Color Texture Pattern

Color, texture and pattern are important elements of interior design. They are important because they occur in the world around us and are part of our everyday life. Sometimes they are placed by the human hand. 

 Woven chairs placed at  round tables in a neat row create a pattern of various colors and textures.

 A group of handle bags in Betsey Johnson's signature pink make a glorious and colorful pattern.

 Repeated elements in an interior can interest and elegance. The row of paned glass doors and light fixtures make a strong statement in this setting.  photo from French Essence

 Nature provides us with boundless amounts of color, texture and pattern.

 You could design the interiors of your home from the color palette found in these onions and artichokes. There is also the right balance of texture and pattern. Have you found your perfect mix of color, texture and pattern?

 

Mixing Patterns And Finding Your Design Balance

Elle Decor has an article on their website about mixing patterns.You can find if here. I want to give my own design thoughts on using and mixing patterns in your interiors.

We all have our own level of design balance. What is great for one person will be wrong for the next. I like using patterns. I like mixing patterns.  This has to be done with thought, care and a sense of the overall design.

 This setting from Elle Decor is a wonderful example of using patterns with the overall design in mind. The colors palette works around the room. The colors and patterns flow throughout the space.

 Repeating a large scale pattern, such as a toile, around a room can create a calm, restful design.

 In this room adding a bright color to the neutral palette creates pattern. Green with the white of the bookcase creates a pattern for the room's background. The green throw over the ottoman adds color and adds a pattern to the furniture.

 A strong intense pattern can be mixed but works best when it remains the focal pattern. I love the small amount of animal print used to break up but not take away from the stripe.

 Keeping the color palette in similar tones is an appealing way to use patterns. You can mix several patterns without overwhelming the space. Photo from Coastal Living.

 The overall "blueness" of this room is the focal point for me. The neutrals and patterns add interest and work with the blue. What also works is the patterns vary in color but the scale is very similar.

Strong pattern and color can be balanced with clear, solid neutrals. The strong patterns and rich red in this bedroom are toned down by the vibrant white.
Don't hesitate to mix patterns. You just need to find your design balance.

A Beautiful Hallway Perfect Scale

I love the look of this hall/entry arrangement. The mix of patterns is perfect. The reason it is perfect is scale. The scale of the patterns used is in the correct proportion. The toile on the wall, the floral on the table and the stripe on the floor have a cohesiveness that makes the setting work. Another important aspect in scale is how color is used. The neutral background with the strong color in the foreground keeps the mix of patterns from being too busy. A beautiful hallway. What do you think? Is this your look?

photo from http://www.homesandgardens.com/

Graphic Patterns

Graphic patterns on fabrics has been a trend for the past few years. It is a retro look giving homage to the 60's and 70's. Many of the fabrics with graphic patterns are printed cottons. Which is a great casual look.