7 Tips for Mixing Patterns in Home Design
- On April 11, 2016
- By Habitar Design Team
- In Uncategorized
0

When redecorating a space, one common question that we get from clients is how to mix and match patterns.
1. Use odd numbers
Use a minimum of three patterns, and stick to an odd number. Odd numbers just seem to make things work, whether you’re creating a color palette or potting plants.
2. Mix pattern types
Try to keep your patterns from clashing. The main pattern will likely be your inspiration and the largest in scale, while the least important will be the smallest in scale.
3. Choose a color scheme
Pull patterns together with a common color scheme. The largest scaled pattern will have the most colors, the medium scaled pattern will have a few colors and the smallest scaled pattern will have only one or two colors.
4. Vary textures
Fabrics should vary in texture and material to add interest. Mix a cotton and linen with a sheen to keep the combination from feeling too flat.
Spread patterns evenly throughout your space.
5. Maintain balance
Too much of any pattern can be overwhelming. No one wants floor-to-ceiling floral. Spread patterns evenly throughout your space to prevent the room from becoming unbalanced.
6. Don’t mix whites
If multiple patterns have white backgrounds, make sure they’re all in the same color family so they don’t take away from the combination already developed.
7. Cheat with companion fabrics
Many companies make pattern mixing much easier by creating fabrics meant to coordinate with one another. All you have to do is choose the color palette, and use the corresponding patterns.
(Article was originally posted on Angie’s List on May 29, 2015)