Mix and Match Different Stencil Patterns in One Room!
Having trouble picking out which of Cutting Edge Stencils‘ staggeringly gorgeous stencils you want to order for your home? Well, maybe you don’t have to decide. We’ve done a little research about how to use differing patterns in one room to produce quite a bit of depth and oodles of DIY interior design beauty! Pay close attention to the info we’ve gathered for you regarding mixing and matching different patterns, colors, and textures, and you’ll be a pro in no time! This way you can buy all the differing stencil patterns you desire and create a perfectly blended room that highlights each of them!
Pictured below are some suggested inspiration boards that our Graphic Design Specialist, Kristina, masterfully created for you! Each includes only our awesome stencil designs, so you don’t have to go batty trying to match the patterns (they’re all on our website)!
Our friend, Anne Krueger, a writer for HGTV, has come up with this awesome guide to help us figure out which patterns go together and why! Let’s take a gander, shall we:
1. If you are venturing out on the home decorating train for the first time, mixing 3 patterns is a good place to start, but 5 pattern schemes are way cool, too!
2. One of the most important features of your patterns is size. The three patterns should range from large to small!
3. The first pattern you choose, your “statement pattern,” should be the largest of the three patterns, and should inspire the design of the rest of the room.
4. Your second pattern should be a medium size, about half the size of the first pattern. Anne says, “If your first pattern is a large floral, the second pattern could be a plaid or geometric shape that has some of the same colors.”
5. The third pattern is a way to tie together the colors of the other patterns. This last pattern can be similar to one of the others you’ve already used, but should include 2 or 3 of the colors that are present in one or both of the other patterns.
6. If you want to get crazy and use even more patterns, it’s a good idea to use small printed patterns!
7. Ann also wants us to work with the same color schemes throughout our patterns. Differing patterns find common ground in the same hues, so don’t go mixing light pastels with primaries! (The room below, designed by Sarah Richardson, is a perfect example of this.)
8. Keep in mind the connotations of patterns. For example, Damask patterns are felt as formal, and geometric patterns are felt as more informal. The key is to mix these patterns and play with the feeling of the room!
9. The size and color of your patterns also change the feeling. Large scale patterns promote all-around balance in the room, whereas tiny patterns draw the eye. Busy patterns express energy, and light, simple patterns convey calmness.
10. Last hint from Anne: Make sure to balance the patterns in the room by distributing evenly! Share the love with the small patterned, accent pieces, spreading them around the room!
When consulting the For Dummies site, we found out a few other helpful tips! Katharine and Patricia McMillan say that playing with positive and negative color combos, and reversing color patterns can lead to some fun and funky decorating! Mix together dark florals/geometric patterns that have white backgrounds and light florals/geometric patterns that have dark backgrounds! Our more daring decorating divas that plan to use 5 differing patterns, might want to start with one large floral pattern or focal item, then pick one floral and one geometric pattern that include the same colors in a medium scale. The last two patterns should be much smaller and represent your accent color.
Stenciling with Multiple Patterns
So how have our customers used differing patterns in their rooms to decorate with professional looking style? Here are a few examples!:
Nadia used our Rabat Allover Stencil to paint her baby’s nursery. She used the Rabat as her large, geometric (focal) pattern, and coupled it with a small scale floral for the curtains, and small chevron pattern for the rocking chair. She used the abstract rug as an accent, and she used two colors (soft pink and gray) to tie together the layered patterns.
Anne used our Funky Wheel Wall Stencil as her large scale, geometric focal point pattern. Then she added her two medium size patterns with the floral chair and checkered rug. See, mixing geometrics and florals CAN be fun!
Feeling a little overwhelmed by all this helpful info? Read this quote and maybe you’ll know where to begin:
“Don’t let the fear of mixing three different patterns leave you perplexed. Just remember: large scale with many colors, medium scale with some colors, and small scale with just a few… and you’ll be well on your way!” — designer Shari Hiller, co-host, Room by Room
Inspired? Good. Here’s what to do:
- Shop Cutting Edge Stencils for the patterns of your choice!
- Continue reading our Stencil Stories blog for more exciting info on how to decorate your home!
- Follow us on Pinterest to see the other cool stuff we’re up to at CEStencils!
Melissa, Kristina, and the Cutting Edge Stencils Crew