scraps of fabric, with different quilt motifs developing around the world. It has also always been a social activity – a way to swap tips on home design before Houzz came along! These days, patchwork has evolved a step further. It’s out with the old fashioned and in with tiling, bedroom throws, upholstery and rugs that use patchwork to bring in fabulous colours and textures.
Reupholster in vivid shades
This pair of stools works as a great example of how patchwork can add strong touches of on-trend colour. The blues link with the existing scheme while the yellows – and the patchwork element – give it an instant update.
This pair of stools works as a great example of how patchwork can add strong touches of on-trend colour. The blues link with the existing scheme while the yellows – and the patchwork element – give it an instant update.
Liven up a child’s space
A patchwork of wallpaper swatches makes for a more grown-up way to add colour to a kids’ room than stickers. This children’s bathroom is enlivened with a pretty mix of pastel patterns that lifts the largely white scheme.
Keep wallpaper away from wet areas, or protect the paper with a wash of PVA glue diluted with three parts water, or a thin sheet of clear Perspex.
A patchwork of wallpaper swatches makes for a more grown-up way to add colour to a kids’ room than stickers. This children’s bathroom is enlivened with a pretty mix of pastel patterns that lifts the largely white scheme.
Keep wallpaper away from wet areas, or protect the paper with a wash of PVA glue diluted with three parts water, or a thin sheet of clear Perspex.
Reboot a classic
Give the traditional bed quilt a modern update with a rich mix of luxe fabrics in contemporary patterns. This quilt is made up of a patchwork of silks, velvets and embroideries in jewel colours, at once chiming with the traditional bed and bringing the room up to date.
Give the traditional bed quilt a modern update with a rich mix of luxe fabrics in contemporary patterns. This quilt is made up of a patchwork of silks, velvets and embroideries in jewel colours, at once chiming with the traditional bed and bringing the room up to date.
Go for a vintage vibe
A crocheted patchwork pattern, florals and sprigs could be grannyish, but in a carefully worked vintage home they have all the charm of a country cottage with a modern attitude. Hints of a more contemporary sensibility – with the lampshade and the eclectic mix of artworks and patterns – keep this space characterful and crafted.
A crocheted patchwork pattern, florals and sprigs could be grannyish, but in a carefully worked vintage home they have all the charm of a country cottage with a modern attitude. Hints of a more contemporary sensibility – with the lampshade and the eclectic mix of artworks and patterns – keep this space characterful and crafted.
Keep it subtle
This light living space introduces hints of patchwork that chime with the love seat, but don’t turn the room into a cutesy themed space. The plaid blanket, a scattering of patchwork in the cushions and a handmade rug all add touches of the trend.
This light living space introduces hints of patchwork that chime with the love seat, but don’t turn the room into a cutesy themed space. The plaid blanket, a scattering of patchwork in the cushions and a handmade rug all add touches of the trend.
Brighten up bunk beds
This simple scheme proves patchwork can be cool for kids. Partnered with style-conscious pieces, patchwork is a great way to add shots of colour – or add blue to a child’s room without it being gender specific.
Cute and quirky vintage ideas for kids’ bedrooms
This simple scheme proves patchwork can be cool for kids. Partnered with style-conscious pieces, patchwork is a great way to add shots of colour – or add blue to a child’s room without it being gender specific.
Cute and quirky vintage ideas for kids’ bedrooms
Contrast old and new
A traditionally made patchwork looks fresh and innovative when partnered with more modern furniture designs. The hairpin-leg bed and bare-bulb Droog chandelier keep the mood firmly in the present, while the quilt and rug hark back to traditional crafts for a thoughtfully styled space.
A traditionally made patchwork looks fresh and innovative when partnered with more modern furniture designs. The hairpin-leg bed and bare-bulb Droog chandelier keep the mood firmly in the present, while the quilt and rug hark back to traditional crafts for a thoughtfully styled space.
Rock patchwork tiling
Can’t decide which tile to go for? No problem: a patchwork of contrasting but complementary motifs is a trend in floor and wall tiles. It adds variety and character, so is a great way to update an existing kitchen with plain white units.
TELL US
Are you a fan of patchwork? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
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Can’t decide which tile to go for? No problem: a patchwork of contrasting but complementary motifs is a trend in floor and wall tiles. It adds variety and character, so is a great way to update an existing kitchen with plain white units.
TELL US
Are you a fan of patchwork? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
15 Reasons to Get Addicted to Kantha Quilts
Mix Master: How to Clash Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
Fabric Shopping: Where to Find the Best Materials for Your Needs
There’s a fantastic choice of patchwork rugs around. Some use scraps of vintage kilims; others rework new weaves into a pattern that has energy and dynamism. A rug like this one adds life and soul to a neutral scheme, here working as a key piece to zone the dining area.
More: Finding the Right Size Rug for Any Room in the House