Pattern Play: How to Mix and Match Patterns in Your Home
Mixing and matching patterns isn't for the faint of heart (or so you’ve been told). The thought of combining a geometric rug with animal print pillows might sound taboo…but it’s actually the key to creating eye-catching styles. Remember these basic rules and you’ll be well on your way to designing a dreamy, personalized interior for your custom home!
Find a Focal Piece or Look
Ready to experiment with a little pattern play of your own? Your first step involves determining what look or focal piece you would like to showcase. Do you want to highlight animal prints or romantic floral decor? How do you want your room to feel? Elegant? Glamorous? Eclectic? Ponder the interior characteristics of your room and locate designs that will help beautify and accentuate those features. If your space has little or no natural light, adding softer tones and lively patterns will work wonders. Once you have decided on a primary theme, you can move on to integrating additional patterns and colors.
It’s All About Size
New year, new interior! Now is the perfect time to update decade-old color palettes and matching furniture sets, and exchange generic accents and accessories for more personalized decor. When it comes to livening up your space and adding a little flair, varying pattern sizes is the key to success. Start by incorporating a large-scale pattern, then utilize small and medium prints to accentuate your overall look. A good rule of thumb is to integrate about three patterns per room. If you’ve decided on wallpaper that features an oversized ikat pattern, for example, aim to incorporate pillows, rugs, and soft furnishings with thin stripes, a dip-dye wash, or other subtle designs. The goal is to evenly distribute colors and textures across the room. This will create balance and ensure that your space feels energized rather than “busy” or chaotic.
Utilize Color and Create Contrast
Another way to infuse your room with just the right feel is to integrate solid tones with patterned selections. Choose whatever colors you want, but try to stick with one tonal family (always coming back to the focal piece or look you’ve established). Bolder tones are an excellent way to accent your style, and combining colors with the same intensity—think pastels and neutral tones—is essential to creating a balanced appearance. Adding patterned wallpaper is a great way to bring depth and dimension to your interior, and mixing in solids in a range of hues will bring continuity to your space.