Pulling Off Patterns

Nothing makes me more aware of the fact that the long winter months are quickly approaching than the first snowfall! Personally, I need a color change to make it through the dark months. The bright colors and bold graphic of Marimekko have become my latest inspiration. Here are a few tips when playing with patterns to help you enjoy your time indoors.

1. When mixing patterns, using similar colors helps with cohesion. Even if the exact color isn’t represented in each pattern, using a series of the same color (3 or more greens) can prevent too many patterns from being overwhelming in a space.

2. Stripes and polka dots are the neutrals of patterns. If you are having difficulty determining what to pair with a more active pattern, a version of one of these may help. As a general rule of thumb, dots will work with other organic patterns (free-form, flowing shapes); and stripes will work well with geometric patterns (crisp lines, squares).

3. The more light in the room, the more colors you can get away with. Have you ever had the lights turned on abruptly in a dark movie theater? Not a great feeling on the eyes. Light mutes bright colors, so if you have a well lit area, it can handle bright colors. If you have a very dark area, bright colors can be harder on the eyes and not have the same effect. In those darker spaces, you may opt for a more graphic print surrounded by neutral colors to give the pop you are searching for.

4.  Combining a couple different white on white patterns will never be wrong. If you aren’t confident in color, using a few prints that are dominantly white and grey makes for an elegant look.  It works best in the bedroom because there is typically enough fabric in that room to give it an inviting feel.  It’s good to note that in other rooms, like the bathroom, it can feel sterile because of the harder materials found there (floor and wall tiles).

5.  Always go with what you like! Love what you are using and you will enjoy it.  The most admired interiors are the ones that represent the people in them, so picking what you love to decorate your space is never the wrong option.