We’ve all been left admiring a beautiful room after it’s owner, upon receiving a compliment said, “Oh, I just threw it all together,” and somehow their “throwing it together” happened to look effortlessly chic and subtly yet perfectly coordinated. But how did they do it?! By learning to mix prints like a pro, you too can achieve this casually curated, high style look.
(photos: rainonatinroof.com, homedesignlover.com, mattersofstyleblog.com)
Choose 3 or more
To create this eclectic and artsy effect, choose three or more prints with a unifying theme–feel free to mix florals and stripes, or gingham with paisley as long as they have a similar visual weight. A good rule of thumb is using 60% your favorite print, 30% your second favorite, and 10% of an accent print–usually the boldest.
Color
Choose a print with multiple colors and then select a less prominent color within that print to accentuate by repeating in another print. Be sure to select prints with colors of the same intensity–pastels will look out of place against deeply saturated tones.
Scale
Use scale wisely. A large scale print might look better on a wall than a pillow, unless your room is small–in which case you can visually expand the space by using wallpaper with a small scale pattern. Using patterns of different scale creates a maximally cohesive effect, but unless you’re only mixing patterns on pillows, be sure to group them. For example, use small prints on curtains or bedspread, medium prints on pillows, and large prints on walls. If your print mixing is confined to pillows, combine various shapes and sizes to further downplay that overly “matched” feeling you’re trying to avoid.
Texture
For an added element of design, play around with different textures! The key here is choosing a unifying weight. Velvet pairs well with other heavy fabrics like chenille or coarse silk; with linen on the other hand, keep it light by mixing it with gauzy cotton or charmeuse.
Don’t forget solids
Avoid an overwhelming and circusy look by making sure to incorporate some solids into your room so your eye has a place to rest. Choose a solid color (or a few) that also makes an appearance in one of your prints to tie it all together.
