8 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Patterns
It's all about the unexpected details.
The most important rule for decorating with patterns is to have an open mind. Being open to inject patterns in your home is the perfect way to create a more transitional space, and you can always add or remove patterns as you go along. Looking for some inspiration on how to mix patterns or want to get started decorating with patterns in your home? Keep reading for our favourite ideas and tips.
1. Choose a Palette of Patterns
If you need an easy place to start, choose a handful of colours and decorate with patterns within that palette We love this cosy bedroom that's defined by white, light-washed denim blue and charcoal gray. Within those three colours, you'll spy several abstract prints and styles of stripes. Decorating with patterns in a limited colour palette is easy to do in a bedroom, because you can embrace various textures as well. The cosiest beds always have a big pile of pillows on them.
Tip: Curious about how to create the most peaceful bedroom? Check out our 7 Things to Keep in Mind When Styling a Bed guide for more inspiration.
2. Make a Trio of Patterns
Opting for three distinct patterns is one style trick we like to use when mixing patterns. To make this tip work, choose a large pattern, a medium pattern and a small pattern. In this calming bedroom, you'll see that the largest pattern is the bedding set. It really makes the bed stand out and creates an oasis in the middle of the room. The bedding is paired with an area rug in a similar colour that we'd consider the medium pattern. The medium pattern isn't quite as vibrant, but it'd still be the second thing your eye notices. The final touch is the patterned chandelier. It adds an unexpected detail to this bedroom while creating a balanced look.
One of the challenges of decorating with patterns is striking the perfect balance. We recommend mixing patterns with solids in order to give your eyes space to rest. We're obsessed with this boho rug and pile of patterned cushions. The beauty of those details is balanced out with a solid gray linen sofa and taupe walls. Take a look at the gray floor as well and how the gray edges of the rug blend nicely into it. Using patterns in bursts between solid colours is a particularly great way to decorate if patterns are new to you.
Decorating with patterns might make you think about more traditionally patterned pieces of decor like throw pillows and blankets. Rather than confining your patterns to one or two pieces, disperse them throughout the room to create a balanced look. Consider both the highs and lows of the room: polka dot art for the walls, chevron scatter cushions and an oriental-style rug. This way of decorating ensures that your patterns will always feel grounded and thoughtful.
Infuse patterns into your home's bedrooms with soft, padded layers. We love how these ikat Euro pillow shams pop when paired with the stripe-textured blanket. Ikat gives off an earthy, bohemian vibe, making it perfect for creating a relaxing bedroom. Ikat pairs well with stripes, polka dots, plaid and florals, and it works best when used on throw pillows, rugs and accent chairs. Soft, cosy ikat pieces also work incredibly well together. Check out these bright ikat Euro shams and muted ikat rug.
Consider making a big statement by decorating an entire wall or the whole floor with one pattern. No wall art is necessary in this gorgeous living room, because the patterned wallpaper is astonishing enough all on its own. When decorating with patterns, you can also roll out a bold rug to make a statement. Keep the rest of the room's decor simple so that your biggest pattern receives the credit it deserves. Are you considering mixing a patterned wallpaper with a patterned rug or furniture? Stick to a similar tone; notice how this living room gravitates toward muted gray, orange and blue instead of piling on bold-coloured patterns.
Plaid, stripes and chevron are three patterns that make decorating easy, because they can look equally masculine or feminine. We love this guest bedroom where the twin beds are outfitted in crisp white bedding and hints of burnt orange and navy blue. The striped pillowcases and plaid pouffes work because of their colour coordination and the ample white space. The traditional and classic look of plaid and stripes makes it great for upholstered furniture and cushions.
Whether you're decorating with patterns or mixing patterns, paying attention to the details is so important. This breakfast nook is pretty simple at its base: wood furniture, white walls and no window treatments. But by adding chevron and plaid scatter cushions and an oriental-style rug, it becomes a playful place to enjoy a meal or have a coffee. Chevron and herringbone are both unique patterns because in large prints they look bold and energetic, and in small prints they look more formal and traditional. Throw pillows are the perfect place to add something unexpected. And because the room is otherwise neutral, it makes a great base for adding patterns to a transitional home.
