 
HOW DO I COORDINATE PATTERNS?
Let’s take a
simple quiz to determine your expertise in this area of interior
design.
True or
false?
1. There are no rules to
mixing patterns.
- Color is the
great common denominator.
- Five
patterns in the same room are too much.
- The best
combination is a large, a medium, and a small pattern all from the
same color palette.
- It is o.k. to
use a large scale plaid with a small scale plaid if they are in
different color palettes.
- You can not
mix florals and geometrics.
- When
combining patterns, all florals are the same.
- All the
colors in the patterns must match exactly.
- If you use a
large geometric, all the other patterns should be large as well.
- A small
floral needs to be balanced with a large one in the same color
palette.
Answers:
1: F, 2: T, 3: F, 4: T, 5: F, 6: F, 7: F, 8: F, 9: F, 10:T
 |
If you scored: |
|
| 9-10 correct: |
You have a good handle on
the subject. |
| 7-8 correct |
You know something about
this. |
| 5-6 correct |
You could add to your
knowledge. |
It really is rather easy to mix patterns by using
these general guidelines. The
COLOR PALETTE is the most important aspect of using
pattern. If all the patterns are in the same general palette, the
patterns will probably go very well together. It is not important
that the colors match exactly but are similar; the differences will
add interest to the combinations.
It is pleasing to the eye if
DIFFERENT SIZES of
pattern are combined. For example, if you have found a large scale
floral, add it to a rather small scale floral pattern in the same
palette for a wonderful combination. The eye easily perceives the
different sizes of the patterns and because they are in the same
colors, the eye is soothed.
For variety combine a floral pattern, a geometric
such as a plaid or stripe, and an overall print. Then if you desire
to add another pattern pick the opposite size of the one you have
already selected. If you first chose a small floral print, select a
large floral one the second time. If your first geometric was quite
large, use a small one the second time.
Now let’s see
if you grasp the concept by selecting combinations of the following
patterns. Select three of the following fabrics to use together in a
room.
If you selected the narrow pink stripe to go with
any of these florals, you are correct!
If you chose the small blue check to go with the
floral that has some blue in it, you are right!
The large dark and light rose stripe goes with all the florals except the second one from the left on the top.
The medium green plaid coordinates well with all
four florals.
Two sets of
pleasing combinations are:
Check out
http://www.sews.com/fabrics/blue&butternut/blue&butternut1.html
for beautiful fabric combinations.
Recently I ran across
Martha Stewart’s Signature “Color Palette Workbook” at
Sherwin Williams and found it to be very helpful. It focuses on paint
color selection but can specifically be applied to fabrics as well.
It leads you to select a color card for a key feature in your room.
This feature serves as your inspiration or starting point. To check
you choice, punch out the “window’ in the center of the color chip
card and place it over your inspiration. If the two colors “pop” they
will work together and you are ready to select a color palette. This
is super easy in that on each color card they provide several
combinations of five colors that will probably work with the color you
have just selected. See
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/diy/marthastewart/default.asp.
Now you can take your palette to fabric stores or even around
your home, to choose coordinating pieces! Remember to combine various
textures and patterns all containing the colors from your inspiration
piece. Now, isn’t it wonderful to have a dose of confidence when you
start your next decorating project?
As a review I
have included several pattern groupings that are very compatible. See
if you agree.
See
www.jemjet.com/mini/ fabric/suggest.html for numerous
striking color and pattern combinations.
“The
purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the
most.” John Ruskin
Volume I
SO,
WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN?
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