Be Inspired: Upholstered Patterns in Today’s Modern Kitchens

These days, modern kitchens tend to keep things simple and clean and sparingly add patterns. I’m here to tell you that you can break the rules and have fun with patterns, while keeping it modern. But first, before you break the rules, let’s learn what the rules are.

Rules for Designing with Patterns

First — Try to avoid two patterns of the same scale such as 2-inch checks on the stool and 2-inch checks on the drapes. Alternate the sizing by using tiny checks with larger 2 inch checks.

Second — Try not to add two busy patterns in a room. For example, a busy leaf pattern with a busy geometric pattern as shown below:

Two busy patterns = too much going on

One Pattern and One Solid Pattern = Perfect Match

One pattern and one solid = perfect contrast

Now, let’s take a look at over 10 top designers and how they broke the rules and designed with patterns.

Stripes in Modern Kitchen Designs

The most common pattern found in modern kitchens are stripes. Stripes come in all colors: blues, reds, greens, browns, etc. and typically convey a ‘fun’ mood. If stripes are skinny and tight, they can convey a clean, orderly space with a splash of fun.

Here’s a few kitchens showing off stripes:

Beach-styled white and blue country kitchen

What a beautiful, beach-style kitchen! — Photo by Showcase Kitchen & Bath

Traditional styled kitchen with beige and brown color scheme

Notice the stripe patterns on the seat cushions on the stools — Photo by Claudia Martin, ASID

Striped Patterns for Bar Stools & Chairs

Grand Rapids striped pattern designs are great for upholstering on bar stools

Fabric.com has more striped patterns here:

Stripe pattern designs for bar stools and dining chairs

Various striped patterns found on Fabric.com

Nature-Inspired Prints in Modern Kitchens

From leafs to palm trees and everything in between, leaf prints are making their way inside kitchens of all kinds of styles.

Modern Traditional Style Kitchen with Floral Upholstery on Bar Stools Near Kitchen Island

Proof that floral prints can make a statement in a modern kitchen — Photo by Martha O’Hara Interiors

Modern style kitchen featuring a round floral style print on the bar stools and curtains

This designer not only used floral prints on her stools, but on her curtains! You can do the same, just order some extra fabric/vinyl from us — Photo by Catherine M. Austin Interior Design

Nature-Inspired Prints for Bar Stools & Chairs

Amisco CK Ladylike Floral Print for Barstools and Dining Chairs

The CK Ladylike is a subdued leaf pattern that looks elegant on any Amisco stool or chair.

Trica Fabric Floral Patterns for Barstools

Trica fabric colors shown: Gabrielle Azalea, Patras Almond and Avery Pewter.

Trica vinyl patterns shown: Coachella Caviar, Coachella Domino and Coachella Grass.

Checkered Patterns in Modern Designs

In a modern kitchen, checkered patterns create a country or traditional feeling. Depending on the color, they can create a beach-like style to the kitchen. Here’s how these designers made checkered patterns work:

Modern style kitchen with a white island matched against white barstools with a blue and white checkered pattern

Note the checkered pattern upholstery on the white stools which really pops in the room — Photo by Echelon Custom Homes

Modern style traditional kitchen with various patterns on the bar stools, curtains and cabinets

The designer of this kitchen worked with 3 different patterns (window treatments, cabinets and seat cushions on stools). She also made sure the patterns have varying degrees of size — Photo by Cheryl Scrymgeour Designs

Checkered Patterns on Bar Stools

Here’s a set of checkered patterns that would look beautiful on a bar stool or chair:

Checkered designs from online fabric store

Checkered patterns found on Online Fabric Store

Callee Checkered Print Called Matrix Charcoal

Callee fabric shown is Matrix Charcoal.

Cowhide Fabrics in Modern Kitchens

Cowhide patterns are becoming super popular in today’s modern kitchens. They can create an edge to your design and can give the room a lively feeling and can even exude a little country charm. Check out how these designers used this pattern:

Modern style kitchen featuring cowhide pattern fabrics on the stools which compliment the dark light fixtures

The cowhide pattern upholstery on the stool look great with the light fixtures — Photo by Willey Design LLC

Modern industrial styled kitchen with cowhide upholstery on the bar stools

These Upright stools by Amisco make a statement in this industrial modern kitchen.

Modern kitchen featuring four backless stool with a cowhide design pattern on the seats

The milk chocolate brown in this cowhide pattern pairs great with other elements in this kitchen — Photo by Danielle Trippett Interior Design & Decoration

Cowhide Patterns for Bar Stools

Amisco cowhide fabrics shown in GM Browncow and GN Browncow.

Abstract & Geometric Patterns in Modern Kitchens

Modern designs typically have a lot of sharp angles and clean lines and so, geometric patterns compliment modern and contemporary kitchens beautifully. Here’s how these designers did it:

Big and open modern kitchen with white, black and copper colors featuring four stools with dot patterns on the stools

What a masterpiece! Take note of the copper light fixtures paired with the copper-like dot pattern on the stools — Photo by Stacy Paulson Design + Build

Traditional modern kitchen with white cabinets and hardwood flooring featuring four stools with patterned cushions

The abundance of swirls on these stools look gorgeous against the simplicity of the rest of the space. It’s a beautiful contrast — Photo by JORY Workshop

Big and open kitchen space with a modern appeal featuring four stools with a lattice back pattern design

Here, the designer decided to go with a cross theme using it on some of the cabinets, the wine rack, and the stools create an overall balance in the space — Photo by Chipper Hatter Architectural Photographer

Modern traditional kitchen featuring four stools with a geometric pattern on the seat cushion

Here’s an overall light kitchen so the designer didn’t go drastic with the shapes on the upholstered seat. They kept it simple with a pattern that makes things exciting — Photo by Brandon Barré Architectural Interior Photographer

Clean and modern kitchen design featuring four multi-colored stools with different patterns for a mix-and-match look

Here’s a fun take on working with different patterns and colors on your stools! Never be afraid to think outside the box, like this designer — Photo by MBT Specialties

Geometric Patterns for Bar Stools

Amisco Geometric Fabric Patterns for Upholstery

Amisco Geometric fabric patterns shown in AN Mercury and CH Cameleon.

Trica Geometric Patterns for Stools & Chairs

Trica Geometric patterns shown in Sarteano Newspring and Redbury Feather.

Wesley Allen Geometric Patterns for Stools

Wesley Allen Geometric patterns shown in Hex Appeal Ivory and Hex Appeal Mineral.

There’s a ton of geometric patterns to choose from and even more found on other fabric stores online. Here’s a set that would look amazing on furniture:

Geometric pattern designs for bar stools and dining chairs

A gorgeous set of geometric/shaped patterns found at Fabric.com

Here’s a list of our favorite fabric dealers:

Feeling inspired, yet?

You’ve seen kitchens with all types of patterns and I sure hope these have inspired you to think a little outside the box!

Even if you’re not a designer, you too, can create a design that you’re proud of. Look at how these designers orchestrated their kitchen. Take note on how they balanced everything in the room. Take note on how they contrasted various elements in the room.

If you have any questions or need help with color coordinating, Deborah would be happy to help you. She even wrote an article on this here.

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