Interior design gives you the opportunity to put a unique stamp on your home and showcase your personality. But, paying a professional designer is expensive.
If you want to create a beautiful home but aren’t sure how to mix patterns like an interior designer, our complete guide will provide some vital tips.
We’ll cover each step you’ll need to take and explore how fabric can enhance your home.
1: The colour palette
Before you choose patterns, you’ll need to develop a colour scheme, which will act as the foundation for your interior.
Specialists recommend choosing up to three main colours and then selecting different tones of each colour to create a more complex design.
For example, if you want to create a modern living room, choosing the primary colours black, white, and metallic ensures a contemporary feel, but you can soften it with grey and blue tones.
You can find the perfect colours for your interior by visiting a DIY shop and collecting paint palettes, or using an online colour wheel generator.
2: Select a dominant pattern
Interior designers usually use an anchor pattern, which makes the main statement. Fabric items are great ways to showcase the primary pattern, as they can become the focal point of the room, but won’t overshadow your colours and other elements.
The pattern you choose should align with your design preferences. For example, modern patterns will look out of place in classic homes, so think about the impression you want to create.
Popular dominant patterns include:
- Geometric: Geometric fabric patterns are all about creating visual detail while still offering streamlined designs associated with minimalism. You can go bold with bright colours or keep it simple with neutral tones.
- Animals: Animal print fabrics are ultra-versatile and can suit a range of decor styles. For example, you can choose modern leopard and zebra print fabrics or classic stag designs.
- Floral: Rustic and country homes are the perfect backdrop for floral fabrics, which inject colour into the room and offer neutral or vibrant colours.
3: Mix pattern scales
When combining patterns, you should focus on choosing different scales. If the patterns are similar in scale, the space can feel overcrowded or visually confusing. So, aim to mix large statement patterns with smaller-scale prints to create a cohesive design.
For example, if you choose large-scale patterns for your sofa, use medium or small scales for the cushions.
4: Use different patterns
The best thing about fabrics is that they come in an array of patterns. There’s something for everyone, including bold geometric designs, stripes, plants, and more.
While some people think they should use the same pattern, you can create more visual interest by combining different pattern types, as long as they complement each other.
For example, you can pair a floral print with subtle stripes or add geometric patterns to large-print designs, which enhances visual detail.
5: Keep it odd
Most interior designers use the rule of three when mixing patterns because odd numbers look more natural than even numbers.
If you’re new to design, we recommend choosing three complementary patterns and colours, but larger rooms or those with classic designs can accommodate five colours.
Again, you should focus on one large-scale pattern, one medium-scale pattern, and one small-scale pattern. You can also achieve the same aesthetic with colours, opting for a bold statement tone and then two neutral or darker tones.
6: Think about the room’s purpose
It’s also vital to consider the room you’re decorating. For example, you wouldn’t necessarily want a bold and vibrant statement pattern in the bedroom, but the living room could be a perfect canvas for unique decor.
Bedrooms should be decorated with calm patterns and colours, while home offices may be best with neutral tones and structured patterns.
7: Test your patterns
You might think that something looks good in your head, but there’s only one way to find out: test your patterns before selecting a final design. Most fabric shops will offer affordable samples, which lets you see how each combination looks together.
It’s best to test the fabrics in natural daylight, as it ensures the colours are consistent. Remember to test each pattern both up close and from a distance.
8: Keep it simple at first
Mixing patterns is a complex process, and jumping straight in could result in an interior that doesn’t reflect your style. Instead, choose an accessory to see how each pattern will look in your room.
For example, you can add fabric to lampshades, create cushions, or use table runners. Once you know if you like the pattern, you can focus on larger furnishings.
The bottom line
Pattern mixing can seem overwhelming at first, but practice makes perfect. By following the tips in this post, you can save money on expensive interior designs and still create your dream decor scheme.
Remember to start with the colour scheme and choose patterns that reflect your personal style. For example, if you’re a fan of traditional design, patterns like Herringbone will bring your vision to life and preserve its natural character.
Or, for modern homes, opt for metallics, animal prints, and geometric designs to retain straight lines and create a minimalist aesthetic.
At Yorkshire Fabric Shop, we specialise in providing high-quality fabrics in a range of patterns and styles. From luxurious velvet to soft chenille and breathable cotton, there’s something for everyone.
Take a look at our fabrics today and order small or jumbo samples. If you need any help choosing fabrics, please get in touch with us today.