Mixing patterns is a great way to make it seem like you’ve put effort into the design of your bedroom and not just thrown things together but doing so is also one of the quickest ways to create clutter. The silver lining: You don’t have to be an interior designer. You just need a simple plan. For Bedroom Renovations, visit the Kitchen Refurbishment Company.
Start with a calm base
When your walls, carpet and main furniture are already busy, adding lots of patterns tips it over the edge into too much.
Simple Rule: Leave the biggest surfaces of walls, floor and wardrobe during your Bedroom Renovations, then add patterns in bedding and accessory cushions, curtains and rugs.
Don’t swerve into a massive colour scheme
Patterns can be ugly when they bring in all the colours of the rainbow.
Quick fix: 2 x main colours plus 1 accent. So only purchase patterns that have one of those colours in them. They all come together to form, if you will, a thread.
Use the 60/30/10 balance
The key way to avoid overload is simply control how much pattern you are getting.
Base: 60% plain neutral (duvet cover, walls, large rug)
30%: dominant pattern (curtains or 1 feature cushion set)
10%: a more abbreviated secondary pattern (second pillow or throw, lamp shade)
In a sleeping zone, this makes an atmosphere that’s calm and that almost always counts.
Mixing pattern sizes
If all of your patterns are tiny florals or large geometrics, they fight.
Easy fix: combine:
Big floral/wide stripe
A medium repeat (plaid, small motif)
One tiny pattern (pinstripe or faint dot)
Pair a loud pattern with well-behaved one
You can make both of the statement patterns work but one needs to be a bit more calm.
Good looking examples to consider:
Thick stripe with light texture wrinkle
Floral and small check
Geometric and plain linen look.
Repeat, don’t scatter
If you see patterns in at least 2 parts of the room, they are likely intentional.
Quick solution: Repeating the same pattern (or colour) twice, think; a cushion that matches the curtain treatment and/or an accent blanket to pull out the rug colour.
Quick test before you buy
Lay your top 3 options together (use the photo app on your phone) When your eye does not know where to look, eliminate one pattern or swap it for a solid texture.
