Mixing and matching patterns in interior design can elevate your space from basic to bold, creating a visually stimulating and unique environment. However, knowing how to mix patterns can be tricky. Too many competing designs can overwhelm a room, while too few may lack visual interest. At Scale & Structure, we believe the key to mastering pattern mixing lies in balance, color harmony, and understanding your space’s vibe.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best strategies to mix and match patterns in your home, so you can create a space that’s stylish, cohesive, and full of personality!
1. Start with a Neutral Base
The easiest way to begin mixing patterns is by establishing a neutral base for your space. Neutral tones such as whites, grays, beiges, and soft blacks act as a foundation that allows you to add bold and vibrant patterns without the room feeling chaotic.
Why it works: Neutral backgrounds give the eye a place to rest, allowing the patterns to shine without competing for attention.
Scale & Structure Tip: Use neutral-colored furniture or walls and layer in patterns through accessories like pillows, rugs, and curtains. This creates a more balanced and approachable feel while still incorporating multiple patterns.
2. Choose a Common Color Palette
When mixing patterns, choosing a consistent color palette is one of the most important steps. While the patterns themselves can differ in style and size, a shared color palette creates unity across the designs.
How to do it:
- Pick one or two main colors and carry them through all the patterns in your room.
- For example, you could pair a striped rug with floral pillows, as long as they both feature the same accent color like navy blue or gold.
Scale & Structure Tip: Stick to two or three dominant colors and use varying shades of those colors to create depth and dimension. Avoid using too many contrasting colors, as they may make the space feel overly busy.
3. Play with Scale and Proportion
Mixing patterns isn’t just about color—it’s also about scale. Using patterns of varying sizes creates visual interest and keeps the eye moving throughout the room. The key is to balance large and small patterns to prevent the room from feeling overwhelming.
How to do it:
- Pair a large-scale pattern (like a bold floral print) with a smaller pattern (such as a delicate polka dot or stripe).
- For example, a large geometric print on your sofa could be complemented with smaller, subtler patterns on throw pillows, or a wallpaper with intricate details can be paired with a large, block-striped rug.
Scale & Structure Tip: Always start with your largest pattern as the focal point, then layer in smaller patterns. This keeps the room grounded and prevents any one design from dominating the space.
4. Mix Different Types of Patterns
Patterns come in many styles—geometrics, florals, stripes, plaids, and abstracts. Mixing different types of patterns can seem like a challenge, but when done right, it can create an eclectic and visually interesting space.
How to do it:
- Combine geometric patterns (such as triangles or chevrons) with organic or floral patterns for contrast.
- For a bolder look, mix two contrasting patterns (for example, a striped pillow with a floral rug), but make sure that at least one color is common between them.
Scale & Structure Tip: Pair soft, organic patterns (like florals) with harder, more structured ones (like stripes or grids). The contrast in texture and style will add depth to the design while maintaining harmony.
5. Add Solid Pieces to Break Up Patterns
While mixing patterns creates visual interest, too many patterns can overwhelm the senses. To keep the space feeling balanced and cohesive, incorporate solid-colored elements that break up the patterns and provide visual relief.
How to do it:
- Include solid-colored furniture, artwork, or walls between the patterns. A neutral chair in a room filled with patterned pillows, for example, can ground the space.
- Solid fabrics such as leather, linen, or velvet are great ways to add texture and calm the design while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
Scale & Structure Tip: Use solid pieces in calming colors or textures to soften the boldness of mixed patterns. This keeps the space inviting and prevents it from becoming too visually heavy.
6. Incorporate Patterns in Different Ways
You can add pattern to your space in a variety of ways beyond just textiles. Think about incorporating patterns through artwork, wallpaper, or architectural details to introduce variety and interest.
How to do it:
- Use patterned wallpaper or a mural as a feature wall, then layer in patterned fabrics on your furniture.
- Consider architectural patterns—moldings, tiled floors, or patterned rugs can be great opportunities to add texture and design without overwhelming the space.
Scale & Structure Tip: A patterned feature wall or accent tile can help create a focal point in the room, allowing other patterns to act as supporting elements.
7. Experiment with Contrasting Patterns
Once you’re comfortable mixing different types of patterns, try experimenting with contrasts. While it might sound bold, contrasting patterns can create a dynamic and stylish look when done with intention.
How to do it:
- Combine stripes with florals, or animal prints with geometric designs, ensuring that the colors match or complement each other.
- The contrast in shapes and textures will draw attention and give the room a unique character.
Scale & Structure Tip: If you want to take risks with contrasting patterns, limit the number of contrasting designs to two or three to avoid a cluttered feel. Focus on balancing the patterns’ size, color, and proportion.
8. Consider the Room’s Function
The way you mix and match patterns should depend on the function of the room. For example, in a living room or bedroom, you can afford to be bolder with pattern mixing, while in a kitchen or bathroom, it’s best to keep things subtle.
How to do it:
- In spaces like living rooms and dining rooms, you can play with multiple patterns in textiles, furniture, and accessories.
- In kitchens and bathrooms, stick to one or two subtle patterns, like a patterned backsplash or curtains, to maintain a clean and functional aesthetic.
Scale & Structure Tip: For smaller spaces, limit the number of patterns to avoid making the room feel cramped. A few bold, strategically placed patterns will give the space personality without overcrowding it.
