Pattern Play in the Bedroom

By Cheryl Luckett

Pattern Play

Recently I put the finishing touches on fun, colorful bedroom client project for a talented teen artist. There were quite a few comments on the color and pattern usage in the space so I thought I’d share my tips for successfully mixing color and pattern.

yao pillow
Photo 1.

First, (1.) begin with a jumping off point. For me it was this beautiful abstract watercolor pillow cover by Yao Cheng Designs.

The client requested a white backdrop for the space and an infusion of soft pastels grounded by a touch of black. This pattern was the perfect starting point.

 

 

 

Once it was selected, I began to (2.) pull out individual hues to highlight with other coordinating prints. This popular black and white Dalmatian print was a natural fit since the original inspiration already included a small cluster of black dots that seemed to mimic this design.

 

 

PicMonkey Collage2
Photo 2: This popular black and white Dalmatian print was a natural fit.

 

I’m a firm believer that every space can benefit from (3.) a bit of animal print and with so many options available, it’s pretty realistic to achieve.

The soft pink was pulled out of the pillow and the animal print adds a low-key pattern to the mix.
Photo 3: The soft pink pillow and the animal print adds a low-key pattern to the mix.

The soft pink was pulled out of the pillow and the animal print adds a low-key pattern to the mix. When selecting the drapery, I knew I wanted (4.) a print that almost read as a solid from a distance. Tight patterns allow you to add a bit of visual interest without commanding attention in the way that large scale prints do.

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Ballard Designs
Ballard Designs

DBC_5111PiperGlen-15

 

The large (5.) geometric print here strikes just the right note. This Ballard Designs mineral green organic print (see below) called Piper was the perfect print to add color and softness to the white walls without being distracting.

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Rugs USA

The black and white rug was the final detail in making the patterns work together. Black, particularly when placed on the floor, provides a foundation for the other colors.

 

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With so much color and pattern included in one space, you would expect for it to feel energizing and maybe even busy…DBC_5111PiperGlen-41

Finally, solids play a big role in making pattern mixing work. They provide the eye a place to rest and provide some grounding in the midst of the movement in the patterns. In the case of this space, the headboard, bedding, upholstered settee and wall color all work to de-intensify the color and patterns at play.

…Not the case here. This creative yet serene space is the perfect place for the talent teen that lives here to get inspired to create.

For more information check out my website: www.dwellbycheryl.com