Skip to main content

Mixing Patterns in Decorating

It is common nowdays to see interior designers mix patterns and designs in decorating a room - just check out the decorating magazines and websites online.  It's fun to be adventurous, but as a decorator for more than 25 years, I would keep these things in mind: stick to the color scheme in the room; limit the types of prints or patterns to three or five at the most (in decorating “three” is a magic number); and keep proportion and scale in mind. So here are some tips to remember for the beginner:

1. First, visual your room as a large picture on canvas. Key colors in the room should be repeated throughout the room, in your upholstery, your throw pillows, your window treatments, in your artwork, on the walls and on the floor. Select a dominant color, a secondary color and up to two accent colors to anchor the palette.

2. Choose one multicolored pattern as your primary print and pull different colors and textures to compliment it. All the colors in the patterns/prints should tie in with your color scheme. For instance, if you have a solid blue sofa and you want to add some punch, add various sizes of throw pillows in different prints, but ensure that they are the same colors as your color scheme. So if your color palette is blue, green and yellow, the prints should include at least two of the three colors and relate to each other (in other words, be in the same color family).

3. When mixing, patterns/prints should not be the same proportions, and the colors should be part of your color scheme. For example, you can mix one large plaid with a small plaid; one large floral with a small floral; one large stripe with one small stripe; or one large print or a small print. You can also mix a striped fabric with a floral or a print - as long as proportion and color are kept in mind. However, my advice is to be careful in mixing a plaid or check with a stripe. You can do so, but one pattern should be bold and the other subdued - and all colors should relate to one another. Be sure to pick the patterns carefully, selecting different patterns about half the scale or size of the first pattern.

4. Maintain the same scale (balance) and proportion (size) throughout the room to achieve a comfortable repetition of color and design.

5. Choose three or more patterns. Odd numbers, especially the number three, just seem to work, whether you're combining colors or items in a vignette. Three is the minimum number of patterns you should use, and the key to successful mixing is to vary the scale, from small to large. For the "mixing novice" I recommend starting with three patterns until you get comfortable with mixing prints and patterns.

6. Finally, If you are not accustomed to decorating with different prints, you may feel a little uncomfortable at first. But - try it, you might like it! And, If the look doesn’t appeal to you, go back to decorating your way. Or ask a professional decorator or home stager to assist you. Most of all, have fun with your decorating. 

If you have any comments or ideas about this, please feel free to comment.  Also, check out my "A Goode Start Decorating and Home Staging" Facebook page for lots of pictures.  Happy Decorating!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

January is the Time to Buy Bed Linens

Did you know that the average person spends about a third of their life in bed? Since most of us spend between 6 to 8 hours (and for the lucky ones, 8-10 hours) in bed, it’s important to choose the right bed sheets for your bed. And – it’s an added bonus if the sheets enhance the overall décor of your bedroom as well. Since January is the best time of year to shop for new bed linens, here are a few tips to be aware of before you start sheet-shopping: Size: Before you go out and buy new sheets, I’d like to suggest that you measure your bed (including the width of the side of your mattress). In the past, sheet sizes such as “twin,” “full,” “queen” and king” were reliable and would fit all beds according to size. But recently, many mattress manufacturers have added extra comfort features, such as pillow top mattresses which are deeper than older mattresses. There are so many different size mattresses now that it is important to know before you venture out on your quest for new...

How to Mix Metals in Decorating

One of the coolest design trends to emerge in 2016 was Mixed Metals. It has long been regarded that if you had silver in your space then you shouldn’t use gold or it would look out of place. Many people think that by matching the finishes is the best way to coordinate your home or kitchen, but in reality this often creates a monochromatic and less interesting space. Mixing metals is the perfect way to add visual interest and depth to your space. The trick is to create a look that is cohesive and not mismatched.  Here are some tips to Mixing Metals in your space: Choose a Dominate Metal - Its important to choose one metal that you like to act as the dominate metal and then 1  or 2 other metal to mix in. This metal color theme should be cohesive throughout your home. Having a prominent metal will help unify your space and the accent metals will help add visual interest and draw your eye around the room. When choosing your dominate metal consider your design styl...

Spring Trends

All the nice weather is making me think of Spring. In the following article Leslie Hendrix Wood of Hadley Court ( www.hadleycourt.com ) shares this year’s Spring Trends. Makeover your Home with Spring 2017 Trends I have to be honest – I have a bad case of spring fever. If you are like me, you are ready to add a little color to your life and embrace the outdoors. After all the inspiration from Paris Design Week, here are 5 emerging trends we are seeing that will update and freshen any décor. Green: Photo courtesy of Elle Decor I’m always an advocate for fresh…fresh flowers, fresh veggies….fresh scents. This time, it’s literal. Earlier this year, Pantone came out with its color of the year: Greenery, the cousin of chartreuse. The rich and savory color sets a mood that’s inviting and soothing. I know for many it can be daring to go so bold. Try an accent wall and balancing it with more subtle hues in furniture (dark woods, greys). Still unsure? Green accessories such as gl...