Mixing patterns for a sophiticated room design

I love walking into a space that has an interesting mix of patterns.  If done well, the room will feel cohesive and everything will blend together.  This doesn't mean everything is an exact match.  Surfaces with pattern could include the furniture, walls, floors, window treatments, pillows and table cloths.  Mixing patterns within one room can be intimidating, but worth the risk.

There are 5 different patterns in this living room

The key to mixing patterns is to make sure the scale or size of each pattern is varied.  It is easier to mix different types of patterns, so they are not competing with each other.  For example, a very common mix of patterned fabrics is the large scale floral, the stripe (or plaid) and a small repeating pattern, such as a pin dot or diamond pattern.  By using three patterned fabrics you are able to introduce additional colors in either a bold or minimal way.  One way to make this combination even more interesting is the select fabrics made of different fibers.  Mix flat fabrics like cotton and linen with those that have a sheen such as silk or polyester silk and if you are feeling daring throw in a chenille for texture.  

Bold pattern to be
combined with
complimentary patterns
 to the right

Another important aspect of mixing pattern is determining how much of a pattern is actually appearing in the room.  A wildly bold fabric is not going to over take a room if it is only on one or two pillows.  On the other hand, a very small scale print used for draperies may disappear if you step away from it.  Putting the right pattern in the right place works to create the desired design effect.  When fabric samples are all the same size it can be difficult to see that a bold print will not take over a space used sparingly.  Using each chosen pattern in varying amount throughout your room creates interest and balance, giving your room appeal.

The neutral backdrop of the rug, sofa and the sheer panels  allows the
pillows and small chair to be dramatic focal points

I have focused on fabrics, but I don't want to forget patterned rugs and wallpaper.   Both add beauty and warmth to a room and need to mix cohesively with the fabrics too.  The same rules apply, mix patterns of different scales.  An oriental rugs can have an intricate pattern that blends well with a large scale print for drapery panels.  On the other hand, a large patterned oriental rug would work better with a large or small scale repeating pattern, such as a Greek key or lattice pattern.   

Red and white in varied patterns around the room.

Try mixing some patterns for your next interior design project.  You will be able to exceed your original expectations for the room.  Remember you can start out with a couple of patterns and layer on more later on as you figure things out and become more confident.

A more subtle mix of fabrics

Again 5 different patterns in one room and it looks

well designed.

Please let me know what other interior design areas you would like to learn about.

Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com.