Haphazard does not work, though. It is important to choose patterns that blend well—and therein lies the truth behind the tale. Patterns may mix, but try and ask anyone about the finer points of blending plaids and polka dots, and you are likely to be met with blinking eyes and blank expressions. Do not fret. Mixing patterns is actually much easier than you may think. Just follow these five simple guidelines, and you will be mixing—and matching—before you know it. Multiple patterns of the same type confuse the eye, which takes a moment to register that the patterns are similar but not alike. But varied patterns are instantly distinguishable, creating clear contrast and resulting in fresh and more visually interesting designs. In a room with many contrasting elements, color can be used to create a cohesive feel, tying your different pattern selections together for a polished look. To achieve a well-coordinated effect, you will want to identify a clear color scheme, limiting your selection to just two or three hues. Use solids to establish your base colors, and then concentrate on choosing patterns that fall into that palette. Do not worry if you cannot find an exact match every time. Just use your best judgment to find patterned elements that fall into the same range. By incorporating solids into your design, you will create clear visual boundaries between patterns, eliminating pattern-on-pattern confusion, and giving each patterned element a crisp, clean look. To make sure that each pattern choice makes a cohesive statement, you will want to feature it multiple times throughout a space. Aim for at least three or four uses per pattern. For example, you could coordinate your nursery bedding with your curtains, and use the same fabric to create an accent pillow for your rocker. Like color, repetition—often referred to as “rhythm” in interior decorating—helps to create continuity, ensuring a flowing and well-coordinated design. With a little research into professional design ideas, you too can design magazine-quality kids’ rooms.
