Mixing patterns is easy, but making the end product look good can be challenging. Odd numbers, especially three, seems to always make things work. Three is a minimum number of patterns you can use, and the key to mixing is to vary the scale of the pattern starting with your statement print as your largest in scale and the prints following should go down in descending order.

Start basic – Designers reference the 60/30/10 approach. Which means 60 percent of your favorite pattern, 30 percent of a secondary pattern and 10 percent of a third as an accent. Mixing and matching also works with accents. Reference the pineapples below large in scale and then repeated as an accent on the box.

1)Anna Cate 2)Kate Spade 3) Etsy 4) One Kings Lane 5) Society Social 6) Michael Aram 7)Emily McCarthy

Steps to Mixing Patterns

Step 1: Find a statement pattern large in scale that you LOVE this will be the focal point of the room.

Step 2: Select a second pattern that is very different from the first one and half the size. Make sure that it incorporates one or two of the same colors that is in the first pattern. Example: If your first pattern is a large floral, the second one could be plaid or geometric.

Step 3: Choose a third pattern that is similar to either of the other patterns and repeat two or three of the colors in the other patterns. Example: A smaller floral would compliment the other two patterns in this scenario.

Step 4: Finally, select an accent pattern that is very small in scale. Example: this could be a tiny check print or a textured print.