Who’s Afraid of a Big, Bold Pattern?

Who’s afraid of a big bold pattern?  Not me!   How about some wild jungle animals for the powder bath?  Do it, do it!

While not everyone in Southern California shares my love for the bold choice, or Grandmother’s chintz and Dorothy Draper cabbage roses, most of us appreciate refined coastal aesthetics, and you can still layer patterns in cool neutrals (blues, greens, greys) and natural materials.

The important thing to remember is that pairing patterns creates more interest than letting a single pattern stand alone.   Layered patterns become more dynamic and feel more personal and more evolved.

Generally, you want 3 to 5 patterns to play together- a large pattern to command attention and smaller patterns to complement and blend into the background.  Keep in mind that natural materials and neutrals can also be a pattern when they have enough texture to them!

Whether you prefer florals, geometrics, hand-blocked batiks or classic toiles make at least one bold choice and then have the supporting cast members tie it all together!