Clashing patterns in your home might sound like a bold, even intimidating move at first, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to add personality, style, and energy into your home. From playful florals to striking stripes and groovy geometrics, mixing patterns can create a totally unique and eye-catching interior that feels vibrant and exciting.
Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, this style guide will walk you through effortless, stylish ways to master pattern clashing in your home. With the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a space that feels entirely your own in no time!
Choosing a colour scheme is the perfect starting point when introducing different patterns into your home. It helps narrow down your options and makes the decorating process feel far less overwhelming. By sticking to a consistent colour palette, it becomes much easier to identify which patterns will work well together in a room, even if the patterns themselves are different. This is because the colours will work together to make the interior feel cohesive and intentional.
For example, if you’re drawn to greens, layering in complementary hues like pinks, blues and neutrals can help create a balanced, harmonious look. Once your colours are decided, selecting patterns that work together becomes far easier to spot!
Rea, our design expert suggests “starting a Pinterest board and writing down your favourite colours, textures and patterns if you’re starting with a blank canvas to ensure you create a space that feels entirely yours”.
Need some help deciding your colour palette? Check out our handy colour guide for inspiration.
When it comes to choosing the right patterns for your home, start by figuring out what speaks to your own unique style. Are you drawn to fun florals? Maybe bold geometrics are more your vibe? Or perhaps you want to add both? The beauty of pattern clashing is that there is no right or wrong, it’s all about what feels good in your space.
One easy tip – start by picking a pattern you really love and make it the star of the show. You could do this by incorporating it through bedding, curtains or even a statement cushion. Our range of soft furnishings makes it easy to find the perfect pattern to suit your style. Once you’ve got your standout piece, build around it with other patterns that complement, contrast, or help balance out the look. It’s a simple way to create a space that feels full of your own unique style.
If you’re not sure where to start, think about the mood you want to create. For something fresh and energising, try mixing cheerful florals with bold stripes, an easy way to mix patterns and add instant depth and dimension. Our interiors expert Anna recommends “layering things in one at a time to ensure you curate a space that feels entirely right for you. Florals are a great place to start as they help blend in other patterns like geometrics and stripes for a softer interior feel”.
Still figuring out what works for you? Then check out our useful style guide for a little bit of interior inspiration!
One of the easiest ways to become a pro at pattern clashing is by mixing prints in different sizes. Start with your main pattern, for example, our wallflower duvet cover set, a lush botanical print, and then layer in other designs that vary in scale, colour and texture, like a velvet cushion. This trick helps keep things interesting without overwhelming your space.
By varying the size of your prints, like a larger scale patterned curtain print and pairing it with floral cushions that feature a smaller design can help create an interior that feels cohesive, yet also dynamic and full of dimension.
If you’re new to pattern clashing, this is a great way to start. It gives you a solid base and makes it easy for you to add more complex patterns in as your confidence grows.
Mixing patterns can bring loads of style and personality to a space, but without a little breathing room, things can quickly feel a bit too loud. That’s where plain colours come in. Solid pieces like plain curtains, cushions and cosy knitted throws can help balance a room and let those exciting, patterned pieces shine.
It’s all about balance. Patterns bring the energy; plains bring the calm. When you get the mix just right, your space will feel vibrant and full of personality.
When it comes to designing a space that feels rich and layered, texture is your secret weapon, especially when it comes to working with multiple patterns. Think about including soft velvet cushions, sheer curtains and knit throws to add subtle depth and keep things visually exciting, especially when working with bold patterns already.
Texture can enhance and elevate patterns, or even dial them down when needed, acting as the perfect balance. Fringes and frills are great for adding that stylish finishing touch, giving your space a playful edge without going over the top. It’s all about creating a room that feels dynamic and full of personality.
Pattern clashing doesn’t always have to mean bold and dramatic. There are plenty of subtle ways you can mix patterns that still make a stylish impact, just in a more refined, effortless way. Think soft stripes with delicate floral prints or mixing similar colours across a variety of different patterns. It’s a stylish way to add excitement and fun to your space without overwhelming it, proving that even a quiet pattern can make an impact in your home.
We’d love to see your take on pattern clashing, so don’t forget to share with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. We can’t wait to see all the exciting combinations you create.