Confession: I’m a solids kind of girl. Putting different patterns next to each other makes me very nervous; like turn my stomach in knots kind of nervous. I’m so afraid it will look ridiculous, like a little kid trying to dress himself, that I avoid the issue altogether and put BIG solids between each pattern. The same concern plagues me with clothes. I’m not the only one who worries about this, am I? Since this blog’s purpose is as much to push myself as it is to provide all of you with inspiration, I said the hell with it! and got to work.
The latest Land’s End catalog was my inspiration because of a classic quatrefoil duvet cover from the new Copper Harbor collection. Navy with a hint of red and pinstripe borders, it reminded me of a preppy college kid watching the Head of the Charles regatta on a fall day. With that, a masculine bedroom was born:
$179 - westelm.com
$24 - westelm.com
$200 - worldmarket.com
$27 - westelm.com
$170 – landsend.com (queen size)
This bedroom design works for me because the patterns maintain the same color scheme of blue, red, and white. The gold splotches on the modern pillow pick up the gold in the rug. Additionally, I made sure that everything had rounded edges – from the curves of the quatrefoil to the medallion on the Persian rug, to the splotches and swirls on the pillows. Even the table carries the curves through to the end.
Both decorating and dressing provide opportunities to extend yourself and see how much change, contrast, patterns, or colors you can tolerate. What I’m discovering (albeit slowly) is that I actually do like to mix patterns. To achieve a look I’m happy with is simply a matter of taking time to experiment before I lay down my credit card.
What are your tricks for mixing patterns? I’m a novice, folks – I’d love to hear your suggestions for making the pattern process a bit less scary!
It’s really pretty simple. Keep them all in one color story and use a small, medium and large print and there you have it. For example, a large floral pattern in shades of red, blue and greenon a white background, add a medium sized plaid with those shades and a small red pinstripe and you are all done!
Thanks for the great tips, Diane!
I’m a lot better with mixing patterns for my wardrobe than for my rooms. I think that’s because clothes aren’t the investment that furniture is and mistakes aren’t as costly. I can return a blouse, I can’t return a sofa. LOL!
I like the mood board you put together. I could see swapping out the rug for one with more blues in a graphic pattern or maybe even one in a stripe, it would change the look without costing much.
Karen, great suggestion for a rug with more blue in it. I think stripes would have been the way to go.
That water splash pillow is so fun!
I like the splash pillow as well and also the pillow covers, although they don’t look like they go together.
Dennis – I agree it’s hard to tell online whether or not they really go. That’s always a challenge! Next time I’m at West Elm I’ll see how it works in person.
I remember my son who was fuming mad when he found out his room was immaculately clean with a flowery bed sheet which I purchased on a flea market sale. LOL.
Very nice stuff for the office..Thanks for sharing. GREAT! |
I think that’s because clothes aren’t the investment that furniture is and mistakes aren’t as costly. I can return a blouse, I can’t return a sofa. LOL!
Nice designs to add up the beauty of your furniture. Thanks for sharing with us your great idea.
I think that’s because clothes aren’t the investment that furniture is and mistakes aren’t as costly. I can return a blouse, I can’t return a sofa. LOL! |