3 RULES FOR MIXING PRINTS AND PATTERNS IN DECOR

One of the aspects of design that seems to befuddle my clients the most is knowing how to (and how not to) mix prints and patterns in their decor.

So I'm going to try to demystify the process a bit here and give you 3 rules to follow that should help you dare to mix, but also keep you in line!

Here are the basic rules, with a ton of examples and further explanation down below.

1. SIZE MATTERS
Scale is one of the most important things to consider when mixing prints.  Make sure that the various prints you are mixing are of noticeably different scale.

2. SOME PATTERNS CAN ACTUALLY FUNCTION AS GROUNDING NEUTRALS

It turns out that more linear prints with a lot of structured repetition like stripes, dots, geometrics, checks, and plaids can actually be used as a grounding, neutral element when combined with looser, showier prints like florals, paisleys, or ikats.

3. LIMIT YOUR COLOR PALETTE TO TIE IT ALL TOGETHER
When mixing prints and patterns you should stay within a fairly defined color palette to keep it from going all the way to crazy town.

Here's an example of scale.  The combo below works because the big, loose, floral pattern on the drapes is a much larger scale than the stylized geometric print on the chair. You'll even notice how the tiny crosshatch pattern on the lamp suits the vignette.

(all photos via my pinterest board)

This pillow combo mixes scale and pattern.  The large scale floral pillow below is set off nicely by the large scale geometric behind it.  The reason we can get away with 4 entirely different prints here is that the small scale prints complement rather than compete with the large scale prints.

See how the striped pillow here provides a needed visual break (i.e. acts as a neutral) between the two botanical prints?

design by Lauren Liess

In this pulled-out shot you see that she actually throws in even more patterns because she can (she does it so well, that Lauren Liess.)  Suddenly a stripe, some geometrics, and a couple of paisleys join the party.

design by Lauren Liess

In this bedroom a floral and stripe combo look great ...

 

Here we have a tight paisley print,  a big, loose fig leaf print, a large-scale geometric rug, and polka dots, all working seamlessly together because if you check, it follows all 3 rules.

 

More floral prints combined with various geometrics ....

See how the linear quality of the chevron stripe here contrasts perfectly rather than competes with the big, loopy, stylized floral print on the settee?

Here a floral, a leopard spot, and a stripe all work harmoniously together because of the restrained blue and white color palette ...

 Same principle in effect here ...

This living room does everything right.  It varies the scale,  contrasts the types of patterns, and keeps it all within a defined color scheme ...

Same here ...

Geometric, floral, large buffalo check, and a tribal textile.  It all works!  Are you getting the picture?

A ton of pattern, but it's working!

The tight, small-scale floral wallpaper here doesn't compete with the much larger scale floral, and the stripe ties in just fine ...

So!  Did this give you a little shot of courage?  I think once you take a second to deconstruct why each of these spaces work, and realize that they're all following my 3 simple rules for mixing, you start to notice the pattern (pun intended!)

Happy Monday and Martin Luther King day to you.  May you mark it in some way by the remembrance of his life.  In fact here's a little clip of my absolute favorite Nina Simone song titled "The King of Love is Dead."  She sang it live to her audience 3 days after his assassination, and it never fails to give me chills and move me to tears.  So beautiful.

click on image to watch clip

CITRON + TEAL COLOR PALETTE

Quite coincidentally I've designed two different spaces recently that both wound their way around to a deep teal and citron color scheme, partly determined by my clients' existing decor, and partly because they're just colors that play well together.

Teal has always been one of my favorite saturated jewel tones.  Used in large doses like on walls, a sofa, or rug, it can act as a foundational neutral in a space, a lot like navy blue does.  So if you're looking for something just a bit less predictable than the ubiquitous grey sofa (not judging, mine's gray), maybe give teal a try!

And look how great a little dash of citron or chartreuse looks in these spaces ... it's an invigorating color that really wakes up a room.  (It happens to be the a main accent color in my design studio, too.)

(all photos via my "Color Palettes" Pinterest page) 

NATE STRIKES AGAIN

I've professed my love and admiration for the design chops of Nate Berkus before, and I'm going to do it again.
His Hollywood abode was just published in Harper's Bazaar and it's a beauty.  I think this is my favorite room.  I swoon over the contrast of the white walls, black ceiling, and gold Tom Dixon pendant.  With the black trimmed doors beyond!?  And those floors...gah!  (Read about my own black & gold Tom Dixon copycat moment here.)






Once again Nate has combined shades of ivory, lots of distressed cognac leather, brass, and doses of moody and masculine black, to brilliant effect.  You know I love that palette.




I myself would not rock a black bedroom, but you can't deny the maximal glam factor of that high gloss ceiling!

Lastly, digging the amazing suits and perfectly coiffed hair, guys.  Looking sharp, looking sharp.