When someone recently asked me how I go about mixing patterns, I had to stop and think about it because I really just choose things without a lot of thought. I tried to pinpoint my thought process and I was able to break it down like this:
STEP 1: Choose a base fabric from which to build around
STEP 2: Find a complimentary fabric by choosing one that is the opposite of the base one;
large scale vs. small scale, or that has a shade of one of the main colors
STEP 3: Choose 3-4 colors on which to focus
Now let’s see that in visual form…
STEP 1: Start with your base:
via |
STEP 2: Pick one of the colors out of your base pillow and use it, or some shade of it:
via |
STEP 3: Choose a color palette, in this case I am going with grey, coral, and gold, and throw in a pillow in the third color:
via |
And now let’s see it all together…
I like that the gold dots are kind of a wild card and add some spice to the mix.
If I were to continue adding pillows I think I would throw in a turquoise stripe.
As for the print on each pillow, I usually seem to have one large-scale print and
then two smaller-scale (less busy) prints.
I also try to find prints that mimic a certain shape…
in my little example above, each print has a round or curved shape.
As for the print on each pillow, I usually seem to have one large-scale print and
then two smaller-scale (less busy) prints.
I also try to find prints that mimic a certain shape…
in my little example above, each print has a round or curved shape.
I know that is not very technical, but
I hope this little break-down helps!
I will try to do some more posts about how to mix up your patterns
because doing so is one of the best ways to make your room unique!
Sara Levitsky says
This is a great way to plan for pillow patterns – thanks! To be even more specific though, I can never figure out how to place patterned pillows – I have a sofa and 2 chairs. How would you place the above pillows in that arrangement?
desingpostinteriors@hotmail.com says
Ah another tricky thing…I prefer the unbalanced arrangement: 3 on one side 2 on the other. So maybe the group of all 3 on one side and then just the two larger ones on the other. Or do the two larger ones on each side and the polka dot one in the middle. That's if you are putting them on a standard sofa, if you have a sectional there are even more options. And as for the chair I would do just the polka dot. Hope that helps!
Sara Levitsky says
Thanks for the advice!!
Sara Levitsky says
I feel like an idiot. I'm trying this right now and I'm stuck!! So to be clear – I have a traditional sofa and 2 arm chairs across from it. I have 3 patterns of pillows – 2 of each.
Sofa – all 3 pillows on one side, and 2 larger on the other?
Chairs – smaller pillows (matching) on the other side? (So I'd need 3 total of the smaller pillows)
Sorry to be dumb about this!
Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says
Beth, I totally agree….Unbalanced! Love all your hints!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
Great post – completely agree!
Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home says
im bookmarking this – great job!