Jackie Kennedy's Chic '70s Library Was Bathed in Print

a split screen image with jackie kennedy on the left and her pink library on the right — (Image credit: Bettmann / Horst P. Horst via Getty Images)

It's official: pattern is back. While the 2010s and early 2020s revelled in smooth, minimalist design, in 2026, homeowners are looking for interiors with a stronger point of view and emphasis on character – and the library in Jackie Kennedy's New York apartment is the perfect example.

Photographed in 1973, the former First Lady's home was designed by Harrison Cultra and Georgina Fairholme to have a stately, globally inspired feel. Essentially, every surface is draped in pattern. The home library is full of Indian and Indonesian fabrics, from the floral armchairs to the jute-covered floor to the geometric wallpaper (similar to this red print wallpaper from Anthropologie), Jackie O's space is alive with print. Rattan, wood, and gold accents help to ground the boldness of the wallpaper.

jackie kennedy's library full of pattern — Jackie Kennedy's New York Library, 1973

Pink and Green

Vani Decorative Pillow

John Robshaw is famous for his use of Indian Block printing techiques in his beautiful designs, and this pretty pink pillow is a gorgeous way to tap into the look. The painted style combined with warm linen is so grounded and modern.

Pretty Braided Texture

Natural Jute Rug

Jackie uses a jute rug to bring unexpected texture to her floor, and this Walmart rug is an excellent choice for recreating it. The curved shape brings modern interest, while the earthy material brings traditional warmth.

Luxe pick

Kangly American Country Solid Wood Sofa

It might be an investment, but this floral couch is a real beauty. I love the classic roll-arm silhouette and the handsome wood legs combined with the ever stunning floral pattern.

Double handles

Martha Stewart Oversized Rattan Storage Bin

I haven’t found a more attractive way to tame everyday clutter. It’s a smart solution to your storage woes, and with Martha’s trusted name behind it, you can count on lasting quality and timeless style.

Oh-So Chic

Furbish X Mitchell Black Eugenie Red Floral Wallpaper

I am in love with this red floral wallpaper that has a geometric pattern similar to Jackie Kennedy's. When combined with other patterns, it would feel so fresh and inviting.

Gilded Frame

Antique-Style Mirror

This elegant mirror has a distressed finish on a glamorous frame. It would be perfect for elevating the space above a fireplace.

So, what role is pattern taking in interior design trends for 2026? Dita Miska, Pattern Designer at Fancy Walls, says, 'I'm calling it. Forgettable interiors are out. In 2026, wallpaper trends signal a return to depth, color, and character, from moody dark-academia tones to playful, unexpected palettes that transform walls into true works of art. I’ve always been a fan of color, from rich, layered hues to bold, funky patterns. I believe visually expressive designs bring energy, emotion, and personality into a space.'

To emulate this look, homeowners are integrating not only pattern-clashing but personality into every part of a room. Jackie Kennedy's library embodies this shift.

'Patterned wallpapers and botanical prints bring walls to life, while verdant greens, rosy tones, and joyful stripes create a richer, more playful palette. Traditional furniture is reimagined in modern proportions, giving familiar shapes fresh relevance,' comments design expert Shelley Cochrane.

'Bookshelves styled with treasured finds and well-thumbed reads introduce personality and a sense of lived-in comfort. A bold patterned armchair or a richly upholstered bed becomes an inviting focal point, surrounded by natural wood, touches of brass, and tactile finishes like linen, velvet, and quilting.'

Incorporating a range of eclectic, seemingly disparate furnishings also helps create this delightfully clashed look.

Shelley advises: 'When decorating with pattern, contrast glossy accents with heritage motifs and mix florals with checks for a charming clash that feels authentic. Every space feels curated over time, full of character and quiet confidence. Layer rugs, hang art salon-style, and let decorative details shine. Turns home into a place where comfort, nostalgia, and subtle luxury meet, creating rooms that tell stories and celebrate the joy of everyday living.'

In 2026, the directive regarding pattern is clear: more is more. If we can create spaces even half as stunning as Jackie Kennedy's library, we're on the right track.

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Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.