Home design: Don't be afraid to mix patterns
"Gallery," a room by Thom Filicia for the 2012 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Manhattan, combines patterns that aren't even in the same family by maintaining a consistent palette. (May 14, 2012) Credit: Charles Eckert
Watching the fashion runways and reading style magazines, it's clear that what was once unthinkable is now high style. Indeed, the trend that's getting lots of attention is pattern. The new twist is mixing very different patterns and styles for a fresh look. The old rules no longer apply, so if you're looking for a fun way to invigorate your home decor, here are some creative ways to play with patterns:
Bright, bold color is now stylish for walls and furniture in a way it hasn't been in years. Adding a big, dynamic pattern can bring an entire room to life. For example, don't be afraid to place one or two bold-patterned chairs in a room to make a big statement.
Feel free to combine patterns that aren't in the same family. Sure, companion pattern mixing is common stuff in wallpaper books, but the family of colors and styles remains the same. Instead, try mixing a traditional floral with a large geometric print or a toile with a metallic geometric.
To mix patterns well, make sure they maintain the same color intensity. In other words, keep pale colors with pale colors and deep, dark tones with more deep hues.
If you opt for a bright or bold pattern, find a way to pull that pattern across the room, even if it's a single color. You'll visually balance the room by putting a touch of the color (or pattern) on the opposite side.
Don't be afraid to mix patterns in proximity, such as on an upholstered piece of furniture or a bed. Just try to limit the mix to three patterns; cover an upholstered chair in one pattern, the seat cushion top in another and the skirt in a third. Tie it all together with a trim that incorporates all the colors of the patterns to create a cohesive look.
That's because they're natural. In today's interiors, cheetah-, tiger- and zebra-skin patterns can be mixed in a variety of decor styles, from traditional to modern, and they work, no matter what other patterns are in the room.
Tips from area designers
To mix patterns and prints well, you will need to keep one consistent base color or base pattern, and then interject other patterns or colors around that base pattern or base color."
