Don’t shy away from prints and patterns. While it may seem less of a risk to stick to a neutral colour scheme or monochromatic palette, prints and patterns have the power to completely transform and elevate a space into a chic interior. It’s simply a matter of carefully and tastefully curating the patterns so they work seamlessly together in a complementary manner.
It can be tricky to master mixing and matching patterns. Many interior designers hone these skills over the length of a career, while others have an instinctive, natural aptitude for pairing prints. No matter which end of the spectrum you find yourself there are universal tips and tricks to succeed in this styling process. Here are a few backed by industry professionals.
Tip 1: Rely on a cohesive colour palette
“To find the balance between matchy-matchy and clashing, it’s all about choosing an overarching colour palette,” suggests interior stylist Justina Blakeney in an interview with Architectural Digest.
As the author and owner of the popular Bohemian-inspired blog, The Jungalow, Blakeney relies on the use of a single colour to tie the patterns together. This doesn’t mean you have to pick the same hue but varying light and dark tones of the same base colour will also work harmoniously with the diverse patterns.
Tip 2: Choose a classic pattern across multiple surfaces
Classic patterns, such as stripes, polka dots or chevron, are timeless and have been used decade after decade in interior design.
The bonus of these tried-and-tested patterns is that you are likely to find them in a wide range of surfaces, not just commercial textiles. Artworks for your walls, ceramic vases, candle stands, rugs, throws and even lamp shades can be found decorated with striped, dotted or chevron patterns.
This means you can layer the patterns throughout the room, choosing the same print but in different thicknesses or fading aesthetics. A chevron print can be brought out through a modern, abstract artwork for the wall as well as a crisp upholstery fabric in cushions. The triangular forms can then be echoed by a statement pendant light fixture. Sheer Curtain drapery can then tie everything together to bask a room in light, showcasing a chevron pattern in all its glory.
