Patterns can bring depth, character, and personality to your room’s decor without asking for extra floor space. Mixing patterns might feel like a daunting task at first, but it is a fun and creative way to breathe new life into your room and create a cohesive look.
Finding the right mix of patterns calls for a little know-how about the art of balancing proportion and experimenting with designs so that you can have a space that is both visually stimulating and cohesive.
Whether you are experienced or diving fresh into the world of mixing patterns, this blog will help you learn the knits and grits of getting the right mix of patterns for a cohesive look, transforming your room from chaotic to harmonious and inviting!
Before we begin with the mixing process, here are some of the most popular patterns to know:
- Damask: This pattern features an array of intricate and symmetrical designs, characterized by its luxurious appeal. It is commonly preferred for upholstery, drapery, and wallpapers.
- Paisley: This pattern has teardrop-shaped motifs with elaborate detailing, giving a visually dynamic and ornate effect to the decor. This pattern is a popular choice for upholstery or rugs.
- Geometric: These are patterns with geometric shapes like circles, squares, or triangles. They bring modernity and artistic touch to a space with their clean lines and symmetric designs.
- Floral and Botanical: These are patterns of flowers and other botanical elements. They bring a sense of nature and tranquility. Popularly used on upholstery, window curtains, wallpapers, and bedding.
- Stripes: These are lines of varying width and direction that can run vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. They create a sense of dynamism and when done right, can even create an illusion of a larger space.
- Plaids and Checks: These are cross-hatched patterns that together form a grid like design, commonly preferred for timeless and rustic charm.
- Animal Print: Known for their bold and exotic appeal, these patterns mimic the natural markings on animals – irregular stripes, spots, or scales. This print goes well with rugs, pillows, and upholstery.
- Abstract: These are abstract designs like swirls, spatters, and more. These designs may or may not represent anything. They are used to evoke a sense of modernity and creativity in a room.
While the variety of patterns may vary like in a kaleidoscope, knowing these basics will give you the platform to launch you in the right direction of exploration. Now let’s begin with the tips on mixing patterns:
1. Begin with Small Elements for Patterns
If you are not confident to make a strong commitment to introduce patterns on large elements like walls and furniture, you can start with smaller accessories like pillows, area rugs, vases, or accent chairs. If you are just venturing into the art of pattern mixing, starting with these little elements will give you the creative freedom to experiment with different patterns. If the result differs from what you anticipated, you can change or replace them easily!
2. Pick a Color Palette
One of the top decorating rules followed by interior designers is to create a cohesive look throughout the space. The color palette is the foundation for mixing patterns for a cohesive look. Pick a color palette that pleases your eyes and select patterns with different shades of the same palette. While the patterns may vary in shape and size, their colors will act as the binding element that brings a unified look to your decor.
3. Bring Variation in Scale
The scale and the proportions of patterns are the secret sauce for creating the perfect mix. The idea is to layer patterns of varied sizes. The largest print will serve as the focal point due to its ability to command attention. Choose an item like the rug, window treatments, or custom wallpaper that occupies substantial space in the room to introduce a large scale print. Then, pick the colors from this pattern and add medium and small scale patterns that resonate with those colors to achieve a cohesive look. These can be brought on smaller items like pillows, upholstery and throws.
Note that decorating with large-scale patterns will be a bold statement and an attention magnet. So, bring it on an object to which you want to direct the eye. To put a larger emphasis, you can repeat this pattern in a smaller scale in other items. For instance, a room with awning striped wallpaper can repeat the same motif on the accent chairs to reinforce the theme.
4. Balance Curves with Straight Lines
Patterns are mixed to bring variety, so pair curved and sharp-edged patterns to generate visual interest through the contrast of their shapes. If your space feels overblown with curved patterns like florals and swirls, you can balance them with straight lines. Geometric or striped patterns can help retain the visual interest and avoid being too rigid or whimsical. Imagine a curved floral pattern on a sofa or custom roman blinds, balanced with stripes or geometric print wallpaper or custom upholstery for a cohesive look.
5. Introduce Visual Breaks with Solid Colors
Patterns and solids complement each other. If you want to enjoy the visual treat of your pattern mix, you will have to interpolate solid elements in between two patterns that match their accent hues. To make it more restive, especially if you have used vibrant patterns, make sure that you also introduce neutral colors generously. These serene hues and plain colors act as visual breathers and counterbalance the bustle of patterns.
In Conclusion
Guidance and technical know-how may be helpful, but using personal instinct is crucial to show your unique style. Don’t shy away from bold choices and unexpected combinations! Remember – the rules for mixing patterns are not fixed, the idea is to find the right balance of patterns that sets the mood of your room just the way you like it.
We hope that this blog has helped you learn the rights and wrongs of how to mix patterns. Confidently pick colors you like, weave them together in the magic of patterns, and watch your space come alive!
