Mixing fabrics in a room is a difficult task for most do-it-yourself decorators. To give yourself a professionally decorated look, these are some helpful hints. You will need to consider six different rules, all relating to the fabric choices. Pattern type, scale, proportion, number of patterns, pattern colors and texture. The best pattern type in a room is an ideal mix of varying patterns, as shown on this bed, where a variety of stripes, diamond pattern, medallion and a large motif are combined. Pattern scale is the size of the patterns motif or design. You must vary the scale of the patterns in the room, varying from small, medium to large. Proportion relates to how often the fabric is used in the same room. You should not have an equal mix but of larger proportion of one fabric, in this instance the main Asian influenced fabric on the quilt and main pillow shams. Then you should use a small proportion of another, the larger stripe and diamond pattern used on the back Euro pillows and dust ruffle. Followed by an even smaller use of additional fabrics, shown in the diamond tailored pillow shams, the accent small striped rectangular pillow and the round bolster pillow.
The number of patterns that can be used in the the room is almost endless, as is represented in this photo by incorporating the carpeting and the bench. Pattern color is important as you do not want to make the visual look become dizzy to the eye. You should use the same color scheme or a shared palette of colors throughout the fabric combination in the room. Finally, texture is also key to your success. Texture is often used in your solid fabric choice but can be in your patterns as well, perhaps a quilted pattern, flat woven, silk, or even a chenille will fulfill your needs. Following these simple tricks will lead you to a professionally decorated room.
by Susan Dorbeck