Mixing patterns is a great way to add personality to your home. But if you’ve ever tried it, you know it’s not as easy as it looks. Done right, your space looks stylish and unique. Done wrong, it can feel chaotic and overwhelming.
If you’re nervous about mixing patterns, don’t be! We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you get the hang of it and create a home interior design you’ll love.
Start with a hero pattern:
Pick one pattern that you love the most. This is your starting point. It could be a bold floral rug, a striped sofa, or a geometric duvet. Let this pattern take the lead. Once it is in place, choose other prints that support it rather than fight it. Pull colors directly from this hero piece to guide your next choices. This one step keeps everything tied together and stops the room from feeling random.
Vary the scale:
Big patterns need small friends. If you place two large prints side by side, they compete. Instead, pair a large scale floral with a tiny polka dot or a narrow stripe. The eye moves easily from one to the other without getting stuck. This contrast in size creates rhythm and makes both patterns look intentional.
Stick to a shared color story:
Color is your safety net. When prints share at least one common hue, they automatically feel related. Look at your hero pattern and pull out two or three colors. Use these as your palette. A blue ikat pillow can sit happily next to a blue and white check if the blues match. This trick works even with very different styles of print.
Mix organic with geometric:
Curves and straight lines balance each other. Pair a flowing floral or leafy print with something structured like stripes, plaid, or a trellis design. The softness of the organic shape relaxes the hard edges of the geometry. This contrast adds visual interest without tension. It is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel collected rather than decorated.
Use solids as resting places:
Patterns need breathing room. Solid colors act as a pause between busy prints. A plain white sofa, a beige rug, or wood tone furniture gives the eye somewhere to rest. If everything in the room is patterned, the space feels restless. Aim for about sixty percent solids and forty percent patterns for a calm, balanced look.
