DOS & DON'TS: Mixing Patterns

As a former design studio owner and retail buyer, Décor Direct President Nelly Arnold brings a wealth of decorating expertise to her role. Here, she shares pro tips that will take your pattern mixing game from starter to stellar.

While working with clients over the years, I’ve noticed that pattern mixing is a consistent source of confusion, curiosity, and excitement. I’m often asked, “How do I mix patterns and make it look intentional? It scares me!” The main secret I’ll share about this area of design is that it isn’t an exact science, so listen to your instincts. Quite simply, mixing the right patterns is really about using designs to get creative and express yourself. If you’ve been afraid of using patterns or nervous that you’ll get it wrong, I hope these guidelines give you the confidence you need to give this practical technique a try.