Mixing Patterns and Colors
Room by Room : Episode RXR-1803 -- More Projects »
Host Shari Hiller offers these tips regarding the art of pattern mixing:
- Always use at least three patterns together in a room to create a complete design statement--two just isn't enough to tell a full color and pattern story. One of three patterns, which is typically a floral, should be larger than the rest and hold the entire color scheme because it's the focal point of the combination of patterns and it usually sets the style for the room.
- The second pattern should be about half the scale or size of the first and shouldn't hold as many colors so it coordinates but doesn't detract from the larger one. The pattern itself should be quite different, like a plaid, as geometric shapes are in full contrast to soft florals.
- The third pattern can be similar to either of the other patterns and use two or three of the scheme's colors (figure A).
- If desired, add another pattern such as a tiny check to use as welting on pillows and bedcovers. Add even more patterns as long as they don't detract from each other and continue to build on the color scheme.
- As for scale, do start with a large-scale focal point fabric, do add a smaller scale plaid but do not add another pattern like a stripe in the same scale as the plaid. Instead of a stripe, add a printed texture in a very small scale using two of the colors.
Here's a color tip: Be sure that each of the whites in the chosen patterns is in the cream, off-white or bright white family. This is important because you never want to mix whites and off-whites when combining patterns--if they don't match, the fabric will stand out and take away from the lovely combination already developed. Adding a cream accent fabric rather than a bright white one works best in this combination (figure B).Don't let the fear of mixing three different patterns leave you perplexed. Just remember: large scale with many colors, medium scale with some colors and small scale with just a few. Don't mix whites with off-whites and you'll be well on your way!
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![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/04/17/rxr1803_2figB_bluepatterns_e.jpg",350,450))
