| We want to help you formulate a design that is | | | | create a balance in your room through the use of |
| not only beautiful but personal. Now that we have | | | | patterns. Distribute your patterns throughout the |
| empowered you with a better understanding | | | | room for a smooth transition. Avoid placing all |
| concerning the element of color and what an | | | | your pattern pieces together, this would throw |
| important part it plays in decorating. | | | | the entire space off balance. |
| We want to take you through the next basic | | | | 5. The next step is to consider your choice of |
| step. What is the next basic step? The next basic | | | | fabrics. Fabrics can communicate formality or |
| element you need to decide on when embarking | | | | simplicity. For instance, if you have decided on the |
| on your decorating project, is the proper use of | | | | use of damask fabrics, the style that you are |
| patterns, textures and fabrics. | | | | communicating is one of formality and elegance. |
| 1. The first step in choosing your pattern is to find | | | | Therefore it would be a mistake to incorporate |
| an inspiration pattern piece. It can be anything | | | | fabrics that are considered casual or informal such |
| from a favorite piece of fabric, a painting, an | | | | as denim fabrics. Whatever fabric you choose |
| heirloom throw, a quilt, or even a piece of clothing. | | | | keep it unified with complimentary fabrics and |
| Your inspiration pattern piece will serve three | | | | patterns. |
| specific purposes that will set the tone for your | | | | I urge you to experiment with mixing paisleys |
| room... | | | | with stripes and plaids with floral's. If the thought |
| A. The first purpose for your inspiration pattern is | | | | of multiple patterns in a room, scares you, at |
| to find one of the palest shades, which will be | | | | least offset the solid fabrics with the use of color |
| best used on the walls. | | | | and texture. |
| B. The second purpose for your inspiration pattern | | | | Many people play it safe by having few patterns |
| is to pull some of the medium hues for use in | | | | and mainly solids in a room. If you are sticking |
| your flooring, area rugs, draperies and other | | | | with solids, do not stay tone on tone. At least add |
| upholstery items. | | | | a pop of color and some texture for visual |
| C. The last, reference to your inspiration pattern | | | | interest. |
| is for the purpose of pulling the deepest hues. | | | | For example: |
| Which will be applied and distributed throughout | | | | Let's say you are using a muted blue micro suede |
| the room. In the form of accessories, pillows, | | | | comforter on your bed, and prefer solids to |
| flowers, candles etc. | | | | patterns. Add layers of color and texture through |
| 2. The second step is to decide on two or three | | | | the use of accent pillows. Add different size |
| different patterns, two being the minimum. Most | | | | pillows using other complimentary colors. Such as |
| designers believe that like accessories patterns | | | | silver, black, pink or any other favorite color you |
| too should be introduced in three's. | | | | wish to incorporate. |
| All patterns must have the same core or | | | | Always keep in mind that any color you introduce |
| background color. Keep in mind they can be a mix | | | | must be spread throughout the room at least |
| of floral's, solids, stripes or any other pattern that | | | | three times. Also choose complimentary fabrics |
| appeals to you. The key is to make sure they all | | | | such as satin, beaded or sequenced fabrics that |
| have the same core or background color for | | | | will add more texture and coordinate well with the |
| uniformity. | | | | micro suede fabric being used on the bed. |
| For example, you can combine a floral of six | | | | It has never been easier to coordinate patterns, |
| colors with a check pattern that incorporates | | | | textures, and fabrics as it is today. Designers |
| three of those colors, and a jacquard fabric that's | | | | have made the mixing process easy for us. Walk |
| just one of those colors. Be sure to mix and vary | | | | into any home store or department store and |
| the scale, from the smallest pattern to the largest | | | | you will find an abundance of choices Using two, |
| of the patterns for a balanced look. | | | | three, even four patterns all designed to exist |
| 3. The third step is to make sure that you are | | | | harmoniously together in one room. All you have |
| working with the same intensity of color. If you | | | | to do is choose the color palette you like. |
| have decided on vibrant color palette, such as | | | | Tip: If it's calm and peaceful atmosphere you |
| jeweled tones, stay away from muted color | | | | desire, go for blue, lavender or green. Or use |
| backgrounds. | | | | them all together, these colors all work well with |
| 4. The fourth step is to make sure that you | | | | one another. |