Mixing It Up

It can be a challenge to create the prefect blend of patterns without going over the top. So here are some basic rules to follow. Have fun and don't be afraid to play with patterns. Keep in mind that there is a fine line between a pleasing mix and mishmash of disparate elements. In order to achieve a tasteful blend, consider working with theses strategies.

1. Make a color connection: Patterns, textures, and trim are easy to match when you design a room around colors. Repeat a color will actually pull a room together. For example a light fresh green can be incorporated in bedding, the carpet, and a favorite armchair in a bedroom.

2. Let a dominant print take over. A strong print will establish a theme and help with bringing our other less- dominant patterns. Large scale prints are what are called "Powerful Patterns." Large scale prints can be use on walls, furniture, carpet or accessories, but they should be balanced with a smaller, complementary print elsewhere in the room. You could use a really playful print in the master bath instead of the bedroom, but to tie it together you could have pillows made of the same print and placed on the bed. I don't recommend busy large prints in a bedroom; you want to create a more serene feel for that space to help induce your mind's eye to be calm.

3. Start in neutral. Beige, black, white, gray, ivory and brown all provide simple backgrounds for rich mixes of patterns and textures.

4. Use patterns everywhere to achieve a layered look; details in the room should be compatible yet playfully contrast one another.

5. Keep the numbers of patterns to a maximum of four in one room.

6. Avoid a cluttered look and distribute patterns throughout the room.

7. A mix of scaled patterns can be wonderfully pleasing and support each other.

8. If you are mixing patterns in adjoining room, it's important to have a color or a weave that connects stripe.

9. Large-patterned wallpaper is best reserved for an accent wall.

10. One pattern rendered in a mix of colors can be used to great effect.