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Living Room Style: How to Successfully Combine Design and Pattern
By Jessica Stockton
When decorating any living space, color is only one part of the formula for creating an inspiring and inviting decor. Look at rooms done by a certified interior designer and you’ll notice that fabric patterns, textures and designs are combined to create extraordinary results. Though people are becoming less afraid of color, the mere thought of combining patterns and designs can be positively terrifying; but a room full of solid fabrics without variations in pattern, texture and design will never give you exceptional results. Try a few of these tips to gain confidence in combining pattern, texture and design and take your living room from run of the mill to remarkably gorgeous.
How to Combine Different Patterns Color is the key to successfully combining different prints, patterns and designs. There should be common thread of color throughout the room, but intensity of color is equally important. For example, a living room can combine a broad vertical stripe, a floral pattern and another pattern, such as a check, if the same colors are repeated in each pattern and they are of equal intensity. Combine one fluid pattern with soft curves, such as a floral or paisley, with one or two rigid patterns, such as stripes, checks, squares or geometrics. Another option is to combine a fluid pattern with a rigid pattern plus a solid. When using large patterns, such as in wall paper or drapes, pull your accent colors out of colors displayed in the larger pattern and be sure that the amount of wall space allows the design to be displayed in its entirety. A design that overlaps the space looks out of scale and overbearing.
Easy Ways to Add Design, Texture and Pattern Accessories are an easy way to introduce design, texture and pattern to a living room. Consider not just the colors and patterns, but the texture of fabrics in pillows, throws and area rugs. Nubby fabrics like corduroy, velour and sisal make a great contrast to smoother fabrics and finishes like leather and cotton. Contrast hard smooth surfaces like glass and metal, with jute rugs, voluptuous cushioned couches and pillows, and coarse wooden accents. Bring in natural accents such as green plants, a vase of fresh flowers or topiary to add balance and contrast to a room.
Preview Tips and Suggestions Create style boards to preview your selections before purchasing expensive wall coverings and fabrics. Wrap samples of wall paper and fabric around a large piece of heavy poster board. View the samples in different locations of your living room to assess how they look at various times throughout the day, since changing light affects the impact of color and pattern; look at them by the light of day and with artificial lighting at night. Compare your samples to furnishings that will stay in the room and as well as wall, floor and trim colors and patterns. Always take samples with you when shopping to avoid costly mistakes and ask for fabric swatches before making a final decision.
Photo from Flickr - "Living Room 1" courtesy of theTom Burns photostream. |
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