When decorating do you feel that you are not quite sure how to mix patterns and prints properly? And you end up with a Vanilla Look simply because you are playing it safe? Mixing patterns and prints is not as difficult as it may seem.

Basically patterns and prints fall into one of the following categories:

1. Large Print

2. Small Print

3. Geometric

4. Stripe

5. Solid

When coordinating, it is safe to mix these types. You can mix and match a couple or all of the above. Use color as a tool to tie together various patterns and prints. For a Well Put Together look it is important to achieve the following:

Interest-(Large Print ex. Floral, Geometric ex. Greek Key)

Structure-(Geometric Print/Pattern ex. Argyle,)

Support-(Small Print ex. Hounds-tooth, Stripe, Solid)

*Specific Prints and Patterns can vary largely. As long as you achieve the three requirements above; the actual prints and patterns can vary widely. The combinations are endless. Go out on a limb and pick appealing colors for creative design schemes. The different types of patterns and prints you select should add variety-thus further coordinating a complete scheme.

If you aren’t sure how to make this happen, we are here to help!

When trying to tie colors in with patterns, keep in mind that it is not necessary to have the exact matching colors. You can use lighter or darker shades of the specific colors in your scheme. Shades can vary slightly; colors have a way of looking different depending on what other colors they are next to. Differing shades also help add variety.