Many of us get into the habit of using solid colours to decorate our homes because it is easy to mix and match different elements. Before long, however, a home can be awash in an endless sea of solids. The human eye tends to be drawn to patterns and contrasting objects; a room of solid colours can lack depth and focus.
If you flip through decorating magazines, you'll notice that some of the most opulent rooms are decorated with three or more patterns. These patterns may be in the weave of fabric on couches, pillows and rugs, in the texture of various materials, and in the design of wallpaper or other wall treatments. Professional decorators also tend to combine a variety of patterns such as floral, stripes and checks in the same room.
Patterns are an effective way to add visual interest and style to your home. So, whether you are completely redecorating a room or just trying to add some vitality to your existing décor, knowing how to use patterns effectively can give you designer style on a limited budget.
A tried and true decorating principle is the rule of three, which states that you should choose three different patterns. Although it sounds simple enough, you should also keep in mind colour coordination, size, and the distribution of the patterns. The following tips can help you decorate with finesse.
Choose one pattern to be the primary pattern in the room. It should be used for the largest element such as the bedspread, curtains, or couch. Typically, the primary pattern is easy to choose because it is a pattern you really like (or it should be!). The primary pattern should not only have a different design from the second and third choices, but all three should also be different colours. To make your task of creating a harmonious design easier, pick a primary pattern that contains at least three colours. These three colours can then be used to help you select the colour of the other two patterns.
When choosing the secondary pattern, take a close look at your primary selection. If it is a floral print, choose stripes or checks for the secondary pattern and visa versa. If you have chosen a bold geometric design to be your primary selection, a subtle pattern will be most complimentary.
Now consider the size of the primary pattern. If it is a large-scale pattern, your secondary choice should be on a medium or small-scale. How do you figure out the scale? A large-scale pattern can be distinguished from across the room. It tends to be used on large areas such as curtains or couches since it can overwhelm smaller objects. A medium-scale pattern can also be distinguished from across the room but it does not dominate the space. A small-scale pattern will blend at a distance and appear to be a texture or even a solid. Small-scale patterns provide visual relief and a sense of depth to a room.
The third pattern is usually the brightest and boldest - it is an accent that should be used sparingly. Choose the colour for your third pattern by selecting the brightest colour in your primary pattern. For example, if the primary pattern contains dark green, medium green and violet, you would select the violet for the accent.
The size of the third pattern should be small-scale. Because you are already using a bright colour, a large-scale pattern can be overwhelming. The third pattern should be used for smaller items such as throw pillows and chair coverings. As a simple rule of thumb, it should be used one-third as much as the primary pattern. If the colour is very bright, use less than one-third.
The previous tips provide a general understanding of how to select patterns and colours but nothing can really prepare you for the shopping process. You will need to choose from literally hundreds of offerings in wall treatments, flooring, and fabrics for furniture, curtains, etc. Few people have attempted to do all their shopping in a single trip and survived to tell about it! Here are some tricks to make it easier:
Put the pattern on trial. If you're smitten with a particular design, bring home a large swatch of fabric or a sample of wallpaper and live with it for a while.
Look for compatibility. When selecting a wall covering or fabric, ask this question: Is the pattern compatible with the overall scheme of the room, or is it out of character in terms of colour, scale, or style? For example, a tiny country print might look out of place in a room of contemporary furniture, but a bold geometric design adds the right punch.
Bring your own swatches from home to save time. It will be easier to coordinate new designs with your existing décor if you have samples of the colours and patterns in your room. If you can't get swatches, photos can also help.
If you have designer tastes but a limited budget, just buy a couple metres of a desired fabric and use it to make throw pillows or seat covers.
Don't be afraid to use colour. Neutral colours like white and beige are safe but unimaginative choices. Skim through interior decorating magazines for ideas or ask a sales person to help you coordinate patterns. They may be able to offer you a fresh perspective.
Keep in mind the pre-existing patterns in a room. A textured design in your carpet, for example, may clash with some of your choices.
Rely on coordinated collections. If you're starting from scratch, you may find just the right combination of patterns in a wall covering or fabric book. If you're wondering what goes with what you already have, find a pattern similar to yours, then look to see what patterns the pros have mixed with it.
Decorate with confidence knowing that your final selections are an expression of your unique sense of style. [Return to Homeowners Guide]
© Copyright 2006 Sutton Group Financial Services Ltd. |