How to mix and match patterns in your living room
Your living room does not have to be a dull, boring space.
You can spice it up by bringing in pops of colour and interesting patterns.
And you can even mix and match these patterns for a sophisticated and unique look.
However, you have to be careful of adding too many patterns to your living room, as this could become an eyesore.
If you are interested in creating a living room like no other, read on for some top tips on how to mix and match patterns like a pro.
Determine your colour palette first
One of the challenges of mixing and matching patterns is the ability to determine what will mix well and what will clash. But, before you get carried away with patterns, you will need to think about your colour palette first. This will help you choose the patterns to put into the room.
When choosing colours, decide if you want a warmer palette or a cooler palette. Remember that there are warm hues and cool hues of all colours, so choose one or two main colours and consider an accent colour to add a pop of brightness. For example, you could choose red and grey as your main colours, and use maroon and dove grey as the hues for your patterns. Be sure the colours are complementary and not clashing.
Ground your colours in one spot
Your couch or chair might not be part of a set, but you can change this by using couch covers in matching patterns. Or you can ensure that your couches and chairs complement each other by choosing covers in gradient hues with similar patterns.
Building up a room based on one theme is ideal for mixing and matching patterns. For example, you could design a room based on the colours of a sunset, filling it with warm colours and patterns that relate to the theme. You will need a focal point to give your room symmetry, such as a painting of a sunset or an arrangement on the coffee table that draws the room together. Everything will fit because of this grounding piece of decor.
Choose an odd number of patterns
In decor odd numbers work best, so if you are going to be playing with patterns, you should choose three to start with. Three is the minimum number of patterns you should start with, but do not feel pressured to go above this if you have a smaller living room to play with.
Pick your first pattern carefully, as this will make the biggest statement in the room. It should ideally be a large-scale pattern. For your second pattern choose one that is completely different to the first and half the size. If your first pattern is floral, your second should be a simple geometric shape. The third pattern should be similar to the first two or use the same colours as both in order to keep it looking streamlined.
Keep walls and floors neutral
One of the best ways to create a mixed-and-matched living room is to keep the walls and floors neutral. This way, the amount of patterns will not be overwhelming and the room will look put together, rather than simply an eclectic mess.
If you like your couch covers to remain neutral, you can bring in patterns with large, bright area rugs or scatter cushions. Bold patterns work magically with neutral tones to offset them, so be sure to remember this when planning your living room. By keeping your walls and floors neutral, you can play with bright patterns and colours and really bring the room to life.
Use the same colour intensity
Once you have decided on your colour palette, you will need to choose patterns with the same colour intensity. Mixing pastels with bright colours is not a good design choice as it can confuse the eye.
Pair a large floral pattern with a small floral pattern and a geometric shape because these are all available in the same brightness and colour intensity. If you have chosen a bright colour like red or orange, you should stick to a strong colour intensity rather than mixing them. Your living room will look more streamlined and the patterns will fit each other better. You can bring in lighter hues in small elements such as cushions or throws, but be sure to keep major patterns in the same intensity.
Use your imagination
Using your imagination and creativity is one of the best ways to mix and match patterns. But, you will need to keep in mind what the final product will look like.
First decide on a colour palette to draw inspiration from, then use one spot in the living room to ground the colours. Keep the walls and floors neutral for the ultimate effect, and always choose an odd number of patterns. Soon you will have a bright, unique and stunning room to spend time in.