For many years before I started Daakor, I was in love with all things design. And when HGTV came around, I was officially addicted. That’s how I discovered amazing designers like Sarah Richardson and Candice Olsen. These two designers have probably influenced my personal style more than anyone else. That’s because no one else is better at mixing and matching patterns like these two.
I remember watching them transform rooms with layers of patterns—florals with stripes, geometrics with organic prints—and wondering, How do they make it look so effortless? Whenever I tried it in my own home, it never quite worked. Either it felt too chaotic, or everything was too matchy-matchy and flat.
It wasn’t until I really studied their work (and later, honed my own skills as a designer) that I realized there’s a formula to mixing patterns. And once you understand it, everything clicks into place. If you’ve ever struggled with layering prints and textures in your home, you’re not alone. But the good news is, with a few simple guidelines, you can mix patterns like a pro—and I’m going to show you exactly how.
Images via Pinterest.
Why Mixing Patterns Matters in Interior Design
Patterns bring personality and depth to a space. They add movement, create visual interest, and make a room feel more dynamic. Without patterns, a space can feel flat and uninspired.
For me, it’s kind of like music. If every note in a song were the same, it would sound boring. But when you layer different notes, beats, and instruments, you create something rich and harmonious. Mixing patterns works the same way. When done well, it creates rhythm in a room that feels natural and beautiful.
The challenge, of course, is knowing which patterns work together and how to balance them without making a space feel cluttered or overwhelming. That’s where these five essential rules come in.
Images via Pinterest.
The 5 Essential Rules of Mixing Patterns
1. Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette
Colour is the glue that holds everything together in design. I feel like a broken record on this but I can’t stress this enough. Even the boldest mix of patterns will feel harmonious if they share a consistent colour palette.
Start by choosing a dominant colour—this will be the anchor for your space. Then, select patterns that incorporate different shades of that colour. You can introduce one or two accent colours, but keeping everything within a unified palette ensures that the mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.
For example, if you love blue, you might choose a navy-striped sofa, a floral pillow with hints of sky blue, and a geometric rug in varying shades of blue and white. The patterns may be different, but the colour ties them all together.
2. Vary Pattern Scale and Size
The secret to making mixed patterns feel balanced is to use a variety of sizes. If all your patterns are large and bold, they’ll compete for attention. If they’re all small and subtle, they might not have enough contrast to feel dynamic. And it will look boring.
A good rule of thumb is to mix one large-scale pattern, one medium-scale pattern, and one small-scale pattern. This variation creates contrast while allowing each pattern to shine.
For example, in a bedroom, you might have a large floral duvet, medium-sized striped curtains, and a small herringbone pattern on the throw pillows. The mix works because each pattern plays a different role in the design.
Images via Pinterest.
3. Balance Busy and Subtle Prints
If you’ve ever tried mixing patterns and felt overwhelmed, it’s likely because everything was competing for attention. The trick is to balance busier, high-impact patterns with quieter, more subtle ones.
Let’s say you have a bold, colorful wallpaper with an intricate floral design. Instead of pairing it with another detailed print, balance it with a simple pinstripe or a solid-colored fabric with a slight texture. This contrast creates visual relief, making the space feel curated rather than chaotic.
4. Use Neutrals to Create Breathing Space
Just like a great outfit needs a neutral piece to let statement pieces shine, a well-designed room needs moments of calm. Neutrals act as a visual pause, preventing patterns from overwhelming the space.
If you’re working with a mix of patterns, incorporate neutral elements—such as a solid-colored sofa, plain white bedding, or a natural jute rug—to give the eye a place to rest. This keeps the space feeling sophisticated and balanced.
Images via Pinterest.
5. Layer Textures for a Polished Look
Patterns aren’t just about prints. Texture plays a huge role in making a space feel layered and inviting.
Think of a cozy living room with a velvet sofa, a chunky knit throw, a rattan chair, and a linen pillow with a subtle pattern. Even though there may not be multiple bold prints, the variation in texture creates depth and interest.
By combining smooth and rough, soft and structured, matte and shiny surfaces, you can add richness to a space—even if you’re keeping the pattern mix minimal.
Examples of Perfect Pattern Pairings
Now that you know the rules, let’s talk about real-life pattern combinations that work beautifully together.
Floral and stripes are a timeless duo. The softness of florals balances the crispness of stripes, creating an effortlessly elegant look. Geometric prints pair well with organic textures like woven fabrics or distressed wood, adding contrast without clashing. Animal prints, when used sparingly, act as a neutral that blends well with almost anything—from solid velvets to classic houndstooth.
The key is to mix patterns that complement rather than compete. If one pattern is bold, let the others take a supporting role.
Images via Pinterest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes people make when mixing patterns is forgetting about balance. If every surface in a room is covered in bold prints, the eye has nowhere to rest. Instead, treat patterns like your favourite spice mix—a little goes a long way.
Another common misstep is choosing patterns that are too similar. If everything is floral or everything is geometric, the room can feel one-dimensional. Instead, aim for a mix of styles to create contrast and interest.
Finally, don’t forget about the role of negative space. Just like a great gallery wall needs blank space to let the art breathe, a well-designed room needs areas of simplicity to allow patterns to shine.
Images via Pinterest.
Pro Tips from an Interior Decorator
If you’re new to pattern mixing, start small. Throw pillows and rugs are an easy way to experiment without a big commitment. If you love the look of mixed patterns but feel hesitant, try working within a monochromatic color scheme. When all the patterns share the same hue, they naturally feel cohesive.
Another trick is to use a patterned accent chair or an area rug as a jumping-off point. Pick out two or three colors from the pattern and use them throughout the rest of the room to tie everything together.
Remember, decorating is about expressing your style. If you love a pattern combination, go for it! The best-designed spaces feel personal and lived-in, not just like they came from a catalog.
Final Thoughts
Mixing patterns in interior design is all about balance, contrast, and confidence. By following these simple guidelines, you can create a space that feels stylish, cohesive, and uniquely yours.
If you’re struggling to pull it all together, I can help! Our Room Rx Service provides a professional “prescription” for your space, helping you refine your design and bring your vision to life. Ready to make your home feel effortlessly designed? Let’s get started.
