How to pattern clash in interiors
Pattern clashing can feel pretty daunting and can also be tricky to get right. Whether you’re into really bold and punchy patterns not for the faint hearted, or subtle and elegant mixes, here’s a few ways that you can pull off a pattern clash.
Play with scale
The first approach you can take when pattern clashing is to play with scale. Look at patterns which have large shapes and repeats, and pair them with small and intricate patterns.
Usually you’d put the larger patterns on the wall and the smaller patterns on the smaller accessories, but there are no rules.
Wallpaper: John Lewis. Rug: Made.com. Lamp: Soho Home.
Find repetition
One of the key elements to a harmonious design is repetition - which (unsurprisingly) is the idea of repeating elements in your design whether that’s colour, texture, shape or pattern.
Look for patterns where there is an element of repetition between the two. This could be anything from the theme, the colour palette, the shapes or even just the size of the pattern.
Lamp: Pooky Lights. Wallpaper: William Morris. Rug: Ruggable. Armchair: Wayfair.
Add a neutral pattern
There are some patterns which are considered neutral, which means that they can be mixed easily with any other style.
Take stripes for example - they look great with contemporary patterns and traditional ones, geometrics, florals, anything. Polka dots and herringbone also fall into this category of neutral patterns.
Rug: Ikea. Wallpaper: Lust Home. Cushion: Jim Lawrence.
Choose a main pattern and an accent pattern
Another approach you can take when pattern clashing is to pick one pattern to be the star of the show, and then introduce other patterns in smaller doses. This prevents the patterns from visually fighting too much with each other.
Usually your main pattern would be the one that covers the most in the room, so traditionally this would be the wallpaper or wall covering. Other patterns can be added in smaller elements like cushions, lampshades and accessories.
Wallpaper: House of Hackney. Cushion: Etsy.
Think about your colour scheme
When picking your patterns to clash, keeping them within a defined colour scheme will help to make the design work.
Pick 3-4 colours for your patterns, these could be complementary colour (opposite each other on the colour wheel), monochromatic (different tones of the same colour), or analogous (next to each other on the colour wheel).
Once you have these colours, make sure they’re repeated throughout the room and in your patterns.
Curtains: John Lewis. Chair: Next.
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