How to Mix and Match Home Decorating Patterns

Home decorating patterns are a wonderful way to add interest, character and texture to interiors. From flamboyant florals to modern geometrics and traditional stripes, patterns are an easy way to inject personality into any room. They can be introduced through wallpaper and wall treatments, fabric and upholstery, rugs, soft furnishings and decorative accessories. When mixed and matched well they can bring life and energy to rooms while being easy on the eye.

The best place to start when considering pattern is by finding the one that suits your personal style. If you’re unsure where to begin, try looking at your existing decor for clues – you may already have a favourite pillow, rug or piece of furniture that reflects your tastes. Then you can build up a colour palette from there and choose patterns to complement it.

Contemporary patterns tend to focus on fresh takes on familiar themes. Florals are a good example – reject any 1990s floral stereotypes you may have and instead opt for more modern designs that are playful and feminine. Coastal themes are another popular trend that can be used to evoke a feeling of relaxation and summery warmth. Geometric and striped patterns are also easily complemented by cool shades to inspire an elegant feel, while brighter colours can be used to energise and modernise a scheme.

Choosing the right scale is also important when mixing patterns. Using too many can create a jarring and chaotic look, while too few will fail to provide enough visual interest. If you’re new to mixing and matching patterns it can help to work out the proportion of each element by laying them on top of your surface or space in question. This can be a great way to get an idea of how the different patterns will work together without making any costly mistakes.

Once you’ve selected your preferred pattern it’s a good idea to limit the number of different colourways in the palette. This will ensure your overall colour scheme remains balanced and cohesive. Using the same hues in all of your decorative elements can also give a room a coordinated and polished look.

It’s also important to remember that patterns don’t have to be used wall-to-wall, especially if you’re nervous about experimenting with them. Adding them to a feature wall in the form of a mural or statement wallpaper can be a great way to introduce them while still keeping the rest of the room more neutral. They can also be effective on furniture such as upholstering a chair or a headboard in patterned fabric.

Whatever your taste, there’s a pattern out there that will suit you and your home. With a little imagination and expert advice, you can easily create beautiful and inviting spaces that are sure to impress. For more inspiration, check out our round-up of inspiring rooms featuring fabulous patterned schemes or see what the experts have to say on the subject in our helpful guide to decorating with patterns.