British designer shares her sassy, colorful style

Tricia Guild is on a mission. The British designer, who is known for using vibrant color, is now pushing a revival of pattern. Think brocades and botanicals, as well as ethnic prints from India and Central America.

Guild's work is the antithesis of the safe Laura Ashley style. She's sassy, creative, cutting-edge. The founder of The Designers Guild in London in 1970, she is the author of 12 books and has an international reputation for her innovative fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, paint, carpets and rugs.

We chatted with Guild while she was on a tour promoting her new book, "Tricia Guild Pattern" (Rizzoli, $40).

Q: Why do Europeans seem to take more chances with color and pattern?

A: I think, actually, British and American tastes are quite similar. In cities, there is a more contemporary feeling coming through. When I talk to people here, they are saying people want to be more contemporary and use more color. Some people don't use color because they are afraid. They feel they must conform to good taste. There is a definite safety in neutrals, maybe it is people who don't want that outward expression, that risk of making a mistake. But it can also be a mistake if you never get really excited about the investment you make in your house.

Q: Is there anything for the more timid folks?

A: A lot of our collections have a neutral base, such as cut velvets with a neutral linen background. This approach makes people less nervous.

Q: What is your philosophy of color?

A: I find using color very invigorating. The use of vivacious bright color is something I am very at home with, but I also use a lot of white, neutral, chocolate and black.

Q: Are flocked wallpaper and fabrics coming back? Why?

A: I think the word "flocking" can be off-putting because people think it may be garish or have connotations of bordellos. But it is definitely the "in" thing. I am calling it velvet print.

It is definitely part of a move toward glamour. I think people want to feel a warmth, even if it's contemporary. It gives a well-being factor that you sometimes don't feel in a stark, minimal atmosphere.

People want to express themselves. They're searching for more individual taste.

Q: What is the purpose of your new book?

A: I wanted to focus people's attention on the multiple possibilities of pattern, to stimulate them. Not everyone wants the look in every page, but they might get an idea looking at pages about things they might want to be more informed about and use. It could help them define their own taste and give them confidence.

Q: What sources do you use for inspiration?

A: Ancient documents of textiles are very inspirational. It could be a kimono, sari, French damasks. My inspiration is very varied. I love classicism. I love using botanical images. No one single thing is a source of inspiration.

Q: What is your best tip for using and combining pattern?

A: If you are interested in using pattern and haven't done it before, take a pattern you really enjoy looking at, and look at the colors in it. Find a geometric, stripe or a check using the same colors and add another smaller scale pattern so you have a balance of different scale of patterns and geometrics.

Q: What can we expect next?

A: This use of pattern just beginning, that people are becoming a little more daring. I think definitely it will be here for a while — use of stronger color is something we are seeing more. The trends in design, thank goodness, are not as quick as fashion. We will see more patterns, more use of color and this move toward more individual design.