All You Need to Know About: Mixing Patterns in Your Home
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Mixing patterns can be a tricky situation whether it's with decor or fashion. It's important to know the rules of mixing patterns in order to guide you with your pattern selection and make things a little easier for the everyday decor enthusiast. I've put together a list of some things to keep in mind in order to mix patterns in your home like a pro!
1. Scale.
Multiple patterns work best when you vary the scale. It's best to have one large pattern, a medium one, and a small one somewhere in the room.
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2. Colour.
There needs to be some consistency with colour. Sometimes it's easiest to pick one main pattern to start, that contains several different colours. Then jump off of that and choose the next patterns that uses each of those colours separately.
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3. Variety.
The type of pattern you're choosing makes a difference. Although you might think that it's better to pick patterns that are close in style to avoid pattern overload, this actually often works the opposite. Patterns too close in style will compete for your attention and then the uniqueness of each will be lessened. Contrasting pattern types will actually work to your advantage and add variety to the space. For example, choose a floral, stripe, and polkadot. All very different types of patterns and each unique in their own way.
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4. Number.
So where do you say enough is enough pattern? It's hard to put a limit on it because each space will be different. Something to keep in mind though, is odd is even in design. To the eye, three or five often feels more complete than two or four.
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5. Repetition.
A good way to create harmony within the space, is to repeat a pattern in another location. So for example, you could repeat that stripe pillow in your draperies (or in this case, your loveseat). This makes your choices seem less arbitrary and more deliberate.
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6. Mix in Solids.
As much as we love playing with patterns, it's always good to break up all that visual stimulation with something more relaxing to the eye. Throw in a solid (even a bright one!) that works with your colour scheme or some neutrals to give your eye a break. Remember, neutral space is just as important because it allows for a focal point in the room. Pattern seems more special when it's not everywhere you look.
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Oh hello Elements and Principles of Design! I'm sure you've heard of these in any art or design class you've taken since as far back as grade school! Well turns out, they're really handy to know! If you haven't heard of them before then no worries, I will be doing a blog post on them soon so check back!
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