Have you been searching for a little pizazz to brighten up the decor in your home? Maybe just a punch of a colorful pattern in a room or two is all you need to breathe new life into your Living Space. If you have considered using patterns and pretty prints in your decor but were uncertain as how to introduce additional patterns without turning the room into one huge kaleidoscope – there are a few points of consideration you might want to utilize to make your decision a confident one.
An Easy Decorating Solution
Combining patterns, textures and prints are a simple means of transforming or updating any room in your home, office or business. Whether you have a Kitchen Design that needs a little boost of an interesting detail or two, or a boring Master Bath that would benefit from additional design and color – adding patterns will do the trick without having to rethink your whole Interior Design.
How to Create a Harmony of Patterns
- Color Combinations: Selecting a common color palette will go a long way in coordinating the patterns so that the eye is drawn to the hue – not the design. Using this Colorization technique doesn’t mean that all the colors have to be the same, quite the contrary, you can have multi-colored fabrics, however; consider using a color that is similar throughout all patterns for a cohesive look.
- Playing It Safe With Color: Do you have to bring color into your patterns? No, not all. Using various shades of neutral colors or even going with one simple color such as an off-white, cream or beige, will pack a statement all by itself. If all the colors are the same but the patterns vary from one to the next, you’ll have the perfect combination of subtle meets “wow”.
- Sizing It Up: Any time you combine patterns it’s important to take their size into consideration. Mixing pattern sizes is an essential ingredient in achieving balance within the room. Avoid using the same scale and pattern combination next to each other. For instance; for a Window Treatment you may want to use a larger sized patterned, where as on throw pillows the pattern would be much smaller.. Although utilizing scale and size isn’t one of the ten commandments, it will go a long way in creating harmony within the flow of the room.
- Choosing the Pattern: Some of us just know what we like, while others may be uncertain. Pattern choices run the gamut and could include everything from stripes to plaids to florals, damask, geometric shapes and everything in between. Mixing and matching patterns is perfectly acceptable and generally preferred by Interior Design standards. A good rule of thumb is to include some solid color here and there as not to overwhelm the room.
- Experiment: If uncertainly lurks within your imagination, explore nearby fabric stores to get a visual of patterns that might appeal to you. Take home samples if that’s an option. Another starting point is to visit home furnishing stores where you can view patterns on display. If experimenting isn’t your cup of tea, find an Interior Designer in your area to get an expert opinion for your particular room.
- How Many Patterns: There is no rule of thumb, but many professionals suggest using three to four different patterns in a variety of size and scale – with the larger scale pattern having the most influence in the room. For instance, in a Baroque Designed room, the wallpaper would serve as the large scale pattern. From there you’d select an additional pattern that would be roughly half the size in a different design … and so on until you’ve met the third or fourth pattern.
- Finding Inspiration: Like all other elements of Interior Design, finding inspiration for your pattern selection – whether it be size, color or shape – can come from a variety of places. Perhaps your current decor already dictates the color scheme, or you stumbled on a beautifully designed chair with an Eclectic Design that sparks your imagination. Stepping outdoors and taking in a colorful garden will also provide you with insight to glorious color combinations.
- Don’t Forget the Texture: The feel of the fabric will also play a role in creating the perfect mixed formula for a pattern rich room. Some textures provide the pattern to have more “pop” and will enhance the effect of the pattern. Mixing and matching textured fabrics isn’t as important as the color and scale, but it is worth taking into consideration when making your selections.
Intimidation Not Allowed
When you decide to bring patterns and prints into your room, intimidation doesn’t need to be part of the process. Focusing on color, size, scale and texture will allow you to combine complimenting patterns that will fit any decorating style and liven up any room. Trust your instincts – if it looks good to you and you feel the love when you walk into the room – then that’s really all that matters.
For more informative Design Ideas, as well as other helpful tips for all rooms of your home, office or business, please visit us online at InteriorDesignPro.
