As design takes a more traditional form these days, we are starting to see more pattern on pattern, and intricate motifs. You may personally shy away from mixing patterns, but the truth is that pattern is the quickest way to create movement and add expression to any space.

If you are thinking about how to incorporate patterns into your space, it’s important to consider the entire room from floor to ceiling. Before you get started on your pattern selections be sure to evaluate the following:

Existing Floor and Wall Coverings:

Does the space feature an intricate tile or wallpaper already and how do they interact with the other items of the room. Do these elements need to be neutralized or enhanced?

Start with Something you LOVE:

From wall art to area rugs or a piece of fabric, it’s important to choose at least one thing you love that is going into the space. From here, building in patterns and complimenting colours will be a piece of cake!

Then you need to understand the basics:

Shape & Scale:

The most important thing here is to trust your eye. Instinctively you will know what is visually appealing and what is not. Ultimately, the rule of thumb is to mix a large pattern with a small pattern and then a monochromatic element. Meaning, balance the large with the small and add in one final layer that features one consistent colour tone in its print or pattern.

Colour:

The safest move is to work within the same colour saturation. What does this mean? If you are working with bright bold colours then you will likely notice the colours are clearly identifiable. If you choose to work within a more faded colour pallet you may notice the fabrics look more worn. You may also choose to only work with soft colours like pastels or earthy neutrals. Whatever you choose, feed into that vibe to build the complete collection.

Underrated Addition…Texture:

A solid coloured, textured material can also be considered a pattern when designing a space. Consider a boucle accent chair or a faux fur throw. Textures can serve as a more subtle version of a pattern and act as a backdrop to some of the most intricate and stylish designs.