Pattern Play: Mix Prints for a Traditional-Modern Look
See how to layer florals, stripes and geometrics for a contemporary bedroom or living room
Mixing patterns can be hard enough without trying to mix different design styles as well. Sticking to 4 basic steps in choosing patterns can ease the confusion.
For this pattern play I wanted to show you how you can mix a traditional pattern with modern prints. I think this collection of stripes, geometrics, polka dots and even florals could work equally well in a both bedroom and family/living room.
For this pattern play I wanted to show you how you can mix a traditional pattern with modern prints. I think this collection of stripes, geometrics, polka dots and even florals could work equally well in a both bedroom and family/living room.
And always remember this: You can mix multiple medium scaled prints together as long they have some contrasts in color or pattern. You cannot, however do the same with large and small prints. Too many large or too many small patterns will leave your eyes in a tizzy, not knowing where to look. I usually use only one large pattern and go from there.
Magnolia, Biscuit Sand, G P & J Baker
If a large pattern scares you too much to use on something like draperies, then opt for something less intimidating, such as throw pillows. Just take the size of your pillow into consideration when laying out your pattern.
Home Decor Fabric-Annie Selke Links Chocolate
This modern chain link would make a great headborad. It adds just enough fun and pattern, yet still creates a nice backdrop for floral stripes or other geometrics placed in front of it.
Cap Deluca Rosette, Kravet Design
I think this pattern could look great on an armchair, a duvet cover or lumbar pillow.
Cap Deluca, Rosette (Kravet Design-Windsor Smith, $79.00/yd)
Cap Deluca, Rosette (Kravet Design-Windsor Smith, $79.00/yd)
Fabric Pattern 30368-1, Kravet Basics
This would make a gorgeous duvet cover.
Pattern 30368-1 (Kravet Basics)
Next, see some spaces with a nice mix of pattern styles, color and scales.
This would make a gorgeous duvet cover.
Pattern 30368-1 (Kravet Basics)
Next, see some spaces with a nice mix of pattern styles, color and scales.
Here is a great example of how we can visualize patterns in play.
This image illustrates a similar pattern play using a modern floral pattern.
An area rug, wallpaper or even certain accessories are all great ways to mix pattens into your rooms.
More Pattern Plays:
Modern Masculine Mix
More Pattern Plays:
Modern Masculine Mix
1. Pick a starting print. I started with the floral. I knew I didn't want to stay on the traditional train with this set so I needed to keep and eye out for geometrics in any of the color tones within the floral.
2. Build the color palette. With this floral, I could have gone in so many different color directions. There are blues, greens even caramel colors in this print. That's why in our last pattern play ideabook I told you the more color in your pattern, the easier time you will have pulling in other colors and patterns. It will guide you — or possibly confuse you more, so let me explain so that doesn't happen!
Originally, I wanted to pull some blue into this mix. But when I went shopping, I didn't come across any blues that I thought worked well in either their patterns or their color tones. Having that floral gave me insurance in that I could easily pull out other colors and go a different direction while still getting to stay with the original print I loved. I then found the wide, pink-and-white pattern, and the mix started flowing from there.
3. Vary the style. Since I didn't want to stay solely traditional, this is where I could mix things up with the floral and even the stripe, which is often used in traditional designs. The brown-and-white link pattern, as well as the pink and brown link print, added that modern element.
The gold polka dot with tiny crystal? Well, that added sparkle. I think every room needs a bit of sparkle, even if it's subtle.
4. Vary the size of the pattern. The floral is a very large pattern; the stripe, pink- and-brown link print and even the polka dot are medium patterns; and the brown- and-white link is my small pattern. The brown-and-white link print could read medium in scale but with this set, I considered it my small print since it was much more busy than my other medium-scale patterns.