DECORATING LESSONS
The perfect mix. We've got a small-scale pattern sporting an orange geometric, a medium-scale blue pattern which is fluid and somewhat ethnic/global and a large-scale, graphic leaf pattern. The trio is also different directionally; the geometric runs vertically, the ethnic/global runs in a zigzag like pattern and the leaf fabric runs horizontally. Now, before you spend thousands on that fancy patterned rug and super special wallpaper, whaddya say you start with throw pillows, heh? Trust me, I may or may not have had experience doing it the other way around.
Add to ideabook by decordemon by decordemon 5. Limit yourself to one large-scale fabric design. And then there's large scale patterns. Close up, many large-scale patterns don't appear to fight; however, step back about six to eight feet and you'll notice that each is battling to take center stage. It's best to strictly stick with the "only one fabric from each scale category" when it comes to large-scale prints, unless you want each large print to look like it is eating the other...like a Tyrannosaurus Rex snacking on a Triceratops.
Add to ideabook by decordemon by decordemon 4. Note an exception when it comes to medium-size patterns. Medium-scale patterns are even more complicated since there's an exception to the rule. You can sometimes mix more than one fabric from the medium-scale category if one of them is solid and sports a shape that is more about texture than a true contrasting pattern. In this case, the blue knit fabric with the knotted braid shape works well with both the yellow/white and brown/white geometric patterns; however, those two patterns — both with similar direction and movement — do not work well together since they are pretty much the same exact size.
3. Vary the scale. While color and shape are easier to get a grasp on, scale is a bit more complicated. There are three different sizes of scale: small, medium and large. When mixing prints, try not to choose more than one of the same scale size; multiple patterns of the same scale often result in a one-way-ticket to Cluttersville...well, unless you're a total master like Betsy Burnham, that is. The five fabrics in this photo all fall under the small-scale category. Notice how your eye can't really decide which one to look at? My point exactly.
Here's an example of a great color edit. Notice how each of the four fabrics sports different shades of a common color, blue? This is what you ultimately want; the varying intensities lead to an evolved, effortless look. Something else that's happening here is a great mix of shapes going in different directions.
Edit your colors. Layering patterns involves four main elements: color, scale, shape and texture. If you're like me and you fall in love with four times the amount of fabric you need at a showroom, you'll need to go through some major editing. First up is color. Lay all your possible choices out on the floor and if certain ones look a hot mess and just don't play well with others, remove them from the mix right away. It's kinda like kicking an obnoxious reality cast member off the island after an elimination challenge but with fibers and weaves versus emotions and bad behavior.
Drapery rods. Pretty self explanatory, huh? In addition to choosing the right finish, you'll need to keep in mind how the rods will mount to your wall. Most come with brackets wide enough in depth to clear windows, doors and their surrounding trim. Wood rods may require cutting down in order to fit your space perfectly; metal rods often "telescope" in certain areas to increase the length for a perfect fit. I often recommend choosing rods that telescope near each end instead of in the middle; the drapes will most likely sit on top of the telescope and help mask it. Pottery Barn is an excellent source for these.
Here's a space by the master of pattern mixing and layers, Betsy Burnham. Notice how all three sizes of scale are present on the day bed ensemble
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