There are two things I love most about interior design: colour and pattern. You’ll see plenty of both in my designs! But there are tricks to working with patterns so you don’t overwhelm a room. Balance is really the key and there’s an art to that. Try my top 3 tips for layering patterns in a room and you’ll never go wrong!
Cynthia Ferguson Designs
Vary the Scale
You want to use several pattern scales in the room to achieve balance. For example, in the bedroom above I used a very large-scale pattern on the headboard. Then I have a medium-scale pattern on the bed covering. And there’s even a very subtle pattern in the wall covering that comes from the texture. But it’s small and discreet. Layering the size of patterns keeps everything from being too jumbled and overwhelming for the eye.
Cynthia Ferguson Designs
Let One Pattern Be the Star
One pattern should be the “star” in the room - attracting the most attention. In the living room I designed above, that star is definitely on the draperies. It’s bold and dramatic and really draws the eye! Notice how the other patterns - in the chair backs, the rug, and the pillows - are all more like supporting players. That keeps a focal point in the room, which is key for any successful interior.
Cynthia Ferguson Designs
Colour Is Key
Colour is the perfect unifier that helps bring it all together. In the room above, you can see that orange is in every pattern, even in the rug! That helps tie everything together and gives it a cohesive look. You can also add in one pattern that’s a contrasting colour for a little added punch.
Experiment with patterns in your own home, but keep these 3 tips in mind! They’ll help you pull of a layered look with a professional touch!
Until next time,