Everyone's saying that pattern is back, but so far, all I've seen is stripes and florals. While covering a room in these prints can be interesting, I'm ready for something new and exciting. Barbra Streisand makes the case for a bolder look in her pattern drenched paisley living room.
An archival image from 1965 shows Babs sitting on a paisley sofa against paisley walls in a room bathed in the bold, eye catching pattern. As opposed to modern iterations of pattern drenching, she sticks to one fabric and uses it in as many places as possible. The effect is a retro, eye-catching space.
Barbra Streisand's living room an excellent inspiration for anyone who wants to go more outside the box with their pattern, and according to designers, it's a timeless classic that will never go out of style. To explore the look, let's step back in time into Babs's space. I curated an edit of my favorite modern paisley pieces for recreating her style, and spoke to experts about the possibility of this look re-emerging. If our obsession with retro style persists, it's bound to be the next big thing.
Shop the Paisley Edit
Decorating with paisley doesn't have to mean filling your home with bright colors. This cozy brown chair is a great alternative for those who want a more subtle take.
This gorgeous wallpaper has a paisley feel with a modern twist. It would be beautiful in a small space like a home office or powder room.
A lumbar pillow adds more than back support; it introduces instant style. This navy and gold look would be a sweet way to add pattern to a white sofa.
I love a pop of unexpected red, and this pretty throw is the perfect way to integrate the color with a textured twist. I love the pretty injections of green and white.
Shea McGee's Lost Creek Printed Paisley Rug is a polyester rug with a cotton backing that features fringe on either end. Since it's made with a low-pile design, this rug is easy to clean and convenient for high-traffic rooms.
Pattern needn't be limited to your sofa furnishings. This prettily shaped cotton mache vase will bring your pattern maxxing to the next level.
As we can see in Barbra's living room, the versatility of paisley is a huge part of its modern heritage appeal. Hannah Swift, Head of Creative Design at Beautiful Walls, explains: 'Timeless paisley designs add a traditional yet stylish touch, ideal for vintage-inspired spaces. Paisley has a really rich heritage and its origins can be traced back to ancient Persia but it gets its name from the town in Glasgow where these distinctive teardrop designs were printed onto Jacquard looms.'
If you are thinking of trying this pattern out in your home, experts recommend integrating it in the same way as Babs, with wallpaper. Hannah advises: 'A Paisley wallpaper will not only channel vintage charm but bring a touch of eastern design into the home.'
This helps to tap into a bold interior design trend we're seeing across the space for 2026. Tim Dixon, Managing Director at Beautiful Walls, adds: 'Vintage wallpaper is making a bold comeback. This nostalgic trend infuses homes with character and charm, inspiring a fresh approach to decorating. By blending old-world aesthetics with contemporary furnishings, designers are creating spaces that are both timeless and utterly modern.'
The vintage obsession in interiors shows no signs of abating, and with it, we expect the continuation of more retro patterns like paisley. If Babs approves, it's good enough for us.
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