How to Mix and Match Patterns Like An Interior Designer: A Guide to Elevating Your Home's Aesthetic
When it comes to bringing your breathtakingly gorgeous space to life, we have quite a bit of designer awesomeness up our sleeves. (psst… Mixing patterns falls into that category!)
If knowing when + where to add that sizzle to your home eludes you or makes you feel more than a tad bit overwhelmed… not to fret, we’ve got your back.
So how do you mix patterns in your home, in a way that's less messy bun + more holy chic?
Well, you work with an interior designer at Elegant Simplicity, of course *wink*
Jokes aside, come closer friend + let us tell you a little secret to elevating your homes aesthetic with pattern…
Understanding the Basics of Pattern Mixing
Before diving into the world of mixing patterns, let’s really just spend a moment on grasping the foundational aspects + principles of pattern itself. This will help guides as we’ll be speaking the same love language for the rest of our time together *wink*
Scale and Type Matter When Mixing Patterns
When it comes to patterns, balance is key. And size matters, my friend *wink*
A home that feels harmonious often does so because it features a combination of what we find in nature. And what we find in nature is perfectly-imperfect balance.
Think about a walk through the forest, everything feels cohesive but there’s imperfection all around you. And the same thing is true in your home — it should have that imperfect balance, that makes it feel natural.
So how does all this really relate to your home? Well when mixing patterns, it’s ok to have bold, large-scale patterns mixed with smaller, more subtle design patterns.
This contrast ensures that no single pattern overwhelms the space, while also adding depth and interest. Two large patterns together will both be waving their hands in the air for your attention, but a small + a large pattern will be the best of smiling buds!
Each pattern has a size—small, medium + large—and you want to make sure to mix them not match them.
For example, pairing a large floral print with a small subtle pattern creates an Elegant Simplicity® aesthetic. It’s imperfect yet balanced.
Unify Patterns With Color
Another basic for mixing patterns is creating a consistent color palette.
What color does is serves as a unifying thread that ties diverse patterns together. While patterns may be large or small creating a cohesive look is paramount to really mixing and matching patterns.
Patterns don’t have to be full of color either but it is extremely important to know whether or not we’re contrasting colors + patterns or utilizing tone-on-tone patterns to create depth + character.
One example of this would be to select a pattern with color to dominate the space, perhaps that’s a wallcovering, + then introduce a few accent hues that have a less dominant presence to maintain balance and harmony, say in the throw pillows or blankets.
Patterns In Print
Whether you notice them or not, every design includes a “bridge,” the one or two pieces that bring contrasting elements + make them work together in your space.
This is especially true when it comes to mixing patterns!
The best bridge in this case is one delicious, flavored with magic pattern, that brings together ALL the colors of your palette.
Some of our favorite ways to unify contrasting elements in a home are area rugs. They add a layer of luxury but can be exciting in pattern + texture without overwhelming a space.
Drapery is another fantastic bridge as are art, throw pillows + wallcoverings. We’ll get to these below :)
The Role of Texture in Mixing Pattern
Let’s keep it real friend, texture is critical as it can be just as impactful as pattern when designing a space.
Texture adds a layer of depth, interest, and feeling to your home. Now, texture and pattern marry so well together when texture is blended with pattern to compliment or make a statement for what else is going on around it.
Patterns In Tile, Flooring or Millwork
We often get stuck on thinking patterns only appear in wallcoverings (which we’re going to cover below) or in fabric.
But that’s a very limiting focus for pattern. Patterns can be incorporated in a textured tile layout, a wood flooring layout or a millwork + wall detail as well.
In fact, a home with an elevated aesthetic uses simple elements in unexpected ways.
Textured Solids as Patterns
Another area where texture appears to embellish mixing patterns in your home are in textured solids.
In a space where you’re trying to create a sophisticated aesthetic, textured materials — from boucle fabrics to natural stone surfaces — can play a crucial role.
These elements, while solid in color, introduce a tactile quality that enriches the overall design, providing a perfect backdrop for more intricate patterns.
We told you mixing patterns elevated your home *wink*
Making a Statement with Wallcoverings
One of the more on the nose aspects of mixing patterns is introducing wallcoverings to a space.
Wallcoverings, specifically, wallpaper offer a way to incorporate a pattern into your home that sets a tone for the entire home or room.
Choosing the Right Wallcovering
If you’re looking to make a statement with your wallcovering, consider a large-scale pattern that will anchor a room. What large-scale patterns do is prove a focal point for the eye to anchor and for you to begin building your room around.
We always say, when selecting any wallcovering but specifically wallpaper, consider how it will interact with other patterns and textures in the space.
For example, a geometric wallpaper, pairs beautifully with organic patterns + textures that creates a cohesive + also layered aesthetic to your home. If you choose a bold wallpaper, then select materials, fixtures and finishes throughout the space that subtly complement this pattern.
On the contrary, if a neutral wallpaper is selected, then you can feel really comfortable mixing in layers of pattern throw pillow covers and blankets to create a well-thought out feeling to the space.
Where To Start Pattern Mixing
The first step in mixing and matching patterns is to identify a starting point — a piece or design element that inspires you.
Building Around a Focal Point
Whether it's a vibrant throw pillow, an eye-catching piece of wallpaper, or a textured piece of boucle furniture, start with what you love and build from there. In other words, design around a focal point.
This approach ensures that your space not only looks cohesive but also resonates with your personal style.
Choose Timeless Over Trendy
One of the foundational elements to our signature style at Elegant Simplicity® is that we are unapologetically neutral — for your sake, not ours. We love to ensure that the staples of your design are subtle + timeless and that we incorporate patterns + colors through textiles like pillows, throw blankets + rugs.
These things are more easily swapped out + over time gives you a perfect refresh without starting completely over. Staple furniture is like your capsule wardrobe, where pattern + color are like your accessories.
Mixing and matching patterns is a powerful way to elevate the aesthetic of your home. Mixing patterns this way — allows you to express your story + creativity while achieving a space that feels both curated, comfortable, and timeless.
That’s our rift for today, thanks for tuning in :)
Don’t forget, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of your next project, let’s chat.