The Art of Mixing and Matching Patterns: A Guide for the Modern Home

As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life.” This couldn’t be truer when it comes to decorating your home with patterns. Mixing and matching patterns can take your living space from bland to beautiful, but it can also be intimidating if you’re not sure where to start. Fear not! This guide will provide you with tips and tricks to confidently incorporate patterns into your home decor.

Know Your Colors

The first rule of mixing and matching patterns is to stick to a color scheme. Choose a few colors that you love and use those as the basis for your pattern choices. This will create a cohesive look throughout your home, even if you’re using different patterns in different rooms.

Choose a Dominant Pattern

When mixing patterns, one of the easiest ways to make it work is to choose one dominant pattern and build around it. This pattern should be the largest and most visually striking of the bunch. This could be a large floral print, a bold stripe, or an abstract geometric design.

Vary the Size of Patterns

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns of different sizes. Using patterns of all the same size can make a room look busy and chaotic. Instead, mix a large-scale pattern with a small-scale pattern, or a medium-scale pattern with a tiny print. This will create visual interest and keep your decor from looking too monotonous.

Coordinate Patterns by Similarity

Another way to create a cohesive look when mixing and matching patterns is to choose prints that have similar characteristics. For example, you might choose a floral pattern that has a similar color palette to a stripe or plaid. Or, you might mix different prints that all have a similar geometric shape.

Don’t be Afraid to Mix Bold Patterns

Yes, it is possible to mix and match bold patterns without it looking like a hot mess! The key is to balance the boldness of one pattern with a more neutral or subtle pattern. For example, you might mix a bold animal print with a neutral solid color, or pair a bright floral with a subtle herringbone or chevron print.

Stick to Odd Numbers

This tip is more of a general design principle, but it applies to mixing patterns as well. When grouping items together, odd numbers are more visually appealing than even numbers. So, when placing different patterned throw pillows on your couch, use three or five instead of two or four.

Experiment and Have Fun!

At the end of the day, decorating your home with patterns should be a fun and creative process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find what works for you. Mixing and matching patterns is all about expressing your unique style and personality, so have fun with it!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of mixing and matching patterns in your home decor. Remember to choose a color scheme, pick a dominant pattern, vary the size of patterns, coordinate by similarity, don’t be afraid to mix bold patterns, stick to odd numbers, and most importantly, have fun!