Daily Dose of Design–Pattern Mixing

I started my career in the fashion industry, so working with patterns and combining them to create unique looks is something I love to do.  I love the way plaids plays off florals, and the way stripes enhance geometric patterns. 

  I view patternwork in fashion like I do in design…patternwork adds style, personality and flair.  It can complete the look or it can be the starting point for a fabulous design statement!

Patternwork can take a simple space from ordinary to outstanding. Often, it’s the patternwork that gives a space it unique identity.

Here a combination of traditional toiles, florals, stripes and checks give this focused color statement depth and interest.  I especially love the trim details used on the pillows, creating even more style.

Bold pattern statements work great in rooms where the wall color has been toned down.  The pattern in the floral rug is repeated on pillows and colors are pulled out and used as pops within the room.  Love the coral ottoman and lampshade.

Two different variations of  stripes and three variations of the floral pattern enhance the comtemporary style of this space.  I’m not typically a fan of stripes on a sofa but this stripe works for me.

This is a very sophisticated mix of patterns, but it works because the color palette is focused and the pattern scales vary in size.

I love the bold argyle pattern on the upper wall, combined with the subtle damask on the lower wall & the teal pattern of the tablecloth.  Subtle patternwork can be just was dynamic as more colorful statements.

The grass cloth walls and woven blinds add textured pattern to this space.

 

Love this bold pattern statement.  Bold colors are all the rage right now and this combination of cobalt blue and apple green is so refreshing.  I am so loving deep shades of blue these days, and the new blue line of home decor products from Target is speaking to me.

Love the pattern mix used on these chairs…so charming.

It’s great when pattern mixing makes it way to outdoor spaces. Patio furniture is a great place to go bold in color or scale. 

In this photo, the solid sofas are the dominate pattern within the space.  Pattern does not always have to be colorful.  You should incorporate solids to help ground the space.

 

When it comes to adding patterwork to a room design, I have a guidelines I follow:

• Typically combing 4 or 5 patterns works best.  I like to combine floral, plaid, stripe and check patterns together for the most interesting mix.
• Use color as the common demoninator. Selecting your patterns around a color palette will ensure they all work together, regardless of the type of pattern you use.  
• Add textured pattern to the mix. Woven window treatments, textured rugs or tactile lampshades add even more visual interest to the room pattern statement.  Texture is just as important as color.
• Vary the scales with the patterns your choose.  One of the biggest mistakes you can make is having all your patternwork in the same scale.  You want one pattern to be dominate and have the others scale down from there.
•  Patterns that run vertically will make the space look taller, while horizontal patternwork will make a space look wider.  Keep this in mind if you want to make a small space appear larger.
• Be adventurous…combine traditional patterns with more modern prints to keep the look fresh.
• Have fun with patternwork and use it to give your space personality.

If  you’re looking for a quick update to your decor, try adding a new pattern to the mix!

Have a great weekend!