How We Strategically Mix and Match Patterns for Your Updated Space
I'm so happy that I'm seeing more and more color coming through my workroom. Mainstay pieces should of course be neutral and stand the test of time, but smaller fabric elements (like window toppers and pillows) should be more fun and incorporate mixed, colorful patterned fabrics and textures.
Step #1: Play Around with a Curated Color Palette
If you come to me with an idea of what colors you do and don't like, we can work together to mix the right variety of fabrics into your project. Back in the day we would go to magazines for our inspirations, but now the internet is the perfect place to start. Just a simple google search of images using the name of the room and the mood you want to create show hundreds of rooms to inspire you. Pinterest and Houzz are also great places to start. Once you have a collection of spaces you like, we can sit down and go back through them to see their commonalities to use as a jumping off point when selecting the soft finishes for your home.
Step #2: Decide on the Essential Design Bridge Element
A design bridge element is a piece that inspires the color palate. It can be a rug, artwork, wallpaper, or even a multi-color drapery fabric that we can pull from. Once this item is chosen, then the fun truly starts. Enlisting the help of a designer is a great idea if you aren’t sure what your bridge element is or should be.
Step #3: Source Items in an Assortment of Scales
The best way to incorporate multiple patterns into a space is to mix up their scale. Having a large, medium, and small scale pattern with a solid texture that ties it all together is the tried and true strategy. Some fabric books do this for you. Sometimes a visit to a showroom (we can go with you) helps you visualize the design as well.
Step #4: Test the Design Using Tried-and-True Tools
There is nothing that can replace holding the fabrics in your hand. That is why I strongly recommend seeing swatches in person and in your space when at all possible, especially if the design bridge element is too large to bring with you to the showroom or my workroom.
Step #5: Incorporate it All for a Thrilling Install Day
There is nothing as exciting as install day. Seeing all of the fruits of our labor in your finished space is the best part of my job. We take pride in all the soft finishes we make, and on install day we get to see it all come together.
Pattern mixing takes a little forethought, but honestly it is why pillows are one of my favorite design elements. They are small, easy to change out when you tire of them, and lend themselves so easily to color and pattern mixing.
Is there a pattern you've been crushing on lately? We want to see it. Email it to me!
Until next time,
Callie