Mix & Match Pattern Like a Designer
If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest and admired those beautifully layered interiors where stripes, florals, and geometrics all sit together seamlessly — you’re not alone. It looks effortless, but in reality, it’s a carefully curated skill. You can’t just throw any patterns together and hope for the best.
The good news? With a few simple steps, anyone can confidently mix and match pattern at home. Whether you’re starting a room from scratch or working with existing pieces, these four easy-to-follow steps will help you achieve a cohesive, stylish look.
4 Four Simple Steps
Step 1: Choose Your Starting Point
There are two ways to begin:
If you’re starting from scratch: Lucky you! Begin with a patterned fabric or wallpaper you love — something that instantly sparks joy. This piece will set the tone and colour palette for the rest of your room.
If you’re working with what you already own: Maybe your sofa or headboard is already in place. In this case, use your existing main colour as the base. That solid colour (your plain) will act as the anchor for your pattern mix
Step 2: Introduce Pattern
Next, bring in pattern — but how you do this depends on where you started in Step 1.
If your starting point is a base colour (like your sofa): Layer in a patterned fabric that works with that colour. Look for designs that include your base shade as well as a new, contrasting accent.
If your starting point is a patterned fabric or wallpaper: Pull out one of the main colours in that pattern and use it as your complementary base colour to build the scheme around.
A quick trick? Use the colour wheel. Find your dominant colour, then look directly opposite for a complementary hue.
Once you’ve chosen your first patterned fabric, add a second. The key here is scale: balance one larger-scale design (like a bold floral or geometric) with something smaller (like a check or ditsy print). Keeping the colours consistent across both patterns is what makes them work together.
Step 3: Add a Contrasting Plain
Now that you’ve got your base colour and your patterns, introduce a plain fabric in a contrasting shade. This adds depth and stops the scheme from feeling too “matchy-matchy.” For example, if your sofa is blue and your patterns combine blue with orange, add a plain orange cushion or throw to tie everything together.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Stripe
Stripes are the designer’s best friend. They’re timeless, versatile, and incredibly easy to mix in. Whether bold or fine, a stripe works beautifully with plains and patterns alike, adding an extra dimension to your scheme.
Extra Tips for Pattern Success
Think about background colours. If one fabric has a bright creamy/yellow base and another a cool grey, they may clash. Try to keep backgrounds within the same family for harmony.
Spread patterns across the room. Don’t pile them all on one sofa or bed — distribute them so your eye flows naturally around the space.
Mix scales. Too many large-scale patterns can feel overpowering, while too many small ones can get fussy. Balance is everything.
Trust your gut. At the end of the day, it’s about choosing patterns and colours you love. If it feels right to you, it will feel right in your home.
Where to Try Pattern Mixing
On your sofa: A mix of plains, stripes, and two patterns is the perfect formula for a stylish cushion arrangement.
In the bedroom: Start with wallpaper or a patterned headboard, then layer in cushions and a throw.
Across the whole room: For a bold look, carry your mix into curtains, upholstered furniture, and rugs for a fully layered scheme.
Mixing and matching patterns doesn’t have to be daunting. With a clear starting point, a mindful mix of scale and colour, and a trusty stripe, you can create an interior that feels curated, cohesive, and uniquely yours.
Ready to bring more pattern and personality into your home? For regular design inspiration, sign up for my newsletter. Or, if you’d like hands-on help pulling your own scheme together, get in touch — I’d love to hear about your project.
