Patterned Sofas - Would You Ever?

Conventional design wisdom tells us that when it comes to upholstery fabric, solids go on sofas and those crazy patterns are for accent chairs. 

It makes sense really and it's one of those unwritten design "rules" that I usually follow.  Sofas are typically the biggest piece of furniture and they tend to be a long term investment piece for most of us.  So there's nothing wrong with following convention, nothing at all.  If you're like me, your style changes over time and the floral/striped/chevron/damask/toile/whatever sofa you bought 3 years ago and swore you'd love forever and ever....well, it just isn't "you" anymore. 

So it's wise to play it safe and stick with a solid fabric or subtle texture on your sofa.  I did it and I don't foresee a time (although you never know!) when I'll venture into patterned sofa land myself.  Commitment issues and all that. 

But it is fun to dream.

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You definitely need a really skilled upholstery person to match up patterns this well.

Can't commit to an all-over patterned sofa?  Ease ever so gently into bold territory and apply the pattern only to the outside body like this:

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Or only the inside (in leopard of course!) like this:

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Not all patterns have to be large scale and dramatic.  Try a small-scale geometric a la Kate Spade:

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Even more subtle is a white on white pattern:

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A modern take on the floral sofa (love the nailhead!):

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A little chevron love:

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Did you also catch those incredible floors above?  Seriously good.

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If it's in Lonny Mag, it must be freaking awesome:

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So what's your verdict on patterned sofas?  Would you try it?  Have you already tried it?