Mixing patterns is next level interior design mastery. But we have your back with tips and tricks to creating those beautiful interior design schemes with multiple layers of mixed patterns, textures, and colors.
It's All About Space
Let your patterns breathe and shine independently by giving space. If your couch boasts a striking striped pattern, avoid introducing floral throws. Anchor your design with solid colors within your established palette, exercising restraing for a cohesive look. Which leads me to ...
Color Matching
Different patterns with competing colors can overwhelm a space. Using color schemes within the same tonal family or color palette can cut down on the chaos, without losing the textured, layered look of mixing patterns. Try following the 60-30-10 rule. This means 60 percent of your room should be a dominate color, while 30 percent should be a secondary color, and 10 percent serving as your accent.
Use contrasting colors within your established color palette to create a contrast of light and dark. Using lighter and darker shades can help certain patterns stand out more, drawing out certain key areas in the room you want focus on.
Start with a Rug
British Interior Designer Penny Morrison, master of pattern mixing, always suggests starting your design scheme with a rug and I tend to agree.
Rugs are often the hardest to find pattern matches, but they are also key in pulling a room together. For pattern mix/matching newbies, start with the rug as your boldest pattern and go from there. Consider using a large-sized rug (would recommend extending them about two-feet from the walls) versus multiple, smaller rugs to help establish balance.
Blend the Simple and Complex and Stick to a Handful of Patterns
Here at Bluebird Design Co, we love the intricacy of the latest vintage-inspired patterns hitting the market.
That said, the rule of thumb is to always complement more complex patterns with simple ones. This provides contrast and variation without losing the aesthetic you are trying to achieve.
Start with focusing on three to four patterns to stick with as you develop your room style. Always remember to balance your patterns with solid colors to break up lines and shapes of your patterns. Don’t forget to keep your patterns flowing throughout the entire room – and not just one specific area.
Know What Matches … and What Doesn’t
In the interior design world, there is an unspoken rule regarding what standard patterns match and what don’t.
For instance, stripes work wonderfully with floral prints and ikat patterns. Plaid and polka dots – hard pass.
As always, if you need assistance in creating the room of your dreams, we are here to help. Learn more about our interior design services and check out our previous work and mood boards!
Until next time!
