Hot Pattern: Quatrefoil is Back and It's Beautiful
A Fresh Take on a Gothic Shape Adds Energy to Walls, Rugs, Ceilings and Chairs
Quatrefoil enjoyed popularity during the Gothic Revival, showing up in many cathedral details like windows and floors. While it was a bit dormant for awhile, it burst back into the design scene a few years ago and shows no sign of going away. The shape can vary quite a bit, but its shape follows its name, which translates to "four leaves." Generally speaking, it has a symmetrical shape with four overlapping circles or lobes, like an abstract four-leafed clover. The variation comes from how much overlap there is and whether or not a square is added to the outline. Let's take a look at how this form is popping up in design today.
This carved wooden mirror frame uses a form with less overlap between the circles. It lets a quatrefoil shaped mirror grab interest as it reflects.
Here is another quatrefoil mirror that takes its pattern more loosely.
Design tip: In a small powder room, you don't want to overwhelm with too many details. Consider making just one big statement with an interesting mirror frame.
Design tip: In a small powder room, you don't want to overwhelm with too many details. Consider making just one big statement with an interesting mirror frame.
A repeated quatrefoil pattern makes for a dynamic Moroccan-style rug design.
Here the shape emphasizes a ceiling medallion. Next, we'll take a closer look at this exquisite detail.
Here's a close up of the painted ceiling from the previous picture.
This ceiling has a much more subtle quatrefoil pattern painted in it.
This quatrefoil mirror plays off other patterns in the room, such as the carved bureau and the Persian rug.
This quatrefoil pattern on the walls adds a layer of global style to this exotic room.
Just a hint of quatrefoil is a subtle detail in this room. Look closely: They are carved near the top of the wood cabinets.
Design tip: If you want to emphasize high ceilings in a kitchen, extend your cabinets up to the ceiling and add an attention-getting detail like these carvings.
Nerdy detail: According to Wikipedia, quatrefoils are often found as tracery, and this picture is from Tracery Interiors. Coincidence? You decide.
Design tip: If you want to emphasize high ceilings in a kitchen, extend your cabinets up to the ceiling and add an attention-getting detail like these carvings.
Nerdy detail: According to Wikipedia, quatrefoils are often found as tracery, and this picture is from Tracery Interiors. Coincidence? You decide.
This designer has balanced the patterned and plain elements in the room perfectly: The placement of the patterned throw pillows lets you look at the room all at once without being distracted by pattern.
The main pattern on these drapes is a repeated quatrefoil, with another pattern layered into the border between them. Stunning, aren't they?
This designer has managed to fit a slew of patterns into this room, and the quatrefoil rug manages to negotiate between all of them. This is no easy feat.
More ways with pattern: Fun with interlocking rings
More ways with pattern: Fun with interlocking rings
Design tip: Repeat elements and themes in ways that are not too matchy-matchy. This room walks a nice line of creating a theme without over-emphasizing it.