I Thought Pattern Layering Just Looked Chaotic, But That Was Before I Saw Shonda Rhimes' Elegant and Serene Living Room

With Bridgerton back on our screens this week, our attention is on the series' creator and producer, Shonda Rhimes, and interestingly, her home reflects some of the Regency elements that you may have spotted in the show – in the case of her NYC living room, that's pattern layering.

Her statement chinoiserie wallpaper is a nod to the decadent Regency style (which influenced a subsequent Hollywood Regency style offshoot trend), and similar prints can be spotted in many of the homes featured in Bridgerton. Original examples would have been hand-painted, featuring East Asian exotic birds and flowers as a symbol of wealth.

What we love about the way Shonda Rhimes has incorporated this statement print in her living room, though, is how she's added different prints in complementary shades in the upholstery, rug, and accessories, to create an expertly executed pattern-on-pattern effect.

Below I've included a selection of pieces to shop Shonda Rhimes' pattern-layered living room look, from a similar Chinoiserie Wall Mural (Wayfair) to the vintage-style Freya rug from Joon Loloi.

Shop Pieces by Shonda Rhimes' Pattern-Layered Living Room

Shonda Rhimes' hero pattern (as explained below by designer Jenny Bova) is her dominant chinoisserie wallpaper, which brings in shades of turquoise, sage green, white, and a warm pinkish-red. She has cleverly picked out those shades in the other patterns featured throughout the room.

Interior designer and founder of eponymous interiors brand, Jenny Bova, explains: 'First, I always choose a hero pattern. This is typically the pattern with the most color and the largest scale, but it does not have to be. You can place the hero anywhere, but as designers, we usually ensure the pattern's scale is appropriate for the size of the object, wall, or floor it’s applied to. Once you have established your hero pattern, work backwards. Other patterns you mix should have a supporting role. Take colors from the hero pattern and find coordinates in various scales.'

Jenny adds: 'In general, the supporting patterns should have no more than 2-3 colors and should be smaller in scale than the hero. A variety of scales is important, and emphasizing one or two colors from the hero makes for the best combinations.'

From the diamond print throw pillow (we've found a similar damask throw pillow at Target) to the vintage-inspired rug and the upholstered shabby chic chair, the patterns all work together in unison, thanks to a clearly defined color palette and the mix of scales.

Smaller, more detailed patterns sit well against bold, statement ones as they're not competing for the eye in the same way.

Shonda Rhimes' charming Hughie Lee-Smith painting, which hangs on the wall, adds additional interest, and the vibrant sky blue is also picked out in the rug and the geometric blue and gray throw cushion, so that the whole look holds together seamlessly.

If you're keen to try pattern layering, start with your hero print or pattern, as seen in Shonda Rhimes' living room, then narrow down a color palette and try mixing patterns and prints in different colors and scales to create a look that feels right for you and your space.