Enduring Designs: The Art of Illusion with M.C. Escher
Some designers change the way you see pattern, M.C. Escher is one of them. His work pushes perception in a way that feels both exact and imaginative, turning geometry into something far more than a repeat. For interiors, that’s a rare gift.
For this month’s Enduring Designs, I’m revisiting the Escher collection for exactly that reason. While many people recognize his famous staircases, the strength of this series lies in the lesser-known studies, designs rooted in metamorphosis, reflection, and impeccable structure. These are the patterns that reveal the discipline behind the illusion, and they’ve become enduring favourites at NewWall. Let’s take a look…
Metamorphosis on the Wall
MC Escher’s work is a masterclass in transformation.
Interlocking profiles shift seamlessly from one form to the next, creating the feeling of motion even in stillness. On the wall, it draws you in; the kind of design that makes a hallway, landing, or studio feel more considered with every step past it. It introduces movement without chaos, a trait that defines Escher’s most thoughtful work.
Geometry with Intent
From transformation, the collection moves into structure. Little Cube is crisp, precise, and engineered with purpose; a pattern built for those who appreciate the technical side of design.
Its tessellation has a satisfying clarity to it, offering clean order that suits dining rooms, offices, and architectural spaces especially well. Here, geometry works as a grounding element, shaping the room with intention rather than ornament.
Depth Through Reflection
The spherical studies extend that sense of structure into depth. These designs explore how repetition and reflection shift a room’s volume without overwhelming the eye.
They respond beautifully to light, creating subtle dimensional changes throughout the day. If Little Cube builds the framework, Sphere and Little Sphere add depth and atmosphere, ideal for contemporary interiors that benefit from pattern with spatial intelligence.
A Fresh Perspective
From depth, we move into tone.
Fluorescent Sea takes Escher’s geometric foundation and gives it a modern lift through colour. The pattern retains his unmistakable logic but gains a sense of energy that makes it perfect for a feature moment. It’s bold without being brash, expressive without losing control, a strong choice for creative spaces or anywhere you want a design that sparks curiosity immediately.
Why It Endures
Together, these designs show how Escher approached pattern as a system of ideas. They reshape perspective, guide movement, and create rooms that feel intelligent and intentional. That’s why they endure: because they continue to reveal something new each time you engage with them.
Explore the M.C. Escher Collection, and bring a new dimension to your walls.