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.

2. Color is the great common denominator.
    

3.  Five patterns in the same room are too much.
    

4. The best combination is a large, a medium, and a small pattern all from the same color palette.
    

5. It is o.k. to use a large scale plaid with a small scale plaid if they are in different color palettes.
    

6. You can not mix florals and geometrics.
    

7. When combining patterns, all florals are the same.
    

8. All the colors in the patterns must match exactly.
    

9. If you use a large geometric, all the other patterns should be large as well.
    
10. 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:

1)
2)

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?