5 Tips for Mixing Patterns

Have you ever seen a stylish woman on the street with a striped shirt, patterned scarf, a funky jacket and think, How did she pull that off?! Mixing fabrics, wall coverings, and rugs in a space can be tricky, and not knowing these simple tricks can leave you with a room that feels more like Dr. Seuss than Lily Pulitzer. Here are our tips for creating an interesting, vibrant room using multiple patterns.

1. Start with one pattern and build from there.

Unless you are planning a monochromatic scheme, find a multi-colored pattern you love. Select individual colors from that pattern as your guide to adding others. The more colors, the more possibilities!

2. Choose a unifying color.

Here, green and white are the predominant colors, giving the scheme a sense of belonging, despite the contrast in patterns.

3. Look for different types of patterns.

For example, don’t use stripes with stripes, or floral on floral on floral. Mix it up!

4. Scale is everything!

Too many large or small patterns are discordant and will make a space feel uncomfortable. These fashion examples show how completely unrelated patterns work beautifully when scale is carefully considered.

5. Choose a color palette you love, and look for at least three patterns within that palette.

Orange and blue is one of my all time favorite combos. The possibilities are endless- have fun with it!

Follow these simple tips to create a unique and exciting space that you’ll never tire of. Go for it- mixing patterns is a great way to inject some life into your interiors!