MIXING COLOUR, PATTERNS AND PRINTS - The Home Studio

When it comes to mixing colour, patterns and prints, there is no right or wrong way – there are only different combinations. Some people have the confidence to go extremely bold, while others do not. This unique mix created is how we express our individual sense of style. The way you distribute decor elements throughout any given space will lead to a design that’s all your own.

The art of mixing and matching goes beyond details such as colour, pattern, texture and scale. There is also material, shape, weight, depth and other factors to consider.

It is important to point out that just because you want to mix colours, patterns and prints, you shouldn’t automatically assume that your house needs to be very bold with many bright colours. You can choose to do this in a very neutral way, as well as going bright and bold.

We often get asked on how to combine these different decor elements and styles, as well as different time periods. While it’s impossible to say there is one way to do things, there is a general process you can follow to help you get there.

Let us talk you through it…

Featured Images Via Barista Properties and Nest Casa

Image Via Architectural Digest

Choose Your Focus

In every eclectic and bold space, there is often one key piece that sparks the design for the room. It could be a piece of art, an occasional chair or simply some fabric you’ve fallen in love. Once you’ve identified this item, you grow the room from there.

As with any design project, your next step is inspiration, and mostly likely Pinterest – especially if you are intimidated by mixing design elements. Take note of all the different elements at play and the ones you find most interesting and impactful. Then think about why you’re drawn to those elements. Do you like the scale of the furniture? The texture of the fabrics? The entire colour palette or any one of the colours in particular? Perhaps it is just a subtle pattern mix that is calling you, that perhaps you don’t notice at first.

Pick Your Top Five

We suggest identify the top 5 elements you’d like to incorporate into your mix and match design theme. Once you have those identified, we can start the process of sourcing the right pieces to bring the concept to life.

If you are not designing your space without the help of an interior designer, we also highly recommend seeing all the pieces and finishes in person. As interior designers, we have the experience working with many different finishes, and have developed the ability to visualise pieces together and are often able to work with pieces having only just seen pictures of them. We don’t recommend that everyone take this approach. You might not understand how a pattern repeats on a larger scale, or how two or three finishes will look side by side.

With your key items in place, you can then consider what you think is missing from the rooms and what you might add to the mix. Perhaps there’s a lack of depth in the colour palette and you would like to add an accent colour to round it out. Maybe there’s an absence of soft mood lighting and you would like to bring in the warm glow of a lamp or two.

Then we start the layering process. Working the room, piece by piece, swapping and styling items as we go.

For many people, it can feel difficult to start with something that already exits rather than a blank canvas. However we encourage our clients to mix decor elements that they already own. Considering the constraints of what you already own (and a defined space), encourages you to find creative solutions rather than gutting everything and starting from scratch.

Images Via Design Milk