It is almost the Fourth Of July, and the Stars & Stripes always comes to my mind – even before fireworks and outdoor barbecues. I love what the stars and stripes stand for (read more about that HERE) and the way our nation’s flag is designed is just a beautiful testament to how to mix patterns.

Stars & Stripes

Here are a few key points to keep in mind when mixing patterns:

1.- BLEND SIMILAR COLOR PATTERNS. The zig zag and flame stitch patterns on the pillows below are similar enough to complement each other.

Zig Zag + Flame Stitch

2.- USE A LIMITED COLOR PALETTE. This ‘Tween bedroom has a LOT going on in it. What makes it work is that we used a limited color palette: black, white, gray, turquoise and a pop of red. And yes, there is a dash of bright yellow mixed in. This Tween loved color!

Mixing Patterns: Tween Room

3.- CHOOSE ONE PATTERN TO DOMINATE AND ANOTHER ONE AS AN ACCENT. For the life of me, I cannot turn the image below so that it is right side up, but I love this pattern combination so much that I wanted to include it. You can still get the picture. We are using these two fabrics on the front and back of some swivel chairs for a project we are currently designing for a wonderful client. What makes it work is that the bold pattern gets the spotlight, while the secondary pattern looks almost neutral paired with it.

Front & Back Fabric Patterns

4.- REPEAT THE PATTERN IN A DIFFERENT SCALE. This area rug in purple has some gorgeous diamonds that repeat in it’s pattern. We grabbed a hold of that pattern and repeated it in the roman shades to be installed in the same room.

Mixing Patterns: Area Rug + Roman Shade

So which patterns do you like to mix? Or do limit your mixing of patterns to simply hanging The Stars & Stripes on your porch’s flag pole? If you need help creating a design that includes mixing colors and patterns, give us a call – we would love to help!

XOXO,
Michelle Lynne

P.S. I am also on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz – where you will find more images that don’t always make the blog or the website.