Fall Into Patterns

Fall Into Patterns

Update your home this fall with a little pattern refresh. Intimidating to most, embraced by some, and mastered by few, pattern mixing is the most enticing trend going on these days. With all of the tips, tricks, and techniques out there, it’s easy to get confused on how to confidently bring this look into your home. It’s simple to be safe and only bring one pattern into a room, but the combination of multiple patterns bring so much more interest to your home and, as an added bonus, it also seems like you just may have a designer hiding in your linen closet. This look is extremely stylish and so inherently unique that you can be sure your spaces will not look like all the rooms featured in every catalog that arrives in your mailbox.

Living room with blue and beige patterned sofa, floral curtains, and matching wallpaper with patterned pillows

There are many methods for what types of patterns to combine and how to combine them, but the basics really boil down to choosing three patterns in varying scale with coordinating colors.

1. 3 Patterns

The blend of multiple patterns keep thing interesting. Similar to the pleasing look of grouping three objects together, the same goes for bringing three patterns together. There is visual balance found in uneven collections.

Living room with orange sofa, purple and patterned pillows, black and white lamp, and patterned armchair

Here are a few style combinations that work well together:

Large Floral, Plaid, Small Floral

Floral, Geometric, Stripes

Polka Dots, Stripes, Floral

Damask, Polka Dots, Chevron

Floral, Ikat, Plaid

Paisley, Geometric, Stripes

Floral, Stripes, Houndstooth

Floral, Chevron, Damask

Bedroom with blue and white floral wallpaper, matching bedspread, pillows, white bedside table with flowers, and wall lamp

2. 3 Scales

Too many patterns can easily compete with each other and creating a dizzying effect. By varying the scale of the patterns, they complement instead of challenge each other for visual space. Again, the number three comes into play for the win. One pattern should be large scale, the second should be mid-scale, and the third should be a smaller complementary scale.

Living room with white fireplace, beige sofa with pink and blue pillows, floral armchairs with green pillows

Living room with a black and white rug, beige sofa with yellow pillows, white armchair, large windows

3. Coordinating Colors

A simple way to go about tying in different colors is to have the large scale pattern be the most colorful, then the medium scale can have fewer colors, and the smallest scale is best with just one or two. Although this is a solid technique, it’s certainly not the only way to successfully apply colors when working with numerous patterns.

One Base Color

One method is to use one base color throughout all of the patterns. This is a straightforward and calming way to tie different prints of varying scale together.

Bedroom with brass bed, red and white quilt, matching pillows, red nightstand, white lamp, clock

Dining room with floral wallpaper, white chairs, wooden table, white dishes, chandelier, and sideboard in neutral tones

Living room with a blue sofa, floral armchair, pink and white table, colorful pillows, yellow lamp, and framed art gallery

Complementary Colors

Using complementary colors is a good way to add more interest but still keep the color palette from straying too much.

Living room with blue textured walls, a blue and white striped sofa, green armchair, and colorful artwork on the wall

Living room with turquoise walls, purple sofa, floral armchair, blue sideboard, artwork, and Persian rug

Living room with blue sofa, green armchair, floral ottoman, striped blue, green, and white rug

Contrasting Colors

Another approach is to apply contrasting colors. This punchy and energetic look adds excitement to an already interesting mixed décor.

Living room with light blue walls, white fireplace with blue tile, and yellow, blue, and white decor

Living room with yellow striped sofas, blue patterned armchair, floral curtains, wooden coffee table

Bedroom with beige headboard, blue patterned wallpaper, red and white bedspread, blue and gold pillows, black nightstands

Now that you know all about quantity, scale, and color, you need to know where all this pattern is going to go! I find the best recipe for application is to focus on three essential home decorating elements, window treatments, area rugs, and throw pillows. These everyday pieces have the ability to make a major decorative impact, but may also be switched out fairly easy when you’re ready for a new look. Check out the below groupings for some pattern inspiration!

Collage of three home decor patterns: teal scalloped window treatment, striped rug, and bird print pillow Home decor collage: yellow chevron window treatment, multicolored geometric rug, beige plaid pillow in a living roomPattern collage with window fabric, rug, and pillows featuring geometric and floral designs in blue yellow and teal

Collage of fabric patterns including floral window treatment, leafy rug Patterned window treatment, beige and blue stripes, in a living room setting Collage of home decor patterns: floral window treatment, geometric area rug, polka dot throw pillow

Now is the season to fall in love with patterns!