Why I Revisited and Recoloured an Old Pattern Collection

As designers, it’s tempting to constantly chase the new. New ideas, new collections, new directions. But recently, I found myself doing the opposite: looking back.

This collection began its life some time ago, created during a different chapter of my creative journey. At the time, it represented where I was creatively, what I was exploring, and how I was translating ideas onto the page. But as my eye has matured and my understanding of both design and market has sharpened, I could sense there was more potential sitting quietly within it.

Rather than moving on, I decided to revisit it.

Seeing the Collection With Fresh Eyes

Distance gives clarity. When I returned to the original patterns, I wasn’t looking at them emotionally anymore, but objectively. I asked myself some honest questions:

Which motifs still felt strong?

Which patterns were doing too much?

Which elements distracted rather than supported the collection as a whole?

Some designs no longer served the direction I’m moving toward, so I let them go. Editing can be one of the most valuable design tools, and I wanted this collection to feel intentional rather than crowded.

What remained were the patterns with enduring structure, rhythm, and quiet confidence.

Colour as a Commercial Language

The next step was colour.

Colour has its own language, and over time I’ve become more attuned to how it speaks not only emotionally, but commercially. I wanted to explore palettes that feel current, versatile, and enduring rather than decorative for decoration’s sake.

Recolouring wasn’t about following trends blindly, but about interpreting them thoughtfully. I focused on tones that feel calm, balanced, and usable across interiors and products. The goal was to create palettes that sit comfortably in real spaces, work well across different applications, and feel both relevant now and lasting beyond a single season.

The result is a softer, more cohesive set of colourways that elevate the original artwork while making it far more adaptable for commercial use.

Refinement Rather Than Reinvention

This wasn’t a reinvention; it was a refinement.

The heart of the collection is still there, but it now feels clearer in its intent. By simplifying pattern groupings, tightening colour stories, and removing visual noise, the designs are able to breathe. They feel more confident, more resolved, and better aligned with the types of projects and collaborations I’m actively moving toward.

Revisiting this collection reminded me that growth as a designer doesn’t always mean starting over. Sometimes it means recognising potential early work held all along and giving it the clarity and consideration it deserves.

Looking Forward

As I worked through the recolouring process, I began to clearly imagine the collection living within the wallpaper and bedding space. These are environments we retreat to, places that ask for softness, balance, and a sense of quiet continuity. I wanted the patterns to feel restful rather than demanding, offering visual interest without overwhelming a room. By refining the palette and simplifying the rhythm of the designs, the collection naturally shifted toward a calmer, more grounded presence, one that feels suited to bedrooms, layered interiors, and spaces designed for rest. This consideration shaped every colour decision, allowing the artwork to support atmosphere rather than compete with it.

This process has reinforced something I value deeply in my practice: thoughtful evolution. Design isn’t static, and neither am I. Revisiting older work through a more experienced lens isn’t about correcting the past, but about honouring it and allowing it to move forward in a more intentional way.

Check out this full collection here

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