So, you’re thinking about creating contrast by mixing patterns and fabrics? Let’s chat about how we make that happen without turning your room into a circus tent.
1. Start in Small Spaces
Photos from: @ksneeddesign ; @nataliamiyar
First things first, let’s talk about where to start. You know, I always tell my clients that if they’re feeling a bit nervous about going pattern-crazy, the powder room is the perfect place to experiment. It’s the safest place to go wild with patterns. I often call the powder room the “30 second room”, and you can tolerate anything for 30 seconds! Why not make those seconds an exciting conversation starter with your guests that will make them curious about the rest of your home?
2. Play with Scale for a Contemporary Edge
Photos from: @the_indigo_house ; @luccadesign_
But let’s say you’re ready to tackle a bigger space, like your living room. The key here is to focus on two things: scale and color. It’s kind of like putting together an outfit – you wouldn’t wear a polka dot shirt with polka dot pants in the same size, right? Same idea with your room.
So, here’s a little trick I use: pick a larger scale pattern for something big, like a rug, and then go smaller with patterns on things like pillows or curtains. I find that the selections help lead the way here. I once put a fantastic large scale floral on a sofa, which dictated that the rug, pillows, and wallcoverings needed to take a backseat in the overall design since that floral was doing so much heavy lifting!
3. Stick to a Monochromatic Palette
Photos from: @berlin.interior ; @igorjosif
Now, about color – this is where people often get stuck. But here’s the thing: if you’re using matching patterns, just stick to either cool or warm tones. It’s like… you know how some people look better in gold jewelry and others in silver? Same idea. Pick your tone and run with it.
4. Texture is the Secret Weapon of Contrast
Photos from: @karenaspreastudio
And let’s not forget about texture! That’s THE secret weapon of contrast. You could have a rustic wallpaper and pair it with a silky rug. Don’t underestimate the texture of every. Single. Selection. A wallpaper that you love to touch can be paired with embroidered and woven pillows on a big shag rug. A whole room in neutrals can be a feast for the senses too!
But hey, if you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed, no worries. We can start small. Maybe just a patterned rug with some solid-colored pillows. Baby steps, right? And the best part is, if you decide you want to switch things up later, it’s super easy to swap out pillows or a rug.
Now, let’s talk about the whole room for a sec. You know how sometimes a room just feels… flat? That’s where contrast really comes in handy. It’s all about creating depth. Like, if you have a white fireplace on a white wall, it can look a bit blah. But if we paint the wall around it a darker color? Boom! Suddenly, that fireplace pops right out at you.
And don’t even get me started on the magic of paint. I swear, sometimes I feel like a magician with a paintbrush. We can make ceilings look taller, balance out weird windows… It’s pretty cool what a little strategic painting can do.
So, how about that? Want to play with patterns and create some contrast? Trust me, once you start, you’ll be addicted. And remember, if you ever feel like you’ve gone too far, we can always dial it back. That’s the beauty of interior design – it’s not set in stone!
With that, I’d love to learn more about why you’re interested in the world of contrast. If you’re preparing for a project then we should hop on a call and really get to the nitty gritty of what you’re looking for. Contact us today to get started and see what makes us the top boutique interior design studio in Washington D.C.
