Pattern Mixing

Colour Palette

To mix patterns effortlessly, start by considering your colour palette. The way you combine patterns and colours significantly influences the room's atmosphere. An overload of colours and patterns can lead to a chaotic feel, while too few can make the space seem flat and incomplete. Soft tones like blush, sage, and biscuit can introduce a calming ambiance, while richer hues like olive, rust, and mulberry lend a cosy, moody tone. Knowing the emotions you want to evoke in the room is crucial.

Pattern Scale

Mixing small, medium, and large-scale patterns—whether floral, striped, or geometric—will help create visual harmony. A great starting point is to select a standout fabric, such as a bold floral, classic damask or large-scale abstract, which will serve as your focal point. From there, incorporate smaller patterns through accents like cushions, lamps, or footstools.

Also, take note of existing patterns in the space, such as wood floors, exposed brick, or fireplace details. These elements contribute to your overall pattern count and should be considered when adding new patterns or textures.

Start Small

If you’re intrigued by this concept but unsure where to begin, or if you’re worried about growing tired of bold patterns, keep your room's base simple. Opt for soft paint colours or textured wallpaper, and choose solid colours in materials like linen, velvet, or leather for sofas and headboards, along with plain or textured window treatments. This allows you to experiment with bolder patterns and colours in accessories like rugs, cushions, throws, footstools, and lamps which can be easily moved or altered over time.

Please to get in touch in our consultation section for any questions or if you have your own project you would like to get started on!

Kathryn Kerr, Interior Designer at Beaufort Interiors, Moira