A Guide to Mixing Pattern and Colour: Styling Our Wallpaper With Colour
A Guide to Mixing Pattern and Colour: Styling Our Wallpaper With Colour
When it comes to designing your home, mixing patterns and colours can seem like a daunting task. However, when done right, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to bring personality, depth and vibrancy into your home. With wallpaper as your starting point, the opportunities for creativity are endless
In this guide, we’ll explore how to style your wallpaper with complementary colours, helping you create a cohesive and dynamic space that feels perfectly balanced and uniquely yours
Start With the Wallpaper
Your wallpaper sets the tone for the entire room, so it’s important to choose a design that resonates with your style. Whether it’s a bold geometric print, a delicate floral or a marbled pattern, the wallpaper serves as the foundation for the rest of the room’s design
Build a Harmonious Colour Palette
When mixing colours, it’s essential to establish a harmonious palette that ties the room together. Start by identifying the dominant colours in your wallpaper, then build around them:
- Analogous Colours: Choose colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel (e.g., blues and greens) for a serene, cohesive look
- Complementary Colours: Pair colours that are opposite on the colour wheel (e.g., blue and orange) for a bold and dynamic effect
- Monochromatic Scheme: Use varying shades and tints of one colour to create a sophisticated, unified appearance
A tip from the Susi Bellamy Team: Use neutral tones like whites, greys, or beiges to balance out vibrant patterns and colours, ensuring the room doesn’t feel overwhelming
Layer Patterns Like a Pro
Mixing patterns might sound tricky, but with a few tips, you can create a visually stunning space:
- Play With Scale: Pair large, bold patterns (like oversized florals) with smaller, subtler ones (like small scale marbling) for contrast. This prevents the patterns from competing for attention
- Stick to a Unified Theme: While you can mix patterns, ensure they share a common thread, such as similar colours or design elements
- Use Solids as a Buffer: coloured furniture, rugs or curtains can act as visual breaks between patterns, maintaining balance and preventing visual overload
Balance Bold Choices With Neutrals
If the wallpaper you choose is vibrant and busy, balance it with coloured furniture or decor to create a calming effect. Conversely, if your wallpaper is subtle or muted, you can afford to add more colourful and patterned accents to enliven the space!
Add Texture for Dimension
Colour and pattern aren’t the only tools in your design arsenal. Texture adds depth and interest to a room while tying the overall look together
- Combine smooth surfaces such as lacquered furniture with softer elements like velvet cushions with fringing
- Introduce natural textures such as wood, rattan or jute for a warm, earthy feel that complements most wallpaper designs
Bring It All Together With Decor
The right accessories can tie your patterns and colours together seamlessly. Here are some ideas to complete the look:
- Throw Pillows: Use velvet throw pillows to echo the colours or patterns from your wallpaper without overloading the space - some of our wallpapers even come in a matching velvet cushion!
- Artwork: Choose art pieces with complementary tones or themes to reinforce the room’s palette
- Plants and Greenery: Natural greenery adds a fresh, neutral element that pairs beautifully with almost any wallpaper
- Velvet Upholstery: You can upholster furniture in our velvet fabrics to introduce different textures and pattern, or you can find some of our wallpapers have matching velvet upholstery fabrics
Trust Your Instincts
Your home should reflect your personal style. While these guidelines provide a framework, don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts. Mixing patterns and colours is as much about having fun and expressing creativity as it is about achieving balance!
Mixing patterns and colours when styling wallpaper may feel intimidating at first, but with thoughtful planning, it can result in a stunning, personalised space. Start with your wallpaper as the centrepiece, build a harmonious colour palette, and layer in complementary patterns and textures. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a room that is not only cohesive but also full of personality and charm
Ready to elevate your interiors? Explore our curated collection of wallpapers and start designing the space of your dreams!
Leave a comment