How to: clashing patterns like a pro

Clashing patterns - it's pretty scary, right? 

Every job has its risks and clashing patterns may seem like the dangerous side of interior design, but we urge you to be daring and play with some patterns. 

Of course, you can't break rules without having some rules on how to do said rule-breaking, so we have kindly listed some helpful hints on how to clash patterns responsibly. The question is, do you dare?!

Want to add some colour and excitement to your home? Book your room design today from just £395:

1. Texture Layering

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Cushions are often labelled as an 'accessory', we disagree, they are a necessity! Soft furnishings are a fantastic way to quickly add different colours and patterns to the room.

Texture layering is great for breaking up patterns whilst still adding character and depth. Faux fur and shaggy cushions alongside patterned fabrics are the winning combination that you didn't know existed. 

Velvet, linen, cotton, wool, faux fur, shaggy cushions... throw them all together and it will probably work. Ok, don't hold us to that! If you keep the colours neutral or quite muted, it means you can have fun with texture layering, creating a pretty cosy finish!

TOP TIP: Using lots of different textured cushions creates a great, eclectic look. To make sure it isn't too wild, match a couple of fabrics or colours.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Mixing different shapes and sizes of cushions can add interest to your sofa, making your eye dance around all the different edges. The general rule is that rectangular cushions are better for beds and we should stick to square cushions for sofas, but they don't say 'rules are made to be broken' for any old reason.

A larger rectangular cushion looks brilliant when placed in front of a large square cushion, and smaller cushions stacked in front of the bigger soft furnishings give you that golden ticket to creating a fabulous and fun eclectic finish.

TOP TIP: Organising cushions on your sofa are best done in a symmetrical fashion, however, the cushions don't have to be exactly the same. As long as the overall size of the cushions on each size is similar, then you've got the balance right. For example, you could have one larger cushion on the left side of the sofa, and two smaller items on the right.

Struggling to choose the right sofa to suit your style? Why not check out our sofa guide here.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

One of the best things about cushions is how they can create a big change on a small budget. If you have a predominately neutral room then cushions and soft furnishings are a great way to add that POP of colour and interest. Your colour scheme can change with the seasons thanks to interchangeable cushions.

TOP TIP: Match the colour of your cushions to colours in wall art and other accessories for a super cohesive finish.

Trying to choose the perfect colour for your living room? Follow our tips and tricks here!

Want to add patterns and excitement into your home? Book your room design today from just £395:

2. Abstract prints

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Abstract prints are always a great way to add pops of colour and interest to a room; these unique prints create a touch of individuality in your home. To successfully clash abstract patterns in your home, stick to a colour scheme which compliments other shades and tones in your room, for example, monochrome or pastel schemes. 

You can incorporate these patterns in your home with the use of soft furnishings such as pillows or bedding, or onto your walls with wall art or wallpaper. 

3. Stripes are the new neutral

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Beige? So '2000's'. All white? Too 'new build'. Grey? Very 'show home'. Introducing your new favourite neutral: stripes! Okay, so don't get us wrong, if someone said to us, 'I would like a very neutral living room', we won't wallpaper the walls, carpet the floors and upholster the furniture in all things stripe. However, if you're asking us what pattern is universally complementary to other patterns, we'd probably direct you to the dependable stripe.

Looking for more creative ways to bring patterns and style into your home? Book a free call with us today!

4. Traditional monochrome pallets

Image credit: My Bespoke Room.

Already feeling pretty colourful and pattern-heavy? Time to go back to basics with the trusty monochrome palette; a great way to tone down a pattern is to make it black and white to keep the understated style whilst still letting the existing patterns shine in all their glory.

Much like Burberry's distinctive check pattern, black and white will always be a timeless classic. Monochrome can be a foundation to build upon with colours and textures, or a statement look in itself.

A monochrome scheme can be a pattern lover's dream because by forgoing colour you leave room to experiment further with contrasting patterns and textures.

TOP TIP: Complement a monochrome scheme by incorporating neutral, textural accents such as timber, brass & marble.

5. Take a trip to the wild side

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Let us hear your best roar because animal prints are back! They're a long-withstanding classic in fashion and interiors, with a slight slip-up when Kat Slater made leopard print iconic(ally bad). Want to know how to work animal prints? Treat them like they're a solid colour as they're now populating the ever-growing neutrals section. This top tip works for your cushions and your clothes - that's right, we do more than design rooms!

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6. Scale it up

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Still feeling a bit apprehensive about piling patterns, on top of patterns, on top of patterns? Don't worry, we've got your back. That's why our final piece of advice takes you a step closer to your comfort zone. All we ask is that you take the same sort of pattern in one item and either supersize it or scale it right down for another. This ingenious play on proportion will add depth and intrigue into your space.

Trust us, it'll look fab and you will have achieved Level 1 in pattern clashing patterns. Congratulations!

Want to add patterns and excitement into your home? Book your room design today from just £395: