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.

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.