Mix your prints and patterns like a pro
Mixing prints is not everyone’s cup of tea, and it certainly takes some guts and a flair for the dramatic – but the end result can be absolutely stunning. While not every home calls for an injection of different patterns, experimenting with prints is a high impact way of turning your home from cookie-cutter showroom to a space full of personality and energy. The catch, however, is that mixing prints and patterns isn’t a walk in the park.
That’s not to say it is impossible! As with interior styling, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to mixing patterns. Keep these tricks in your pocket and you’ll be producing magazine-worthy homes in no time.
Work in odd numbers
I’ve talked about this in my guide to styling tabletops, but the power of odd numbers cannot be underestimated. To begin mixing prints or patterns, I suggest working with three types of patterns in varying scale. If not three, then five. I recommend starting with three, however, to keep from overwhelming a space.
Understand scale
Picking three random patterns is not going to magically turn your home into a work of art. The key to successfully integrating patterns is to vary the scale of your patterns. Bear these golden rules in mind when it comes to combining prints:
1. The medium-sized pattern should be about half the size of the larger pattern. Remember that the largest pattern tends to make the boldest statement in the room, although you can also use it sparingly with an accent piece.
2. All patterns should have similar colours and/or be complementary colours.
3. It’s easier to mix in a 2:1 ratio, i.e. two patterns of the same type – for instance, two types of florals – and a contrasting pattern such as a stripe.
4. It’s also easier to use the pattern you like best in a high-impact way, such as on an upholstered sofa, as curtains, or even wallpaper.
5. Your final pattern does not need to be a pattern: the less adventurous can opt for a textured solid, like velvet, grasscloth, or linen.
Build around a single colour
An easy way to build a collection of patterns is to mix the different scales and prints, but keep the colour consistent. This is a good trick for those looking to inject some visual interest in a space but aren’t ready to commit to any colour change. I also like to do this because I tend towards more neutral spaces with a single pop of colour.
Look for patterns with a dominant colour, which tend to be stronger, bolder colours like blue or pink, supplemented by a secondary neutral colour like cream or white. And remember: vary your pattern scale!
Mixing colours? Stick with the same intensity.
If you like colour, don’t be afraid to use it, but be sure not to mix your pastels with jewel tones, or your muted colours with primary ones. The end result will feel cluttered and mismatched.
Traditionally contrasting patterns, such as florals, plaids, polka dots, and stripes will work together as long as you vary the scale and stay within the same intensity.
Watch your whites
Whether you’re working around a single pop of colour or combining five different ones, it is imperative that your whites stay within the same colour family. Commit to the whites you use, whether that’s cream, off-white, cool white etc. If your whites don’t match, they will detract from your patterns and clutter the room.
Ground with a neutral
Patterns can be busy, so I like to keep larger pieces neutral and classic. The more patterns you introduce into a space, the more energy it creates, so keep your furniture lines simple and streamlined. Solid neutrals also give your eyes space to rest, making the space feel less cluttered.
Tip: It also helps to keep smaller patterns to accent pieces such as cushions and lampshades, as the extensive use of small patterns can make a room feel busy. If you want to introduce patterns to a calmer space such as a bedroom, work with simpler prints or even paler ones.
Don’t forget the art
Pattern isn’t just limited to fabric. When designing a space, it’s important to understand how your artwork plays into your pattern scale. If you have an oversized piece in a room, base the accompanying patterns on those colours.
For instance, this room utilises a colour palette of blues and golds built around the large-scale organic-patterned artwork. The medium-scale, geometric chevron print serves as pattern #2, while the gold textured cushions are my small-scale, more neutral pattern #3. This leads me to my next lesson…
Balance patterns and lines
It’s important to understand that there are different pattern types. Always strive to create balance in rooms by using a combination of these patterns: soft curves and hard lines. It’s the reason why florals work so well with stripes: the juxtaposition of the organic, botanic patterns pair beautifully against sharp geometric lines.
Some combinations you can try include: stripes and paisley; polka dots, stripes and florals; ikat, polka dots and paisley.
Balance the weight
With the guidelines above in mind, the last thing to remember is to evenly distribute the patterns across your space. Putting all your patterned pieces on one side of the room will throw off the balance, no matter how hard you’ve worked at balancing your prints and proportions.
If all else fails, cheat
For a quick, surefire way of getting your print-mixing right, simply use a pre-selected palette. Choose from floor and wall tiles to patchwork quilts, rugs, and cushions. You can also head to a fabric supplier and ask for companion fabrics, which are designed to be used in combination with each other. The opportunities are endless!
