Pattern Play + Mixing Prints
We should take note from our children more often. As a toddler, my daughter took a spirited approach to mixing her pattern choices during the “I want to dress myself” phase that every parent cringes at. …a polka dot dress, floral shoes, and heart shaped sunnies. Fabulous choices for our trip to grab some groceries.
Honestly though, the pattern pairing was pretty much on point. She had a combination of prints that honestly just worked together. I’ve seen pattern combinations I would have never thought about pulling together myself but once together, it absolutely works. …and I’ve seen subtle pops of pattern among neutrals that also work beautifully.
When it comes to mixing prints, you simply want to pay attention to the combination of scales. A small, medium, and large scale pattern will always work well together, color being the common thread to weave them all together.
01. // Balance the Busy
Let’s say you’ve got one focal point pattern. In this case, it’s the wallpaper. It’s only two colors (the background and the blue of the illustration), but it’s pretty dense. The sheets, striped quilt, and pattern block style coverlet all compliment color scheme by staying in the shades of blue family, but are far less busy and a larger scale than the wallpaper.
…and those pops of contrasting colors from the monogram pillow, mustard side table, and gold from the sconce add warm to those cooler blues.
02. // Floral + Plaids/Stripes
Florals and textural prints (like stripes and plaids) will always be a great idea. Color can easily be a common denominator like you see here. The floral stripes from this plaid coordinate with the same green tones from the flora.
So let’s say you had plaid as your wallpaper and a coordinating floral upholstered chair. The coordinating colors would easily tie those two types of patterns together (florals and texture).
A Quick Note:
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What I share is very intentional and only items I’ve allowed to enter my own home - tried and true.
03. // Texture + Pattern
Don’t underestimate the power that solids and texture have when pairing with bolder repeating motifs like florals and such. The texture from a tweed fabric might compliment the more literal pattern of a plaid. The way your kitchen tile backsplash or your wood flooring is laid will also create pattern and texture within your space.
The key to any pattern pairing is all about scale. You’ll want a healthy does of large, medium, and smaller scale patterns with solids mixed in to allow some breathing room. Color is an easy way to tie in different patterns throughout a space.
Take a look at your most important rooms individually (typically the kitchen, living room, and main bedroom). Decide what your foundational layer of pattern may be. Perhaps you’ve got painted wainscoting, wallpaper above, and neutral bedding selections with a few patterned throw pillows. Maybe your living room is grounded with a vintage rug that you pull colors and textures from to pair with. Ask yourself “what is my leading role with pattern?” ...then use complimentary pattern and texture (with a healthy balance of solids) to support that leading role.
Two of my favorite boards on Pinterest are my flooring pattern board and my color stories board. There are SO many opportunities to intertwine pattern through architectural decisions, which is great if you’re building from scratch or renovating. …things like tile, and of course I’m partial to wallpaper.
Quick Tip: If you tend to lean towards the safe and neutral side, take small opportunities to speak volume with pattern and pops of bold color. Places like hallways, nooks, and bathrooms are great places to have a creative approach to expression when your pattern and color palette are typically more subtle for your main spaces.
FLOORING PATTERN INSPIRATION
COLOR STORIES
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by Hope Johnson | inspired by nostalgia and comfort
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Plaid Wool Rug
by Schoolhouse
Six Vintage Rugs
preserving old world artistry & charm for sustainable, modern living