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Inspired by the Runway: The Art of Mixing Patterns
See how to strut the latest patterns with a fashion-forward mix of of color and scale
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
The fashion lords and ladies have sung: patterns were big hitters at NYC’s recent fashion week, forecasting prints galore for spring and summer 2012. Of course, we’re not talking just one print at a time: the runway models were colorful visions of floral, stripes and patterns aplenty, all in singular looks.
Lucky for us interiors people, this is a look that can easily translate to the home. It may seem like a tricky theme to pull off, but it simply takes practice. Check out these examples to see what a trove of patterns can do for your personal style.
More: How to Layer Patterns Right
Lucky for us interiors people, this is a look that can easily translate to the home. It may seem like a tricky theme to pull off, but it simply takes practice. Check out these examples to see what a trove of patterns can do for your personal style.
More: How to Layer Patterns Right
| Get your pattern-mixing feet wet with throw pillows. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to move around, making them great items to begin your pattern practice. Notice how the middle pillow features a slightly smaller-scaled print, creating a complementary balance between the three. |
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Try building from there. See how new lampshades or accessories interact with your throw pillows. The smaller scale of the container on the side table complements the larger patterns scales in the shade and pillow. You’re going to be hearing the word “scale” a lot in this post. It really is the key to mastering the pattern-mixing craft.
by Nicole Lanteri
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Another easy place to experiment: the bathroom. Mix and match towels, shower curtains and bath rugs to get a feel for an equilibrium between patterns.
by Nicole Lanteri
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Now your confidence is boosting. Go a little bigger and have a little fun by upholstering your dining chairs in different patterns. Mix a floral brocade with contemporary stripes. A host chair in one solid color will ground the different patterns.
Once you feel like you’ve got the hang of it, you can really start making some changes, such as adding patterned wallpaper. It will bring more texture and color to your room than paint and, of course, enhance the dynamic of your space when mixed with additional patterns.
Why do these two patterns work together? Here comes the rally cry: scale. Plus, the mix of shapes, square vs. circle, distinguishes one print from the other.
Why do these two patterns work together? Here comes the rally cry: scale. Plus, the mix of shapes, square vs. circle, distinguishes one print from the other.
| Once you’ve got the wallpaper up, consider complementing it further with patterned drapes. These two patterns actually have a similar scale, but this look works because of the contrast between stripe and zigzag. |
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Carry your new patterned drapes into the room with larger or smaller scale patterns on throw pillows.
When mixing patterns, consider using contrasting colors: it will create that much more of a distinction between the different prints.
by Emily A. Clark
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Here’s another example of contrasting colors. It’s hard not to achieve a fresh, playful feel with oversized contemporary polka-dot wallpaper, but it really sings in a hot pink colorway mixed with a classic print in apple green.
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| If multiple patterns and a variety of colors are too much for you, consider sticking to black and white. You can still achieve the mixed pattern look by choosing prints in different styles, such as a traditional pattern with a more modern zebra print. |
by Tara Seawright
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To avoid going visually overboard, you’ll want to include some sort of neutral to ground the look. Sisal or seagrass rugs will do just the trick.
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Apply pattern to the ceiling and furnishings, but keep the walls basic.
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Animal prints can act as neutrals. In this photo, zebra print shams balance the surrounding patterns.
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by CIH Design
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| Here’s another example of an animal-print ottoman neutralizing a room full of enticing patterns. |
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by Vintage Renewal
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| For a big splash of pattern, upholster a major piece of furniture in a colorful print. Layer it with complementary pattern-filled pillows to bring the piece to life. |
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Now that you've seen several different examples, are you going to test your pattern-mixing skills in your own home?
Step-by-Step: How to Layer Patterns Right
Step-by-Step: How to Layer Patterns Right
Comments
mrsben Excellent post! As a hobby sewer IMHO I'm going to add; the weave of a fabric can also dictate subtle pattern. ie: Bedford Cord (ribbed) compared to Burlap (open).
20 months ago · Like
Vintage Renewal Great collection!
20 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 19, 2011.
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