Explore how patterns, from bold wallpapers to architectural details, can tell stories, evoke emotions, and transform any space with a touch of creativity

By Anne De Wolf

Arciform co-owner and principal designer

Have you ever encountered a space and instantly felt like the walls were telling you a story? That’s how I feel every time I experience a new pattern in the world around me. Whether it’s the charming folk paintings of a church interior or the vibrant murals of many Portland buildings, these visual elements are more than just decoration—they’re storytellers.

One of my favorite intersections in Portland is right at the base of the Burnside Bridge. The Fair-haired Dumbbell building (above) brings so much color and energy into an otherwise busy spot. It’s one of those rare moments where you can literally feel the city’s pulse through art and architecture. And, as you might expect, another favorite of mine is the Tree Farm building at SE 3rd and Morrison (below). These buildings hold such a personal significance—they aren’t just structures; they’re pieces of Portland’s story.

But it’s not only the buildings that intrigue me; it’s the patterns and emotions that they evoke. These elements reflect the developer’s willingness to invest in connections, through colorful façades and creative artistry that mirror our culture and individuality.

Patterns Stir Emotions

The emotions associated with patterns aren’t always positive, though. Patterns stimulate. They provoke thought, feelings, and even memories. Some patterns may make us feel calm, while others might invoke excitement or discomfort. This is what makes patterns so powerful—they connect us to the spaces and stories around us. As a designer, carefully identifying how different patterns—or the absence of them—affect people is key to creating spaces that truly resonate.

I’ll never forget walking into a folksy church in Norway. The moment I stepped inside, I felt as if I had walked into a fairytale. It was an experience that stayed with me long after I left. That sense of magic, that connection to something beyond the ordinary, has been with me ever since. It’s become a central part of my creative journey—finding ways to replicate that feeling through design.

A Collaboration with Lonesome Pictopia

This brings me to Melanie Nead. Melanie is an artist and designer whose work has captivated me for years. She’s known for her bold, intricate designs that blend storytelling with artistry in ways that are both unexpected and deeply emotional. When she ran Icon Tattoo on N. Russell Street, I would often find myself stopping in front of the shop to admire the stunning designs displayed in the window. They were more than tattoos; they were visual stories.

Later, when Melanie transitioned to opening Lonesome Pictopia, a creative studio here in Portland, I knew I had to find a way to collaborate with her. Lonesome Pictopia is a space dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind art for homes and businesses. From murals and fine art to smaller, bespoke pieces, Melanie and her team work to bring imaginative visions to life. Their work is deeply influenced by folklore, nature, and storytelling, and often incorporates a playful yet thoughtful approach.

Nowhere is Lonesome Pictopia’s ethos more evident than in their custom, hand-blocked wallpapers. Melanie’s creations are rooted in nostalgia, drawing inspiration from Victorian patterns, Art Deco lines, and the lush, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. These wallpapers don’t just adorn a room—they weave together past and present, capturing the essence of nature and history in intricate, vibrant details. Whether it's the delicate silhouettes of ferns or the bold geometric shapes evoking the grandeur of early 20th-century design, each wallpaper invites you to step into a world of imagination and story. They offer a sense of place, a feeling of connection to the landscapes, art, and history that surround us, creating spaces that feel timeless yet fresh.

Four of Lonesome Pictorpia's delightful vintage inspired patterns: Chantrell, Lazy Sunday, Solomon's Seal, and Northwestlake (click images for details).

I was thrilled when my client hired Melanie to create a custom design for her fireplace surround.  After brainstorming together, we landed on the idea of arranging the family’s birth flowers in an enchanting, meaningful design. Melanie’s final piece brought our vision to life in a way I never could have imagined, turning an ordinary fireplace into a stunning work of art.

Melanie and I are now exploring ideas for my own 120-year-old kitchen floor. This project is really exciting because it feels like a way to transform a simple, utilitarian space into a canvas of memory and meaning. Melanie and I are envisioning a design that will reflect the whimsical beauty of the Norwegian church that left such an impression on me. We’re talking about painted sections that could bring broken tiles and bare concrete back to life with playful, organic patterns. Think of it like a conversation between old and new, where each tile tells part of the larger story. Every step on that floor will be a reminder of the journey and history we’re weaving together. It's a blend of nostalgia and creativity, much like the church that sparked this idea—a space that makes you feel part of something greater, as though the floor itself is a living, breathing part of the design.

The Art of Wallpaper: Adding Character to Any Room

Wallpaper holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a way to infuse a room with character, emotion, and even a bit of magic. While many people think of wallpaper as an overwhelming design decision and commitment, it doesn’t have to be. Start with out of the way spaces or a single wall, and gradually unleash your creative spirit. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different ways of bringing patterns into homes, and I’d love to share a few of my favorite techniques.

Small Surprises with Big Impact

A timeless practice in design is using wallpaper within cabinetry. It’s a small yet transformative detail—adding a bold or subtle pattern behind shelves or inside drawers creates a surprising backdrop for your most treasured items. These hidden moments of beauty make every day feel a little more special, turning functional spaces into delightful surprises.

The laundry room is another unexpected spot where patterns can work their magic. Often overlooked, it’s the perfect place to inject some personality and cheer. A vibrant, funky pattern can lift the mood and make the seemingly endless task of folding laundry a little more fun. It’s a way to transform a mundane routine into something visually stimulating.

I’m also a big fan of wallpapering WCs and other tucked-away spaces. These areas offer the perfect chance to be bold and adventurous, where patterns can take center stage without overwhelming the rest of the room. Wallpaper can also bring charm to the most unexpected places—like beneath staircases or along narrow stairwells. These forgotten corners are ideal for small but impactful touches, adding a surprising burst of personality to spaces that would otherwise be easily overlooked.

Bringing Nature Inside: Wallpaper in My Home

I love the depth of the dark woodwork in the main rooms of my home, but I didn’t want to create a jarring contrast by introducing light colors. Instead, I opted for an Asian-inspired palette with metallic undertones. When I discovered the stunning Egrets design by Australian designer Florence Broadhurst, I knew it was the perfect fit. The delicate branches weaving through exotic birds bring a sense of nature into the formal space.

I only wallpapered small sections of the walls around windows, creating the effect of bringing the branches of the rhododendron and magnolias in my front yard inside. It’s a subtle but powerful way to create a connection between the indoors and outdoors, blending nature with design.

My search for the perfect wallpaper didn’t stop with the living room. Next, I turned my attention to the staircase. I was on a quest for something magical, something that would transport me to another time and place. That’s when I found the Paradis wallpaper by Fine & Dandy. It’s a romantic, whimsical design that brings an air of nostalgia to my home. Every time I walk up the stairs to my library, I feel like I’ve entered a different world—one filled with stories waiting to be discovered.

For the primary bedroom I opted for a bold and whimsical mural filled with even more birds! Covering the wall opposite the bed (and disguising the flush closet door), it creates a heavenly scene to wake up to each day.

Fine & Dandy's Pardis wallpaper in peacock lines the two-story stairwell.

Creating Joy Through Patterns

Every day, we look for ways to make our lives a little bit more joyful. It’s no surprise, then, that I encourage my clients to explore simple ways to create positive moments throughout their homes. Patterns are an easy way to do just that. These small, thoughtful additions can transform everyday spaces into places of delight, bringing stories, emotions, and even a touch of magic to our daily lives.