Modern yet classic: Martha Stewart's accent chair aligns with 2025's design trend - and surprisingly, it's only $499.
In the world of home decor, patterns play a significant role in creating an inviting and stylish ambiance. Two popular choices that never go out of fashion are modern tartan and gingham. Here's a closer look at these patterns and their versatile counterparts:
## Alternatives to Plaid Prints
### 1. Modern Tartan Patterns - Characterised by their formal or traditional feel, modern tartan designs use bold colours and smaller repeats, making them suitable for contemporary spaces. - With their ability to add a touch of sophistication, modern tartans work well in a variety of styles, from rustic to luxurious.
### 2. Gingham Patterns - A classic checkered pattern, gingham is often associated with a more playful or vintage setting. - Versatile and adaptable, gingham can be used in both traditional and modern settings, adding a light-hearted, cheerful touch to any room.
### 3. Herringbone Patterns - Distinctive and textured, herringbone patterns add visual interest and are commonly used in upholstery, rugs, and wallpaper. - Suitable for both contemporary and traditional settings, herringbone patterns work well due to their neutral colour palette and geometric design.
### 4. Striped Patterns - Ranging from thin, subtle stripes to bold, thick ones, striped patterns are highly versatile and can easily complement a variety of décors. - Suitable for all styles, from minimalist to bohemian, horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider, while vertical stripes can make it feel taller.
### 5. Toile de Jouy Patterns - Featuring pastoral scenes like people, animals, and landscapes, Toile de Jouy adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. - Ideal for traditional and farmhouse settings, Toile de Jouy can also be used in modern decor for a unique, eclectic look.
## Comparison of Modern Tartan and Gingham Patterns
- **Formality**: Modern tartan tends to be more formal and is often used in upscale settings, while gingham is generally more playful and informal. - **Color Selection**: Tartan typically features a mix of several colours, often arranged in a specific order, whereas gingham is primarily a checkered pattern with two main colours.
- **Visual Impact**: Both patterns can add visual interest, but tartan may create a busier look due to its multiple colours and geometric repetitions.
- **Styling Options**: Both patterns work well with solid colours and natural textures, but tartan can be paired with more luxurious materials like velvet or silk, while gingham is often paired with cotton or linen.
When it comes to choosing between modern tartan and gingham, the decision depends on the desired aesthetic: tartan for a more formal, traditional look, and gingham for a lighter, more playful atmosphere.
## Featured Product: The Martha Stewart Upholstered Accent Chair
For those seeking a contemporary blend of natural and modern styles, the Martha Stewart Upholstered Accent Chair is a perfect choice. Part of the Bedford Collection, this chair features a charcoal base with white stripes, creating a timeless plaid pattern that can elevate any space. Currently on sale for $467.99, this chair is both effortlessly chic and highly versatile.
The tablecloth, with its 19th-century-inspired design, can add a French country feel to a dinner table or bring a touch of 19th-century flair to a living space. Featuring a reversible design with plaid and floral patterns, this room-darkening tablecloth is versatile and can be used to suit a variety of styles.
Design experts agree that plaid prints work well in various living spaces and beyond, and modern tartan and plaid patterns have a timeless appeal that can brighten and warm up a home. Gingham patterns, too, are versatile and can suit a variety of styles, including modern farmhouse, retro, and minimalist.
In the realm of interior design, modern tartan and gingham patterns are standout choices for enhancing home and garden aesthetics. While modern tartan exudes sophistication with its formal colors and smaller repeats, making it suitable for contemporary spaces, gingham, with its playful, checkered pattern, can create a more vintage or traditional atmosphere. Both patterns can be incorporated into different lifestyles, whether it's a rustic, luxurious, modern, or retro setting.