The Divine Diva’s Guide to Mixing Patterns: Why Chevron is the New Black

Whoever said patterns should be used to accent a room was sorely mistaken. 

Photo from Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

Patterns are all the rage this summer, especially those boasting bright colors and geometric shapes and lines. 

Why not have some fun and pile those patterns up?! 

Accent, Shmac-cent.

Probably the most popular pattern this season is Chevron – somewhat of a modern take on the traditional stripes, usually characterized by rows of clean zigzag lines in two or more different colors.  Often, chevron consists of a bright, pastel, or neutral color + white, making it easy to match with the other décor in your space. 

Because it is a simple design, chevron is also easy to mix it with more complex patterns in different styles.

Here are a few general pattern-mixing guidelines to consider:

- Stick to similar color families/shades or use a few complimentary colors

- Use 3 different patterns (or 5, as an odd number tends to look better)

- Scale is important (if using 3 patterns choose 1 each of small, medium, and large)

- At least one of the patterns should be completely different than the others (for example, mixing stripes + polka dots with an intricate floral pattern…just remember to stick to similar colors!)

Do you dare try this technique? We hope you do, and we hope you snap a few pics and share them with us!

America's Next Top Model (Home) - Week Six

WEEK SIX - ACCENT FURNITURE and ACCESSORIES

Take a good look at your space - looking good, right? Time to add accent pieces. Accent pieces are the smaller pieces of furniture and accessories that make a room functional, but also give it some flair! Coffee & side tables, lamps, side chairs, mirrors, artwork, now is the time to wrap it all up.

Consider your zones and their function - do you need a stand for your printer in your home office? A table lamp for the desk? An ottoman or coffee table for the home entertainment area? Remember to consider multi-functional pieces that serve multiple purposes AND look great!

A bit over-decorated, don't you think?

The best thing about accent pieces is that they are typically much less expensive and you can go a bit wild & wacky or over-the-top luxurious to make the space your own. But remember to KISS (Keep It Simple Silly). When you have found the right accent furniture to meet the needs of each zone in your room, get it in the space. Now is your time to decide if you went overboard (take it back!) or if you need more.

A+ for accessorization - just right!

When accessorizing your space, consider proportion and symmetry. Just as with large furniture pieces, scale is important when accessorizing. Symmetry conveys formality and calming order. Asymmetry is more casual and has a bit of an edgy or unbalanced feel to the space - perfect if that is your intent. There is no "right" or "wrong" here - play around with the arrangement of your accessories to determine what is best for your space.

 

You're accessorizing, you're arranging... now STOP! Don't over-decorate! Know when to say when. Grab a bottle of bubbly, pop the cork and congratulate yourself on a job well done. And while you are sipping that well-deserved glass of bubbly, it is time to turn your well-trained design eye to the next room...