Mixing and balancing patterns

Mixing and Balancing Patterns

A key skill when building a decorating scheme is the ability to combine different patterns, which can definitely be challenging. Here, I share with you a few rules I tend to follow, along with some suggestions of incorporating more fabric into your scheme.

Tips for Combining Pattern

DOS

• Small prints are appealing because they are easier to use due to the scale and repeat being more manageable, and a smaller pattern can also read as a more subtle presence within a room.
• Look out for large scale patterns that don't necessarily read as a pattern - for example the zebra print fabric can almost be thought of as a plain because it's not too busy on the eye.
• Your hero fabric should ideally combine a good amount of different colours, as you will then have a strong springboard to pull out individual tones with other fabrics.
• Within a scheme, I try to include a mixture of textured plains such as linen or velvets, with small scale pattern, a geometric, a busy print such as a chintz and 'drop in' statement fabrics in small doses.

DON'TS

• Be way of using too many small scale prints together, as this can start to feel too busy.
• Don't combine too many monochrome or two tone patterns.
• Try not to create too many blocks of colour; plains are very useful to have, but should also be broken up with different elements of pattern.
• It's a delicate balance between everything being cohesive, and the scheme feeling too matching - try including a pop of something contrasting to throw it off.

Choosing Where to Use Pattern

I really love to cover walls in fabric - paint can sometimes feel quite flat, whereas fabric will offer subtle texture. When deciding which fabric to use, think about the feeling you want to create; linen or cotton will offer a lighter and more airy feeling, whereas something like velvet provides drama and cosiness.

I like to put a pattern on a sofa, as it helps to prevent it from feeling like too much of a heavy block of solid colour within a room. A sofa fabric should be forgiving of everyday use, so try to opt for something that won't show up stains and marks too easily. Armchairs can take a prettier fabric, if they are for more occasional use.

The cost of a fabric can help guide you in your decision of what to put where. If a fabric is affordable, it's a good choice for walls, large curtains or sofa upholstery. If it's one of your more expensive choices, keep costs down by using it in smaller areas such as a blind, cushion or footstool.

Some clients may not want to include too much pattern in a room, but there are small ways to incorporate it without overwhelming the space. For example, adding a border or trim to a curtain can bring some much needed relief to a very plain room.

Lampshades are a brilliant place to introduce pattern and colour. Just be sure to keep referring back to what you have chosen for the walls, and check that the lampshade fabric will sit nicely against it.