How to mix and match patterns in your home—the mindful way

There’s a time and a place for minimalism, but if you’re more inspired by the bright-patterned, plant-filled palaces that Justina Blakeney publishes on The Jungalow than stark, less-is-more design, fear not. By mixing patterns, colors, and textures, you can create a room that you feel inspired and soothed by. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

But how do you make sure that this doesn’t turn into a crafting project gone awry? While it’s one thing to mindfully incorporate a few colors you love into your home, it’s another entirely to layer them for a maximum aesthetic effect. Mastering the mix takes some finesse. And what’s more layering patterns on top of patterns and textures on top of textures takes a real eye for design.

To assist you becoming a mix master at home, I reached out to designers for their thoughts on layering patterns, colors, textures, and plants. Here’s how they said you can pair all of the above for next-level individuality in your living space.

Keep scrolling for interior designers’ advice on how to mix and match patterns, textures, and colors to create an inspired space.

Don’t be too conservative

But do be mindful of a common denominator. When incorporating bright patterns into your design, balance them out with sleek, clean-lined furniture. “I love to mix different patterns like floral prints with stripes, retro patterns with solid colors, or just different textures in the same color family, or complementary colors in the same texture,” says Ana Kozak of Le Magazyn in Venice, California.

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Try colorful appliances

Appliances are an easy and unexpected way to begin adding in pops of color,” says Kristen Ekeland, principal at Chicago-based Studio Gild. “La Cornue ranges are available in 8,000 color combinations including unexpected shades of aquamarine, teal, and orange.” And yes, even pink.

Layer pillow colors and textures to up the design of your bed

If your larger, investment pieces (sofa, bed, or coffee table) are neutral, it may free you up to go a little crazier with accessories. “Don’t be afraid to amp up the top layer with color,” says Julie Massucco Kleiner of Los Angeles-based Massucco Warner Miller. “We always love a loosely woven linen, whether it’s a dip dyed throw blanket tossed on a sofa, or a table runner.”

Embrace different textures

“I draw inspiration from nature when it comes to mixing textures. It’s all about balancing smooth and rough, and the hard and soft,” says Kara Smith, president of SFA Design. “You could do a bed in a really elegant, almost fragile linen, but then balance that delicateness with heavier accents like a chunky, nubby throw, or accents pillows covered in materials like leather or velvet.” Or go all out with a velvet couch and pair it with smooth-textured (and more neutral) pillows to help create balance.

Rethink the wall plants

Those without a green thumb can still have the visual benefits of plants at home thanks to a current trend. “Big and bold botanical patterns in rich jewel-tones will be applied in a fresh and unexpected way in 2018,” says Melissa Benham, another principal at Studio Gild. “Take a risk by wallpapering the walls and ceiling of a foyer in a vibrant and luxurious jungle vegetation or upholster a clean-lined, modern sofa with a wild, tropical floral.”

BTW, if you’re looking to paint, Joanna Gaines just released a nature-inspired color range at Target, and this is how to update your apartment if you’re *not* allowed to paint.