Mixing it up: tips to combine patterns

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) -  

People tend to shy away from mixing patterns simply out of the fear of not knowing what to match up. Well, that is about to change! Apartment Therapy has an article on great ideas on how to get your feet wet and give you confidence to mix things up!

Here’s the crash course:

The Magic Number: When grouping, odd numbers work best. Three is a good number to start with:

• Pattern 1. This pattern should be your favorite and the strongest statement. Pick something you want to go off for the rest of the room. Start with a large scale pattern.
• Pattern 2. There should be a couple of the same colors as the first pattern, but the scale should be half of the first. So, think smaller patterns for this one.
• Pattern 3. Find a pattern that complements the other two or go for a textured neutral in a smaller scale.

Color Intensity: Stay with the same color tones and intensities in the patterns. “Veer away from mixing primary colors with pastels, or muted ones with jewel tones. ”

Solids and Textures: Solids and textures help balance and separate. You need a place for the eye to rest so don’t put too many patters on top of each other.

Graphics: A great way to add an eye catching element to unify the space is with a black and white graphic.

White: A great base that brings everything together. You patterns will make a bright, vibrant statement with white. Just make sure to keep it crisp and clean.

Pattern Buddies: There are tons of patterns that look great together! Here’s what works!

• Polka Dots, Textures and Graphics
• Small Polka Dots, Stripes, and Floral
• Plaid, Paisley, and Graphics
• Chevron, Floral, and Geometric
• Toile, Texture, and Stripes
• Animal Prints and Texture
• Damask, Floral, and Stripes

How do you like to mix it up? Share your comments here!