Far left Lorna Williams, head of product design and creative branding at Amtico


Left Theresa Dowling, group editorial director, FX


DESIGN SEMINAR 101


Amtico’s Williams believes that the relationship between colour and pattern is especially interesting: ‘When we create a flooring design, we might have our patterns but then we have to think about how to populate them. You may have two projects with the same pattern but when you populate it with different colours it can make for a very different feel. ‘Sometimes you need subtle colours that blend, where mixed or contrasting colours might be seen by many as a little too scary, but also there are contrasts – such as black and white – which should probably be just as scary, but for some reason we are generally okay with somehow, perhaps because we are familiar with them. But they are still contrasting and bold, so it’s not always a case of having neutrals together in older to create something people are comfortably with, sometimes black and white can also have that effect.’


Jankowka added: ‘I think it was the artist Henri Matisse who said that you can mix almost any colour if you also include black. It somehow reduces the extent to which the colours compete with each other.’


‘There’s something pure about the craftmanship element [of a flooring project], and the interplay between the colour and geometry of the pieces that make up the pattern.’ Sarah Escott


So, where might the future of patterns lie? Are traditional techniques and styles at risk of being crushed by the high-churn, easy pattern production offered by modern technology? Vorster believes there is scope to achieve the best of both worlds. ‘Technology has helped us to be more creative, and do things that we never thought possible. Perhaps 3D printing is the turning point. In the past we simply didn’t have this ability, and it offers a chance to really challenge and fuel our innate desire to create. Tis urge to create things that are bespoke and unique offers hope that we won’t lose the craft skills but instead tech just helps that process along.’


‘What’s lovely about pattern is that you can design something in which you can see the inspiration and the subtle references to time or place, but at the same time, you are creating something unique and new that is memorable and ownable,’ adds Munday. ‘You can build a story into the design, but in essence you are also creating something new.’


Supported by:


Clockwise Grafiti image of famous footballer and pundit Ian Wright. BDP used inventive patterns to decorate the walls and ceiling at PwC Glasgow. Interbrand used a variety of patterns to brand Bodyform


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