Assumptions are never the path to enlightenment, and this is especially the case with interior design. Preconceived notions about what ‘goes’ together can crush creativity, and discourage homeowners from bringing in items they truly love in favor of blander furnishings. Sarah Jessica Parker shirks this convention by pairing plaid and florals in her living room.
Mixing patterns in interiors has long been a controversial practice, but it’s almost always a good idea. For instance, SJP brightens a tiny corner to the left of her fireplace with floral wallpaper, a blue tartan footstool, and a colorful tasseled furnishing. She grounds the bright look with a matte vase full of living flowers. Though the styling is busy, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
With the burgeoning ‘slow furnishing’ movement, it’s no surprise Sarah Jessica’s look is emerging as a 2025 interior design trend. Andrew Seed, design expert at The Odd Company, explains: ‘In a world of fast furniture, this patterned upholstery is becoming popular because it’s interesting and original. I think it can’t help but feel designer and one-of-a-kind. With clashing patterns becoming all the rage, people are no longer worried about pairing a printed wallpaper with a striped headboard. In fact, I’d say they’re embracing it. It seems that the motto is, “the more pattern, the better.”‘
Shop the Plaid and Floral Edit
There are hundreds of ways to style plaid and florals in your home. These are a few of our editor’s favorite pieces to shop the look.
Classic Linen Gingham Pillow Cover
Soft linen, a poofy caterpillar fringe, and a multitude of available colors make this pillow cover a fun addition to both an indoor or outdoor space. The contrasting translucent checks also add some interest.
Make a statement in your living space with this beautiful, blue-and-white chintz sofa, which features elegant, gold legs and super comfortable cushions. It’s a modern coastal take on a traditional look.
This blanket puts a serene twist on plaid, in order to make it appropriate for the bedroom: Think soft colors, a yarn-dyed appearance, and a consistent pattern throughout.
This hand-made, block-printed floral cushion cover is whimsical and uplifting in its design. Reminiscent of country style homes, it combines coziness and elegance.
Heather Taylor Home Isla Ottoman
Made in collaboration with Heather Taylor Home, this ottoman uses a bright nutmeg hue for a playful take on plaid. The color makes the look fresh again, so you can easily consider this ottoman a statement piece.
That Dutch Girl Linen Floral Pillow
If you want to experiment with Glenn Close’s style without investing in such a statement piece, this cushion is the solution. It features a bold watercolor floral print on soft linen from Covington Fabric and exhibits beautiful tonal red and green flowers.
Though greige minimalism ruled in the 2010s, increased awareness of ethical purchasing and the importance of personal style has fostered a design community that values pattern. Decorating with a mix of florals, plaids, and stripes creates a completely unique look that sets your home apart. Buying the same West Elm furniture as your neighbor is no longer the flex it once was. Instead, people want responsibly sourced materials that reflect their personalities and will go beyond trends.
What’s the best way to decorate with patterns in your home? Andrew recommends an experimental approach. He advises: ‘With patterned upholstery, more is definitely more. It’s all about embracing bold pattern clashes and making them work together. Experiment with different shades and explore clashing line directions. Try placing a horizontally-striped cushion on a vertically striped chair. Styling this trend is all about embracing experimentation. There are no strict rules.’
‘Unexpected’ shouldn’t be a negative descriptor, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s pattern styling proves it isn’t. When we tap into our own personal style to combine patterns, ‘unexpected’ becomes a compliment.
link