Inspired by the Runway: The Art of Mixing Patterns

The fashion lords and ladies have sung: layouts were large hitters in NYC’s recent fashion week, forecasting prints galore for summer and spring 2012. Obviously, we are not talking just 1 print at a moment: the runway models were brilliant visions of floral, stripes and patterns , all in looks that are singular.

Lucky for us insides people, it is a look that can easily translate to the house. It may appear to be a tricky motif to pull off, but it merely takes training. Have a look at these examples to find out what a trove of patterns can do to help your personal style.

More: How to Layer Patterns Proper

SRM Architecture and Interiors

Get your pattern-mixing feet wet with throw cushions. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to move around, making them excellent items to start your pattern practice. Notice how the middle pillow features a marginally smaller-scaled print, developing a complementary balance between the three.

Shoshana Gosselin

Try building from that point. See how new lampshades or accessories interact with your throw cushions. The smaller scale of this container onto the side table matches the larger patterns scales in the shade and cushion. You’re likely to be hearing the term”scale” a lot in this post. It actually is the key to mastering the pattern-mixing craft.

Nicole Lanteri Design

Another easy place to experimentation: the toilet. Mix and match towels, shower curtains and bath rugs to get a sense of an equilibrium between patterns.

Nicole Lanteri Design

Now your assurance is fostering. Go a little bigger and have a little fun by upholstering your dining table seats in different patterns. Mix a floral brocade with modern stripes. A host chair in one solid colour will ground different patterns.

Once you feel like you’ve got the hang of it, you can really start making some changes, like adding patterned wallpaper. It will bring more texture and colour to a room than paint , of course, enhance the dynamic of your space when mixed with added patterns.

Why do both of these patterns work together? Here comes the rally cry: scale. Additionally, the mixture of shapes, square vs. circle, distinguishes one print from the other.

Blount Architectual and Interior Design

Once you’ve obtained up the wallpaper, think about complementing it farther with patterned drapes. Both of these patterns really possess a comparable scale, but this look works due to the comparison between stripe and zigzag.

Cecile Lozano Interiors

Carry your new patterned drapes into the room with larger or smaller scale patterns on throw cushions.

Janell Beals – House of Naked

When mixing patterns, look at using contrasting colours: it will create that even more of a differentiation between different prints.

Emily A. Clark

Here’s another illustration of contrasting colours. It is hard not to accomplish a fresh, lively sense with oversized contemporary polka-dot wallpaper, but it actually sings in a hot pink colorway mixed with a timeless print in apple green.

Elad Gonen

If multiple patterns and a variety of colours are too much for you, think about sticking to black and white. You may still achieve the mixed pattern look by choosing prints in different styles, like a traditional pattern with a more contemporary zebra print.

Tara Seawright Interior Design

To prevent going visually overboard, you’ll want to incorporate some sort of neutral to ground the look. Sisal or seagrass rugs will do just the trick.

The Lettered Cottage

Apply pattern to the decor and ceiling, but keep the walls basic.

Brian Watford Interiors

Animal prints can function as neutrals. In this picture, zebra print shams equilibrium the surrounding routines.

CIH Design

Here’s another instance of an animal-print ottoman neutralizing an area full of enticing patterns.

Vintage Renewal

To get a significant dab of layout, upholster a major piece of furniture in a vibrant print. Twist it with complementary pattern-filled cushions to bring the piece to life.

Now you have seen several distinct examples, are you going to test your pattern-mixing skills on your home?

Step-by-Step: How to Layer Patterns Right

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