Interior Trend: HONEYCOMB

Back in 2013, HONEYCOMB was hitting editorial columns and blogs as the new pattern trend in home and fashion. Everyone was talking about it, and it has continued to captivate designers and DIY'ers with its charm and obvious staying power.

In some ways, the honeycomb pattern has never gone out of style! From the hexagonal tiles of the early 20th century to the current six-sided patterns that exemplify modern flair, the honeycomb has re-emerged with a need to be noticed. In today’s design world, we’re seeing some creative new takes on this pattern.

"Bees are one of the classic motifs of interior design, thanks largely to Napoleon. But their geometric marvel - the honeycomb - has also been adopted by designers as a perfect building block of pattern. In the swinging sixties, it took a turn toward Mod with David Hicks and Mark Hampton as champions. Today it's architectural, bold, or brightly patchworked." - House Beautiful

"Because of that winged insect, honeycombs allude to harmony within a teamwork-based community. And what better symbol of a home than a hive? Regardless of their inner meaning, honeycombs make the biggest impact grouped together. Try mixing textures, from weathered to mirrored to smooth, for an interesting, engaging effect." — Sarah Schwartz, Trends Editor

Anything that can be repurposed to display this desired geometric pattern is being reshaped. From shelves to mirros to accesories. It's a fabulous architectural piece of framework.

Art deco is expected to make a bold new comeback in 2016, but with a few modern improvements. We’ll see the style's trademark geometric patterns and honeycomb shapes woven into everything from wallpaper to artwork, adding elegance and dimension.

"We're seeing a rise in honeycomb or hexagonal patterns. From floors to walls, in rugs, tiles or multifaceted vases honeycomb shapes have hit the shelves big time. Most commonly we are seeing this pattern in bathrooms and kitchens as a new tiling option to the classic square or rectangular tile, and I'm absolutely loving it. One of my favourite aspects of using hexagons or a honeycomb pattern is that it can create a look that is elegant and sophisticated or young, fun and playful. It is a classic shape like the square - so is less likely to date as quickly as some other trends we have seen - but it still stands on it's own as a beautiful alternative." - Live With Vision

It can make a traditional room look modern and a modern room look traditional — no wonder decorators are swarming to the sweet motif of honeycomb.

"If pattern on the walls is not your vibe, then maybe pattern on the floor is! A tip to keep it classic and understated: go with a monochromatic color scheme. Tiling is a more permanent option, therefore, clearly not for the indecisive among you." - Catherine Bowen/Plascon Trends

"The perfectly symmetrical shape of the hexagonal pattern works to create a strong structural skeleton that is both sturdy and lightweight, a unique combination that is practical for architectural designs as well as furniture and accessories. Without even bothering to conceal this skeletal frame, designers know that the playful honeycomb pattern is appealing to most people, with its crystallized yet organic appearance. People who are attracted to the imagery of sweet sensuous honey and happily buzzing nature will be drawn towards things with a honeycomb design." - Trend Hunter

"We’re crazy about the way it can evoke vintage, Moroccan, Hollywood Regency and ultra contemporary styles. From wallpaper and tile to throw pillows and ceramics, the honeycomb graces a variety of surfaces." - Decoist

"There’s something a bit Hollywood Regency about honeycomb wallpaper, especially when presented in crisp tones and complemented by reflective surfaces such as mirrors. And you can’t get more crisp than black and white, or more reflective than mirrors and counter tops." - Diane Bishop Interiors

"Big fans of geometric shapes, we are always pleased when a new shape or pattern takes hold or is reinterpreted in a different way. We love hexagons and in particular the honeycomb pattern formed when many hexagons interlink, most notoriously in bee hives." - Future and Found