Expert Design Tips on How to Mix Patterns In Your Home Decor

If you think mixing patterns and textures when decorating a room can be a slightly intimidating endeavor, you're not alone. Yet, believe us when we say it's one of the most fun aspects of interior design. Patterns are great resources to create eye-popping spaces that feel unique in style. They cross over many mediums, from the figures in tile and fabric to the veining in marble and the grain in different types of wood. That said, here are a few design tips on how to layer prints, shapes, and colors to give any nook in a home the depth and dimension it's been missing.

1. Don't be afraid to incorporate different sizes

When choosing your patterns, make sure they're not all the same size. Pick a large-scale design for an accent wall, a piece of furniture, or a rug, and use a mix of elements in solid colors or with smaller-scale patterns to break it up. For example, if you pick a rug as your focal piece, you could add a solid sofa and a few smaller-scale patterned throw pillows to balance things out.

2. Dare to be bold but don't overdo it

If you have an intricate main pattern scattered across the room, you can always add variation and contrast by incorporating more simplistic designs that match your aesthetic. Avoid saturating the room by keeping overwhelming patterns, like herringbone or chevron, on a small scale. When mixing, start by picking only one or two options and work your way up. However, try not to do more than four at a time.

3. Pick a color palette and stick to it

Use color schemes with the same tonal family to create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Doing so will still allow you to achieve the variety you're seeking without going overboard. If your main pattern has a multicolor design, you can pick your favorite shades from it and play with them to keep things cohesive.

4. When in doubt, go by the 60-30-10 rule

A good rule of thumb is to let your dominant pattern or color take roughly 60% of your room. Your secondary color and coordinating patterns must be about 30% as not to overpower your larger-scale choice. You can then use the last 10% to feature contrasting patterns and accent colors. While advanced designers can indulge a little bit and manipulate the ratio, the 60-30-10 rule is a good starting point if this is your first rodeo.

5. Mix in some texture

Texture is the backbone of a warm, layered look. It's perfect to subtly elevate the look of any room when you already have more intricate patterns taking center stage. Blend in some velvet, satin, and woven accessories, or let wood, metal, and leather peek through.

When mixing patterns, the right balance between shapes, colors, and textures can help determine the overall vibe of a room. However, there's a fine line between creating a bold space that exudes energy and ending up with a distracting and scattered mess. If you're not quite ready to give bright colors and strong patterns a go just yet, barn doors allow you to incorporate a little texture into your space without risking it too much.

At Barndoorz, we have dozens of high-quality options to match your desired aesthetic. Let us help you tie your whole room together with a timeless accent piece you and your loved ones can enjoy.