My Guide to Mixing Patterns and Colors Like a Pro
Bold choices in your home don't have to be scary.
Today’s bonus House Call post is brought to you by our friends at The Inside and is available to all subscribers. Thank you for supporting me at House Call!
Welcome to a bonus issue of House Call.
At the start of this year, I wrote down what I wanted to deliver in my newsletter, a tightening or reframing of sorts. Everything I feel called to write about is about feeling good at home through creativity and play. Designing a Home—and Life—That Feels Like You. I’ll be adding some bonus content in to support this mission.
Many consulting clients want their spaces to feel better. They can't quite identify what is wrong with their current environment, so words like “unique,” “warm,” and “layered” frequently arise. They’re trying to understand why something about their home feels unfinished. Sometimes, this relates to styling; other times, it involves improper furniture layout. The most common feedback I receive is that they are not utilizing a wide enough palette.
Using a broad palette doesn’t mean you go big with color. Even in the most neutral spaces, various patterns and textures significantly contribute to the warmth and depth they describe.
In this bonus issue, we're tackling the art of mixing patterns and colors. From clashing patterns to mixing patterns and neutrals to playing with scale, we'll show you how to create a space that's both visually interesting and harmonious. Let’s get into a few ways you can approach pattern and color mixing.
Patterns and Neutrals
Skirted Track Arm Sofa in Cherry Blossom, Slipcover Swivel Chair in Carmel Performance Velvet, Becket Rug, Glen Table Lamp, Printed Linen Curtain in Citrine Cabana Stripe, Upholstered Double X Bench in Faline, Campaign Chest in Dark Walnut
If you're new to mixing patterns, begin by combining them with neutral colors. This approach will anchor the space and stop it from feeling chaotic. For instance, consider pairing a patterned rug with a neutral sofa or patterned wallpaper with white curtains. The Inside's Skirted Track Arm Sofa in Cherry Blossom showcases this concept well, featuring a blend of striking patterns in neutral hues.
Mixing Scale
English Roll Armchair in Mint Cherry Blossom, Throw Pillow in Nutmeg Velvet, Throw Pillow in Tawny La Vendee by CW Stockwell, Slip Cover Swivel Chair in Coral Performance Velvet, Skirted Storage Ottoman in Tan Baldwin Bamboo, Cheshire Rug, Curves NO.1 Floor Lamp
Feel inspired to combine various pattern scales. This approach will enhance the depth and intrigue of your space. For instance, you might match a large-scale pattern with a small one or pair a medium-scale pattern with a large-scale one.
Clashing Patterns
Skirted Track Arm Sofa in Coral Performance Velvet, Parsons Bench in Indigo Felix, Curves NO.1 Floor Lamp, Braided Jute Rug, Velvet Curtains in Essex Performance Velvet, Club Chair in Red Delphine, Wallpaper in Greige Painted Check
Don't be afraid to mix and match different patterns. For example, you could pair a floral pattern with a geometric pattern or a striped pattern with a plaid pattern. As long as there is a dominant focal point, you can get away with mixing and matching a lot of different patterns within color palettes.
Here are a few favorites:
Go forth and be brave! Mixing patterns and colors can be a great way to add personality to your space. Just remember to choose patterns with similar colors or shapes and ground the space with neutral colors. With a bit of planning, you can create a space that's both visually interesting and harmonious.
I recommend you find which one speaks to your style and comfort level and play around with it until you feel comfortable and confident!
K
