Style & Shopping / News & Trends

6 Foolproof Tips for Being a Pattern-Mixing Pro

Our new fabric collection is your cheat sheet.

styling by

Elaina Sullivan

Anna Kocharian

Updated Oct 11, 2018 1:17 PM

In partnership with

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Domino, titled “Pattern Play.” Subscribe to be the first to receive each issue.

Central Park Sofa in Schiele Arch in High Noon and Blake Lounge Chair in Asawa Block in High Noon Robert Allen @ Home; Skylar Cocktail Table Hancock and Moore Photography by Jesse Williams

Our new fabric collaboration with Robert Allen @ Home —a collection of 14 prints and more than eight colorways—is a celebration of creativity. (In other words, pattern play has never been this fun.) Each design draws inspiration from the works of iconic artists across eras and mediums—the exuberant geometries of Sol LeWitt, the sculptural weavings of Sheila Hicks, the lush landscapes of Paul Gauguin, and the tropical dream world of Frida Kahlo.

With that in mind, the line is made to mix and match. Try a bold abstract with a fluid brushstroke or a clean stripe with a punchy floral. Here are six more ideas for embracing a pattern-forward refresh in your own space.

Pillows covered in O’Keeffe Bloom in High Noon and Hicks Weave in High Noon Robert Allen @ Home; Nelson Pear Floor Lamp by Herman Miller Design Within Reach; Art throughout Art and Frame Source Photography by Jesse Williams

Build on neutrals

Begin with an all-white or neutral base and infuse it with a few standout hues—like raspberry and cobalt. The colors don’t have to play equal parts in a room; some can be accents, such as throw pillows or framed art.

Add warmth

Layering in metallics, like brass or copper, adds a touch of warmth. Natural elements—think: woven baskets, wood finishes, linen pillows, and free-flowing greenery—also create texture and help to ground the space.

Read the room

Pair graphic designs with equally modern furniture. The clean lines of a Cubist-inspired chair or sofa are the perfect backdrop for maximalist fabrics to really pop.

Be mindful of proportions

Balance delicate prints with expansive patterns as a way to artfully contrast scale. When done in a similar palette, the variety pulls the room together.

Set your theme

Playing on variations of one motif—such as florals and botanical-inspired designs—across a space can create whimsical pairings while infusing the room with lots of personality.

Zane Metal Benches in LeWitt Sketch in High Noon Robert Allen @ Home Photography by Jesse Williams

Start small

Still unsure of how to mix and match? A little can go a long way: Cover a stool or throw pillow for a hint of pattern that doesn’t feel like too much of a commitment. See how it interacts with other pieces in the room and layer your way up from there.