A pattern is a repetition of specific visual elements. When we think of patterns, we think of the standard repetition, but there are different variations of how designs can appear. Throughout our trips, we find pattern inspiration countless times in interiors, exteriors, art, or small unexpected corners.
MIMA MUSEUM
The Mima Museum in Brussels holds an exhibit that displays anthropomorphic contemporary artwork. The pop culture exhibition shows multiple graphics that incorporate animal drawings, graffiti, and tattoos. Interior designer Piet Parra is a visual artist and fashion designer who uses colorful aesthetics to portray humans as animals. His expertise is graphic art, so he paints cartoon characters on the windows, including birds, monkeys, and bugs.
Parra uses pop art patterns on the interior walls, displaying animal hands that look like they are ripping the curtains. The floors are covered in animal horns, with a red geometric pattern in the background. His trademark is the bird-headed character, often drawn on a human body in his paintings. He prints satirical messages on his artwork with the animals doing human-like activities.
Valerie Traan Gallery
Additionally, the Valerie Traan Gallery is in Antwerps historical center, and the exhibit displays minimalist art and architecture. Her gallery is titled objects and subjects, and her art explores homelike interior design spaces. Valerie makes the art gallery look like her own house, arranging the gallery rooms to look like bedrooms and kitchens. The gallery is in a completely white backdrop with irregular strokes of brown and pistachio colors. Valerie uses neutral tones to make her exhibition emit a warm atmosphere. What an awesome pattern inspiration.
ACE AND TATE
Ace and Tate shop is an Amsterdam eyeglasses company in Antwerp. The shop collaborates with the startup company Plasticiet for Belgium to be eco-friendly. The brand uses sustainable materials such as recycled plastic and acetate instead of oil-based plastic. Their shop’s interior design space is beautifully colored in blue, yellow, green, and red. The walls look like they are made of glossy terrazzo marble and granite but are actually made from recyclable plastic. The plastic terrazzo covers the entire walls and display shelves.
Modernist Barcelona
Antoni Gaudi is a master of patterns and designs. Thanks to Gaudi, Barcelona is a center for modernist architecture and art. Everywhere you turn, you see impressive architecture and major pattern inspiration.
The Casa Batllo is a landmark that best represents its rich history and beautiful design elements. Gaudi uses modern architectural techniques in his exterior and interior designs. The bold blue tile pattern covering the walls and floors brightens the whole interior space. Gaudi uses broken glass and tile in different colors to create a colorful aesthetic. He incorporates wooden frames for the windows and balconies. The exterior and interior walls are all pieced together to resemble a mosaic, creating a beautiful architectural masterpiece.
Park Guell has some of the best views of Barcelona. The park perfectly reflects the harmony of nature and architecture. Sitting at the highest point of the park is the undulating bench. Josep Maria Jujol designs the bench and has it wrapped around the perimeter of the plaza. Ceramic shards of all colors cover the entire bench randomly.
The roof terrace at La Pedrera-Casa Milà is a unique visit. Walking around it is like being in a museum full of sculptures. The rooftop uses cast iron and a stone base for the walls. The patterns and colors are in the earthy gold color to make the roof seem more sacred and ancient.
