The vertical wood-effect pattern continues through the shower side of this bathroom, giving a broad wall one consistent direction. The shower rail and glass sit in front of it, rather than separating the room into several small patterned sections. The warmer wall surface balances the pale furniture beside it.
Pattern direction can help connect neighbouring fittings. Before splitting a wall into different finishes, look at how one continuous surface would read behind them. This is particularly useful with a strong linear pattern: its beginning and end become part of the layout, rather than details decided after the furniture has been chosen.
