8 Ideas for Decorating With Patterns
It's all about cozy layers and unexpected details.
The most important rule for decorating with patterns is to have an open mind. Being open to infusing patterns in your home is the perfect way to create a more transitional space. You can always add or remove patterns as you go along. Looking for some inspiration on how to mix patterns or want to get started decorating with patterns in your home? Keep reading for our favorite ideas and tips.
1. Choose a Palette of Patterns
If you need an easy place to start, choose a handful of colors and decorate with patterns within that color family. We love this cozy bedroom that's defined by white, light-washed denim blue, and charcoal gray. Within those three colors, you'll spy several abstract prints and styles of stripes. Decorating with patterns in a limited color palette is easy to do in a bedroom, because you can embrace various textures as well. The coziest beds always have a big pile of pillows on them.
Pro Tip:
Curious about how to create the most peaceful bedroom? Check out our guide 7 Things to Keep in Mind When Styling a Bed for more inspiration.
2. Make a Trio of Patterns
Opting for three distinct patterns is one style trick we like to use when mixing patterns. To make this tip work, choose a large pattern, a medium pattern, and a small pattern. In this calming bedroom, you'll note the largest pattern is the bedding set. It really makes the bed stand out and creates an oasis in the middle of the room. The bedding is paired with an area rug in a similar color that we'd consider the medium pattern. The medium pattern isn't quite as vibrant, but it would probably still be the second thing your eye notices. The final touch is the patterned, geometric chandelier. It adds an unexpected detail to this bedroom while creating a balanced look.
One of the challenges of decorating with patterns is striking the perfect balance. We recommend mixing patterns with solids in order to give your eyes space to rest. We're obsessed with this boho rug and pile of patterned pillows. The beauty of those details is balanced out with a solid gray linen sofa and taupe walls. Take a look at the gray floor as well and how the gray edges of the rug blend nicely into it. Using bold patterns in bursts between solid colors is a particularly great way to decorate if patterns are new to you.
Decorating with patterns might make you think about more traditionally patterned pieces of decor like throw pillows and blankets. Rather than confining your patterns to one or two pieces, disperse them throughout the room to create a balanced look. Consider both the highs and lows of the room: polka dot art for the walls, chevron throw pillows, and an oriental rug. This way of decorating ensures that your patterns will always feel grounded and thoughtful.
Infuse patterns into your home's bedrooms with soft, padded layers. We love how these ikat Euro shams pop when paired with the stripe-textured coverlet. Ikat gives off an earthy, bohemian vibe, making it perfect for creating a relaxing bedroom. Ikat pairs well with stripes, polka dots, plaid, and florals, and it works best when used on throw pillows, rugs, and accent chairs. Soft, cozy ikat pieces also work incredibly well together. Check out these bright ikat Euro shams and muted ikat rug.
Consider making a big statement by decorating an entire wall or the whole floor with one pattern. No wall art is necessary in this gorgeous living room, because the patterned wallpaper is astonishing enough all on its own. When decorating with patterns, you can also roll out a bold rug to make a statement. Keep the rest of the room's decor simple so that your biggest pattern receives the credit it deserves. Are you considering mixing a patterned wallpaper with a patterned rug or furniture? Stick to a similar tone; notice how this living room gravitates toward muted gray, orange, and blue instead of piling on bold-colored patterns.
Plaid, stripes, and chevron are three patterns that make decorating easy, because they can look equally masculine or feminine. We love this guest bedroom where the twin beds are outfitted in crisp white bedding and hints of burnt orange and navy blue. The striped pillowcases and plaid poufs work because of their color coordination and the ample white space. The traditional and classic look of plaid and stripes makes it great for upholstered furniture and accent pillows.
Whether you're decorating with patterns or mixing patterns, paying attention to the details is so important. This breakfast nook is pretty simple at its base: wood furniture, white walls, and no window treatments. But by adding chevron and plaid throw pillows and an oriental rug, it becomes a playful place to enjoy a meal or catch up with a friend over coffee. Chevron and herringbone are both unique patterns because in large prints they look bold and energetic, and in smaller-scale prints they look more formal and traditional. Mix and match patterns like these to make a statement. Throw pillows are the perfect place to add something unexpected. And because the room is otherwise neutral, it makes a great base for adding patterns to a transitional home.
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