Do you mix patterns in your home decor? Layering with patterns increases the drama and depth of a space but can be one of the greatest challenges to get right. Paula Hoyas from La-Z-boy makes it easier for us all in the following article in which she shares her guidelines.
Remember when you thought you’d never learn to balance your two-wheeler? That’s how many people feel about mixing different patterns in the same room. Yet, this is one of the most sophisticated and enduring looks in home decorating today. It’s also one of the most intimidating process a do-it-yourself decorator can face. The good news is that once you master mixing and matching, decorating becomes as easy and as fun as riding a bike.
According to Paula Hoyas, product manager for major upholstery for La-Z-Boy, the following guidelines can help make pattern mixing a breeze:
Identify one pattern as your reference point. Start by selecting a dominant pattern as your reference point. This pattern might be found in an upholstery fabric, wallpaper or a rug. Use this pattern as a reference point for selecting colors and other patterns to incorporate throughout the room.
Rule of threes…
• Remember, color is the key. “As long as patterns share some common hues, they can be very different and still look sensational together,” says Hoyas. “For example, if your reference point is a paisley sofa pattern in predominately blue, green, and grey, you know to look for other fabrics and textiles with these same colors. You might try a blue, grey and green stripe or chevron on a companion chair, for instance. Or you might put a small blue and green print or check on walls or draperies.”
• Be consistent in style. Every room will have a style — whether it’s traditional, contemporary or eclectic. When mixing patterns in a room, it is important to keep within the same style family. Consistency in style is a simple way to rule out clashing patterns and to insure a balanced look in your decorating scheme. “As a rule, traditional designs work best with other traditional designs, contemporary with contemporary, and so on,” Hoyas explains. “It’s also important to identify whether patterns are formal or casual and to keep these choices consistent as well.”
• Let texture add variety — and spice — to a room. For the most sophisticated mix, include variations in texture in your line-up of patterns. A woven plaid fabric on a sofa, for example, can be dramatically contrasted by plush corduroy on an occasional chair. Similarly, chintz curtains can handsomely contrast a soft leather recliner.
As always, we hope that you enjoy this post and find it helpful in restyling the place you live into the place you love!
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