As much as I love a full bookcase and overflowing houseplants, I am, at heart, a minimalist. You can imagine, then, that anything involving dusty vintage hues and clashing patterns is not my dream decorating style – and it wasn't until I saw Johnny Galecki's guest bedroom. It's an example of the most daring yet well-balanced spaces I've ever seen (and as a celebrity style editor, I see a lot).
Designed by the revered design duo Pierce & Ward, Galecki's home is a whimsical celebration of all things gothic – a unique aesthetic that arguably comes into play the most in this bedroom. Gothic palettes are often synonymous with darker hues (to which there are some in the patterns); however, the clashing vintage patterns introduce a new way of playing with gothic interior design.
This style is increasingly associated with rich, quietly moody aesthetics – and historical luxury is at its core. When asked to think about a gothic-style space, I picture an ornate, richly patterned historic manor in the English countryside – some of which are in the hills in northern England where I grew up. These historic spaces have the same ambiance as Galecki's guest bedroom – and the secret is in the patterns.
In the actor's space, designers Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward used Hamilton Weston’s French Stripe as a wall covering, while Mulberry Home’s Flying Ducks covers the ceiling. In case this wasn't already enough pattern, they introduced an ornate area rug from Nashville's Nasir's Rugs – exhibiting a rich pink and black border that taps further into the gothic theme. There's also a patterned triangular bedhead (again, in a dark hue) and floral cushions on the bed.
Combining stripes, flowers, and botanical prints on the behead, floor, walls, and ceiling is a brave design move, but it's one that, despite its audaciousness, works in harmony. Martin Waller, the founder of the global design brand Andrew Martin, agrees. 'More is always more. Layer texture and pattern to create excitement in a home. More rugs, more art, more objects,' he says.
As I mentioned, I am a minimalist at heart, but Galecki's maximalist bedroom convinced me that layered patterns can still bring calmness to a modern home. If you want to follow his example without overindulging in colors or prints, designer Matthew Williamson recommends starting with a rug. 'One of the best places to start when bringing color and pattern into the home is with a floor covering, setting the tone and anchoring the rest of the space,' he says.
'A beautiful rug can give you a palette or a sounding board for the rest of the room. You could pick out specific colors from the weave and take them onto the walls, into the soft furnishings, and even up onto the ceiling for a dramatic look,' Williamson says. 'You could also experiment with pattern, pairing a leopard print rug with a striking floral wallpaper or sofa.' For a Galecki-inspired starting point, I love this dusty pink rug, available via Wayfair below.
Galecki's space may be synonymous with pattern, but he also makes a case for block colors. This understated pink cushion brings a muted vibrancy to any bed or accent chair – and I'd say it looks just as beautiful in a neutral room as it does in a maximalist setting.
I mentioned that Galecki's bedroom has an English manor aesthetic, and the staple of many of these homes is the pefect rug. The antique-inspired designs from this Georgie Collection effortlessly transcend timeless motifs, providing a high-end demeanor at an affordable price – it's completely failsafe.
Vintage-gothic styling also comes down to our accessories. Galecki has chosen a white jug on his bedside table, which, again, taps into the historic home aesthetic. I love how it is stylish enough to stand alone, but also looks beautiful holding a single flower stem.
