Using patterns in your decor is a fabulous way to perk up your interior and show off your personality. However, you’ll often see many blatant mistakes when you see patterns in somebody’s home. So you can avoid this, here are the 6 awful mistakes people make with patterns in their decor:
Using An Even Number Of Patterns
Using an even number of patterns just looks strange. You should always use odd numbers to make the patterns look amazing. When you’re just starting out, using three different patterns in three different scales is the best idea. Once you’re used to it and you feel more confident, you could potentially try for five.
Using Them In Strange Proportions
Once you’ve chosen your patterns, you absolutely must make sure you’re using them in the correct proportions. If you’re going for three patterns, then using the 60/30/10 rule is a good start. Use 60% one pattern, 30% another, and then 10% another. This will create a professionally put together look. Using the same amounts of each pattern will just look strange. You could potentially create your own proportion rule, but if you want a safe bet, 60/30/10 always works.
Only Using One Pattern
Only using one pattern can look OK, but it’s a little boring, don’t you think? By using 3 or more different patterns, you create far more interest and personality in a room.
Not Paying Attention To How Patterns Tie In With One Another
You must pay attention to how your patterns tie in with one another. Let’s say one of your patterns has teal in it; you can then make sure you have patterned teal curtains to ensure uniformity. They don’t need to be the same at all, they just need to have something that ties them in. Using colors is a smart way to do this.
If you love stripes, you can even make sure you use those in different scales and colors. Using one pattern is OK if you make sure they are different scales and colors. Again, this is a much more interesting way to use patterns!
Matching Your Wallpaper Pattern Scale
Your wallpaper pattern scale needs to have a scale all of it’s own. In general, it should be the largest scale, and then other patterns in the room smaller. For example, wallpaper can be the largest, bedspread the second, and curtains the third. In general, smaller items look better when smaller patterns are being used.
Not Using Them At All
Why wouldn’t you make the most of patterns and what they can do for your home? Subtle patterns that are tone-on-tone and low contrast can look just as good, and will add texture. Don’t let your home look boring!
Turns out that pattern matching in many homes isn’t as effortless as it seems. Making sure you don’t make these mistakes and use the tips given will ensure you end up with an amazing looking home full of fun and personality.
Rebecca x
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