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Wednesday
Jul272011

Design 101 - Mixing and Matching Patterns

Walt Disney Mix and Match Paterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs at Home Infatuation BlogWalt Disney Terrene Outdoor Rug

In concept I love the idea of mixing and matching loads of patterns and colors.  In practice I never can seem to get over my pattern and color insecurities.  I longingly pour over magazine and blog photos of designer spaces that are a skillful explosion of pattern and color and promise myself that with each new design opportunity I will full-heartedly take up this design challenge.  I don't know about you but for me I need some rules for such an outside of the box design concept.  I figure if I'm following "the rules" I can't go wrong!

Rule #1 - Stick to a limited color palette.

Your design is going to be interesting enough with a variety of patterns don't kill the effect with too many colors.  When mixing and matching patterns keep your color palette to one or two at the max colors.
Red Disco Outdoor Rug
Mix and Match Patterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs at Home Infatuation Blog

 

Rule #2 - Compare your color swatches with a critical eye.

Colors come in many shades and you want to be sure that you don't complicate your mix and match pattern scheme with variations in color hues. Stay within the same color hue in order to keep your design "clean".
Decor Pad

Decor Pad Mix and Match Patterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs at Home Infatuation Blog

 

Rule #3 - Give your patterns some space to shine.

Too many patterns in one location impedes you from creating a strong visual focal point ultimately diminishing the visual power of the pattern.  Space out patterns a bit so in each area of the room a pattern takes center stage.
Decor Pad

Decor Pad Mix and Match Patterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs 2 at Home Infatuation Blog

 

Rule #4 - Vary the size and scale of the patterns.

Mix and match really does mean mix and match.  From tiny to bold prints, stripes to floral - go wild!
Decor Pad

Decor Pad Mix and Match Patterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs 3 at Home Infatuation Blog

 

Rule #5 - Keep your furnishing simple.

Embrace your love of beige!  Neutral furnishings create a wonderful backdrop for a powerful color choice and loads of patterns.
Eva Lindh
Eva Lindh Mix and Match Patterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs at Home Infatuation Blog

 

Rule #6 - Use accessories to introduce accent colors.

You may have been limited to one or two colors max for your mix and match color scheme but that same rule does not apply to your accessories.  Accessories are a great way to add splashes of a contrasting or complimentary color to your mix and match design.  Planters, lights, artwork and pillows are all accessories that are good candidates for the use of accent colors.
Real Simple
Real Simple Mix and Match Patterns Luxury Outdoor Rugs at Home Infatuation Blog

 

More Info on Mixing and Matching Patterns

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