Design Trends in the Home: How to Play with Patterns Like a Pro

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While design trends come and go, patterns are here to stay. From polka dots to stripes to herringbone and beyond, pattern is a great way to add depth and texture to a space in a way that’s more interesting than simply painting a wall. As fun as they are, though, many people find themselves confused about how, exactly, to use pattern in the home.

With this in mind, we’re going to break down patterns and how you can use these fun design trends to make your home more appealing, starting today.

Patterns: The Best-Loved Design Trends of All Time

While various design styles, like rustic and modern, come in and out of vogue, pattern, in some form, always exists. While the patterns we favor today may be different than the splashy florals of the ‘70s or the polite pinstripes of the ‘50s, there’s no question that pattern has always played a role in design, and that it will continue to as long as people decorate their spaces.

How to Mix and Match Patterns in the Home

If you’ve ever found yourself stumped on how to use pattern in your home, these simple tips are here to help:

1. Pair patterns in odd numbers

When it comes to choosing your designs, opt to include odd numbers of patterns in a space. Three or five patterns set one another off nicely, and help make a space “work,” while even numbers of patterns feel too competitive, and can make the room feel noisy.

2. Keep your colors on the same level of intensity

If you’re drawn to bright, vibrant colors, be sure that they feature in all of your patterns. The same goes for muted neutrals and pretty pastels. Mixing and matching color intensities can become confusing for the eye, and keeping all of your colors at the same intensity level is one sure-fire way to make the room cohesive and welcoming.

3. Go for patterns in the same “family”

Ever wondered why zigzags and stripes work so well, or why zebra stripes and cheetah spots are a match made in heaven? The answer is simple – these patterns are all members of the same “family,” and will complement one another naturally. With this in mind, seek to keep the patterns you use in your home at least somewhat related. In addition to preventing your room from feeling too noisy, this simple approach also makes a space feel pulled-together.

4. Let one pattern be the primary

No matter what colors or pattern shapes you choose to work with, one pattern should be emphasized in the room. This should be a large-scale pattern that you plan on building the rest of the room around.

Design Trends Made Simple

If you’re interested in using pattern in your home, these four tips will help you make use of one of the most loved design trends of all time. Whether you choose to work with zig-zags or florals, these tips will keep your room feeling cohesive and attractive – now and in the future.