Many people worry that using too many patterns in the home will create a space that is too singular and off-putting. However, when a character defines a space, it will never go out of style. Such is the case with Kate Bush's living room. Photographed in 1978, the singer's home is a melange of patterns, eras, and items for an aesthetic that feels completely original.
Kate's family's home in East Wickham, London, features a jacquard sofa, Persian rug, and floral cushions layered on top of one another. The maximalist living room doesn't confine itself just to '70s aesthetics; from Tudor-style walls to a chinoiserie vase on the mantelpiece, Kate's design spans centuries.
A candle-style wall sconce and lace antimacassars on the sofa (I love a modern take on this look, like these from Amazon) help to instill an antique feel, while the lacquered surface of the coffee table brings the room into the modern day.
This eclectic mixture of furnishings prevents the room from looking dated, even decades later. If you're as enchanted as we are, read on for an expert explanation of what works well in Kate's space, and how to recreate it.
I also curated an edit of items to get the look at a range of price points, making it easy for you to shop the look. As Stranger Things and Wuthering Heights bring the '80s star to a new generation, Homes & Gardens hopes to do the same with her interiors.
Shop the Look
This flatweave rug is made of 100% polyester in the style of an old-world Persian rug. Available in several sizes for convenient use in any room, especially a large living area or bedroom like Kate's.
Think of all the beauty of a patterned sofa with subtler undertones. This sofa boasts the understated 'only-at-Anthro' tiger print, while the woven jacquard upholstery lends your space a one-of-a-kind touch.
This durable and timeless wall sconce would fit perfectly into an antique home, as well as adding a vintage touch as a point of contrast in a more modern property. The brass design would be the ideal complement to white walls.
This beautiful blue and white ceramic vase is a celebration of the art of chinoiserie. You can style it on the mantelpiece as seen in Kate's living room, or as a coffee table centerpiece.
I love the sandy color of this pillow, and I think its unique pattern is perfect for layering with florals. It's the perfect layering piece to add interest to a room.
I've been coveting dozens of vintage fluted bowls like the one Kate Bush has on eBay. This highly textured version is a stylish, modern take on the look
One element of Kate Bush's space that is especially appealing right now is her patterned living room sofa.
Madgdalena Gierasinska, design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'Patterned sofas are trending as the demand for more characterful and colorful interiors continues to rise. However, buying a sofa is a big investment, so it’s important to consider this purchase carefully and not to blindly follow trends. After all, a sofa isn’t something that is swapped out at the start of a new season or in line with changing trends.'
She continues: 'However, for those who love pattern and want to create a bold focal point in their living room, I would recommend that they follow their heart and invest in a patterned sofa. I’d recommend ordering swatches so that you can judge how the fabric will look in different lighting and decide if it works within your existing space.'
To make the look anti-trend, focus on a combination of personal style and timelessness. As we see in Kate's home, layering is a huge plus here. Magdalena advises: 'My advice would be to choose a classic pattern that has stood the test of time – a floral or a stripe is a perfect choice, and as these designs have been popular for decades, they really are timeless. Style the sofa alongside neutral walls and pale wooden furniture, or if you wish to go all out, combine it with patterned accessories, from lampshades to rugs – just ensure that there is a common colorway that ties the scheme together for a cohesive look.'
Pattern layering and richly unique furnishings will always be in style. If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
